Age 26. 27 Washington Avenue, Winthrop, MA. Born (as Helen Virginia Adams) on 12/04/1915, in Boston. Died of carbon monoxide poisoning (death certificate). Secretary, Boston Paper Board Co., Inc., Boston. Known generally by her middle name Virginia. Was also known by her first name Helen. Was inducted into the newly-formed WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) program of the U.S. Naval Reserve as an Apprentice Seaman on November 20, eight days before the blaze. Visited the Grove with fellow WAVES inductee Grace Brown, age 25, Waltham, MA, dead. "It was said she had gone to confession in St. Mary's Church, North End, and had later met a girl friend who is also joining the WAVES. The two went to the club together..." (Boston Evening American, 11/30/1942). "She was unmarked by fire but died of suffocation because there were too many persons gathered together in a fire trap with too few exits" (The Boston Post, 12/02/1942). Was to leave for training at Des Moines, IA, the next day (Sunday). Had been acquainted with Miss Brown prior to their respective enlistments. One of four fire victims from the north shore seaside community of Winthrop (also Miss Ruth Bornstein, age 16, Albert "Avy" Rosenfarb, age 32, and Miss Florence Yaffe, age 20, all patrons). Became the historic first-ever casualty (by any cause) of the newly-formed WAVES naval branch. Adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William W. and Alice J. Brooks, same address. Birth parents Mr. and Mrs. Roger R. and Alice I. (Martin) Adams. Burial at Winthrop Cemetery, Winthrop.

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