Adrienne R. Mintz

The world lost an amazing woman when Adrienne Barbara Rosenberg Mintz peacefully passed away on February 18, 2024 at the age of 78. Adrienne was born on September 17, 1945 in Newark, New Jersey to Robert & Rae Rosenberg. She attended Hillside High School, Monmouth College, Newark State Teachers College, and earned her Master’s in Education from IUPUI. Adrienne first met Michael Mintz in 1961 at The Clinton Manor (formally the Dore Schary Manor); they began dating in 1963 and married in 1967. Adrienne and Mike lived in Union, New Jersey, where they welcomed their daughter, Laura in 1970. They moved to Indianapolis in 1971 and had two sons, David in 1972 and Jason in 1975. Adrienne was an active and proud member of the Indianapolis Jewish community. She taught religious school at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, participated in Congregation Beth-El Zedeck’s couples’ bowling league, served as Executive Director of the Park Regency assisted living community, volunteered regularly at Hooverwood Senior Living, and was a consistent supporter of both the global Jewish educational network, ORT, and the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). Professionally, Adrienne was a dedicated Indianapolis Public School educator for over 30 years, teaching at Shortridge High School and School 84. In 1999, she earned the coveted “Golden Apple Award,” which came with an educational grant that she used to retrace the journey of European Jews during and after World War II, visiting Holocaust-related sites as well as Israel. When she returned, she created and implemented Holocaust education curricula that colleagues used throughout IPS to bring the lessons of the Holocaust into the classroom. Adrienne’s students learned in no uncertain terms that they each had an obligation to stand up in the face of hate every time they saw it. Adrienne was often stopped by former students, now adults, who thanked her for being the kind of teacher that provided the right balance of high expectations and strict rules, alongside fun, games, and empathy. A highlight of her teaching career came when Adrienne was selected to attend a special taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show that was meant to honor educators, when in fact it was a surprise “Favorite Things” episode in which all the guests received Oprah’s favorite items! There was never a dull moment with Adrienne, whose enthusiasm and zest for life was truly infectious. She was sassy, fun, and always willing to say “Yes!” to having new experiences or going on an adventure. In this way, Adrienne was a vibrant role model for celebrating and living life to the fullest. Adrienne was creative in all aspects of her life, from unique art projects to meticulous decorating, bright fashion, and fun accessories. Special occasions and gatherings always came with a funny poem written by Adrienne. In retirement, she even started a business to help people with their creative writing endeavors called “Well Said!”. Adrienne found joy in making wonderful homemade meals for her family, driving her convertible (that she named “Miss Happy”), a day on the beach in the sun, thrift shopping (and sharing), and movies, plays, and songs that tugged on her heartstrings. Her late-night adventures included rearranging furniture, baking, or reading a good book (often cover-to-cover in one sitting!). Cherished by many lifelong friends as “Adry,” she was loyal and generous, always thinking of others and able to find (or make) the perfect gift. She engaged in conversations honestly and fearlessly, always there to lend an ear, ready to offer advice that was wise, encouraging, and humorous, topped off with a well-told story to drive home the message. In 2018, Adrienne and Mike retired to Coconut Creek, Florida. An active Wynmoor resident, Adrienne’s vivacious presence at weekly mahjong, canasta, and bingo games ensured everyone would have fun! Adrienne will always be remembered as a devoted wife and loving, supportive mother. Her grandchildren have no doubt that she was the best banana bread baker, warmest hugger, and loudest cheerleader. She never missed an opportunity to organize a fun activity that was sure to create an indelible memory. Adrienne’s unconditional love of family and friends knew no bounds. Adrienne is survived by her husband Michael Mintz, her children Laura (Joel) Cohen, David (Rochelle Warriner) Mintz, Jason (Lindsey) Mintz, grandchildren Jordan (Brooke), Dillon, Caroline, Rachel, Maxine, Story, and Bernard, older brother, Myron (Ruth) Rosenberg, and generations of cousins, nieces, and nephews with whom she built genuine and memorable relationships. She will be dearly missed and forever cherished. Her family will be holding a private memorial. Adrienne’s family would be grateful for people to share their memories on the website of Sinai Memorial Chapels Funeral Home & Cremation Services (www.sinaimemorialchapelsinc.com). Donations in memory of Adrienne Mintz can be made to the National Council of Jewish Women (www.ncjw.org), the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (www.ushmm.org), or to a non-profit organization of your choice.

Adrienne R. Mintz

September 17, 1945 - February 18, 2024