Meherabode Talks

Adele Wolkin

Adele's search for wisdom was a major contributing factor as to why she chose her graduate work in philosophy at Columbia University.  This was in the early 40's in New York, where she met Filis Fredrick who became her connection to Meher Baba.  It wasn't long before they both enthusiastically responded to an invitation from Norina Matchabelli to live with her, Nadine Tolstoy and Elizabeth Patterson to help prepare for Baba's coming to the West.  Later Baba told Adele to "make Me your master's thesis."  During the eight long years they prepared and waited for Baba's arrival in 1952, Adele's real conviction for selfless service as Baba defined, became apparent in the medical and personal care she rendered to Norina and Nadine.  This experience eventually propelled Adele into becoming an R.N., which in later years created an especially significant link for her assisting Dr. Goher with Baba's medical needs from America.  Adele met Baba at Meher Center on May 10, 1952, which is the date she considers her real Birthday.  Baba gave special messages to Filis and Adele at this time and also renamed them Filadel.  Adele also participated at Baba's visits in 1956 and 1958 and attended the East West Gathering in 1962.  Baba asked her to stay on in India after the Gathering, so for a number of months she worked in a hospital in Bombay.  Never one to sit back and take it easy, Adele's next career was in serving children.  She taught for many years as a Montessori preschool teacher and was also licensed in the state of New York as a preschool instructor.  Adele has been an active part of the Los Angeles Baba community since relocating here in 1977, having served on the Board of Directors and headed up many committees at the L.A. Center.  Among them are Service, Archives, Programs and Sahavas, while having served in many other functions as well as being a backbone of the community.  For more than 60 years Adele has been striving to materialize what Baba said, "I have only one message to give; and repeat it age after age to one and all: LOVE GOD."  And to heed His Call "Come All Unto Me."  PHOTOGRAPH