Leith McLean Adams, 84, of Newport, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 3, 2026, surrounded by family, friends, and her beloved flowers.
She was born and raised in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Gale and Mary Gibson McLean. After attending Holton-Arms and Foxhollow, Leith traveled far and wide. She studied in London at the Club of the Three Wise Monkeys, raced cars in France, and eventually made her way to Florence, where she learned Italian and studied sculpture under renowned artists. A gifted painter and sculptor, she pursued both life and art with boundless enthusiasm.
Leith was an avid reader, angler, accomplished chef, and a storyteller second to none. She met the love of her life, Charles (“Charlie”) C. Adams III, on The New York Yacht Club Cruise. Together they spent nearly three decades in NYC—married, laughing, dancing, and shaping a life as Leith continued to sculpt. Together they hosted countless social gatherings, including the infamous Hat Parties, where guests were strongly encouraged to don colorful hats from Leith’s extensive collection. Their joy was infectious; they were the very definition of bon vivants.
After Charlie’s death, Leith moved to Newport, where her work quickly caught the community’s attention. She was commissioned to memorialize beloved pets and individuals from many Newport families. One of her greatest honors was sculpting a bust of the infamous Aaron Burr at the request of the New York–based association bearing his name. The unveiling coincided with the debut of Hamilton on Broadway and was attended by cast members. Never shy about speaking her mind, Leith’s outward strength was matched by genuine kindness and fierce loyalty to those she loved —which were many. She was among the rare few who could create happiness simply by entering a room. Bigger than life in so many ways, Leith will be deeply missed by the countless friends and family who adored her.
Leith was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Charlie. She is survived by her brother, Locke McLean; stepson Christopher W.D. Adams and his wife, Ann (Charlton); stepson Charles C. Adams IV and his wife, Jennifer (Ouellette); grandchildren Alexandra and Dodge Adams; niece Samantha Diver; and nephew Stuart McLean and his wife, Vanessa (Rigby).
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 11:00 AM at St. Columba’s The Berkeley Memorial Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Ave, Middletown, RI.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Leith’s memory may be made to the Newport Tree Conservancy, https://www.newporttreeconservancy.org/