Adrianne Rae Wills, 919 Woodlawn Ave., Brownsville, Pa., passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 19, 2010, in Squirrel Hill. She was 28.

Miss Wills was born Dec. 7, 1981, in Sharon.

Adrianne had been accepted as a Ph.D. candidate at California University of Pennsylvania, having graduated as class valedictorian with highest distinction and honors from Cal U with a master's degree in 2008.

She was an elementary teacher for Charleroi School District and had served as a substitute in several Pittsburgh area school districts. Adrianne was listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges and received numerous scholarships, SAI student leader and service-learning awards. Adrianne was recognized by New Leadership Pennsylvania in 2003 and was honored for her accomplishments at the Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion.

She was a prolific writer, authoring a children's book titled 'Jordan's Ideas,' and had numerous articles published including an article on immigration policy in Weekly Reader Magazine for which she received a congratulatory letter from President Bill Clinton. Adrianne truly gave with a glad and unselfish heart. She leaves to cherish her memory two children that she supported through the Ascent Russian Orphan Aid Foundation and her many pen pals, friends and acquaintances.

Adrianne was honored for her work with HIV positive children, The Lunch Buddies program and the Big Brother and Big Sister organizations. She organized annual toy and blanket drives and donated 23 inches of her hair to a pediatric cancer patient through Locks of Love. She never tired of visiting museums, the Pittsburgh Zoo, e-mailing family and friends and eating at Kahunaville. She touched many hearts and will be sadly missed.

Adrianne Rae Wills, affectionately known as 'Adee,' made her home in Brownsville, Pa., with her devoted friend and companion, Kevin McCann, and her beloved cat, Cobbie. She also leaves: her grieving parents, Keith E. Wills, Rhonda Williamson and Thomas Frazier, all West Middlesex; two sisters, Rossalynn 'Roz' Burd and her husband Mike, Pittsburgh; and Merriel 'Merry' Wills and her companion Myke Brown, Hermitage; and her 'big' little brother, Sam Frazier, West Middlesex, a grandmother, Gail Spohn, Warren, Ohio; a grandfather, Donald Wills, Valrico Fla.; two stepbrothers, Morgan and Galen Frazier; grandparents, Frank and Marilyn Frazier, all Greenville; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins including her Aunt Brenda, with whom she loved to research family genealogy.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William 'Poppy' Williamson, Norma Williamson and Judith Parker; and a stillborn brother, Brant.

Memorial contributions may be made in Adrianne's name to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, 1501 Reedsdale St. 3002, Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2310; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Calling hours and service: Private.

Friends may send condolences by visiting our web site at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory. com.

Arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.