June 20, 2024, by Hilary Jenison with photos by Joshua Ross
Last night the heat did not stop the community from gathering to celebrate the life of Adelia the Wonder Girl, an 8-year-old whose tragic battle with pediatric brain cancer ended on May 30. Family, friends, and community supporters, including the South School Vigil, came out in droves to attend the beautiful celebration of life, filling the air with love, remembrance, and solidarity.
The ceremony commenced at 8:00 PM with Karen Last Deane, a local resident who was Adelia’s caring hospice nurse, welcoming everyone and setting a tone of celebration for Adelia’s life.
Meryl Summers, Adelia’s mother, shared touching memories of Adelia, her courage, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her. Meryl noted that it is Adelia’s bravery and spirit that she calls on to carry her forward and to be able to find joy in life while still grieving deeply. Mike McLellan, Adelia’s stepfather, followed, offering deep gratitude to the community who celebrated Adelia and surrounded their entire family with love every step of the way. Mike also confirmed their commitment to continuing to raise funds for pediatric brain cancer in Adelia’s honor so that other families will not face the same diagnosis in the future.
Before the sunset, volunteers coordinated the release of butterflies. This symbolic gesture represented the transformation and the continuation of Adelia’s spirit, filled the evening air with a sense of peace.
Adelia’s best friends, Rose and Caroline, read heartfelt letters to Adelia. Their youthful voices shared their beautiful friendships and favorite memories with Adelia. Vesper, another of Adelia’s close friends, delivered a moving rendition of “Fight Song,” encapsulating Adelia’s fighting spirit and determination.
Meryl Summers, a concert bassoonist, played a medley of songs that held special meaning to her and Adelia alongside her friend and cellist. The duo played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Tomorrow,” and “Amazing Grace.”
One of the most touching moments of the evening was when the South Village stood up to sing “Nothing More,” their innocent voices were a fitting tribute to the essence of Adelia’s impact on the world. The lyrics were especially fitting as the children sang, “And tell me what it is that you see, a world that’s full of endless possibilities. And heroes don’t look like they used to. They look like you do. We are love, we are one, we are how we treat each other when the day is done.”
Liz Klein, Hingham Selectboard, also delivered a proclamation announcing that January 7, Adelia’s birthday, will now be celebrated as Adelia the Wonder Girl Day to honor her legacy and the spirit of kindness and bravery she instilled within our community.
The vigil concluded with a beautiful closing meditation led by Adelia’s Aunt Terry and Uncle Josh. This meditation offered a moment of collective introspection and healing, allowing attendees and children to process their emotions and find solace in the shared experience as part of something bigger than ourselves.
The vigil in Hingham was a profound expression of love and remembrance, celebrating the life of a remarkable young girl who touched the hearts of many. Adelia the Wonder Girl’s legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her, reminding us of the strength found in unity and the enduring power of love. Thank you to all who coordinated and gathered in this beautiful moment of sadness, celebration, love, and community.
Adelia’s fundraising page can be found here.
A full slideshow of photos by Joshua Ross can be viewed below.
