It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Adrienne Cynthia (Lajoie) Knox, who left this world peacefully at her home in Hingham on February 22, 2025, at the age of 81.
Born on September 9, 1943, in Needham, Adrienne was the daughter of the late Armand Napoleon and Mary Clare (McInerney) Lajoie. She spent her formative years in Needham with summers in West Dennis, and graduated Needham High School in 1961. Adrienne continued her education at Framingham State University and the Butera School of Art in Boston.
Throughout her life, Adrienne embodied the essence of a remarkable mother, a steadfast friend, a successful entrepreneur, and a gifted home designer. Her warm spirit and unwavering support left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be lovingly remembered for her legacy of compassion, resilience, unabashed honesty, work ethic, creativity, and an infectious sense of humor that brightened the lives of everyone around her.
Adrienne’s devotion to her family and friends was unparalleled. As a mother, she was extraordinary, balancing a full-time career while hand-sewing Halloween costumes and dedicating her time as a parent leader in Bluebirds, Campfire, and Cub Scouts for both her children. She created a nurturing home with laughter, joy, and an array of animals, including dogs, cats, ducks, rabbits, sheep, and a pony named Red Penny. Her lifelong affection for animals was evident in her care for both her pets and the wildlife that graced her yard.
Professionally, Adrienne made a significant impact in retail management, holding positions at Filene’s in Downtown Crossing (Boston), South Shore Plaza (Braintree), and Hyannis. Discontented with pay inequities faced by women in corporate roles, she courageously left Filene’s in 1986 to establish Maid to Order, a home and business cleaning service she passionately operated until her recent passing. Over the course of nearly 40 years, she grew her business to employ a dedicated team, personally ensuring service for her residential clients. Many of Adrienne’s clients became friends, drawn to her commitment to excellence and the meaningful connections she fostered.
An artist at heart, Adrienne honed her skills at the Butera School of Art, creating exquisite sketches capturing the elegance of 1960s fashion. Her creativity flourished in her home on Main Street in Hingham, where she resided for 55 years, crafting curtains, mastering upholstery, and lovingly painting or wallpapering every room to reflect her unique style. In addition, Adrienne’s love for travel took her to Marrakech, Rio, Paris, and Antibes, enriching her life and inspiring her creativity.
Adrienne is survived by her cherished children, Heather Knox and M. Scott Knox, and she took great pride in being a grandmother to her beloved grandsons, Charlie and Robert. She is also survived by Scott’s husband, E. Jay Vilar. She was the sister of the late Gregory P. Lajoie and the aunt of Peter and Eric Lajoie. Additionally, Adrienne leaves behind caring cousins in Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, and Minnesota, as well as dear friends, including Betty Cossette, Joan Stafford, and Kathy Wutke, along with a wide circle of extended family, friends, and neighbors.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance during visiting hours on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, located at 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.) in Hingham. Following the visitation, cremation will take place, with interment being private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the New England Wildlife Center at 500 Columbian Street, Weymouth, Massachusetts, in honor of Adrienne’s lifelong love for animals.
See www.Keohane.com for online condolences and directions.
