You Should Get to Know…..
Adele Villemez
Adele Villemez spent her early years in Laramie, Wyoming where her father was Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Wyoming. He had earned his Ph.D. at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has fond memories of going hunting and fishing with him in the rough mountain country. Her mother stayed home with Adele until she was seven and then went back to school and became a lawyer. Her parents instilled in her self confidence.
She graduated from high school in 1987 and was accepted at Radcliffe College, a division of Harvard University. Adele recalls this as an amazing place. She pursued a degree in English, intending to become a teacher.While at Radcliffe, she met Rod Brown and the two were married in 1994. Adele went on to earn a Master's Degree in the teaching of English. She went to work for the publisher Little, Brown and Company, where she became a computer programmer. She continues in the position today at Meredith Corporation in Des Moines.
Adele and her parents were not church people. They were quite liberal and looked at the Bible as a historical document rather than a religious text. As an adult, Adele began her search for something deeper and more personally meaningful and began reading religious books. One book she found was A Chosen Faith by Forrest Church. She was impressed with his broad understanding of Unitarian Universalism. After moving to Des Moines, she decided to attend a service at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. She particularly enjoyed Mark's sermons and continued to attend.
Adele and her daughter, Adelia, became active participants at church. Adele has watched Adelia bloom through her participation in the religious education program and she has read aloud for the congregation for the Sunday morning children's reading. Adele has become involved in the small group ministry both as a member and facilitator. She has also served on the Religious Services and Hospitality Committees, and has enjoyed bridge nights held at the church and in member's homes.
Harvard Radcliffe alumna, mother, wife, homemaker, full time programmer at Meredith Corporation, active member and supporter of the church. Adele Villemez is an excellent representation of The First Unitarian Church of Des Moines and what it stands for.
Asked for her favorite quotes, Adele shared:
"Ye shall know the truth and the truth will make you free" - John 8:32
"God reveals Himself within the orderly harmony of what exists" - Albert Einstein
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye" - Antoine de Daint-Exupery