County's first female attorney dies at 99

Red Bank attorney Florence Forgotson Adams had an enduring connection with the Monmouth County Bar Association throughout her long career.

Florence Forgotson Adams Forgotson, who died at her home Oct. 13 at the age of 99, was the first woman to become a member of the county bar association. And, she was the last person on the dance floor at the group's recent 100th anniversary celebration, according to those who attended the gala.

Among her many trailblazing accomplishments, Forgotson was one of the first two women to graduate from the New York University School of Law in 1929.

A practicing attorney in Red Bank for more than 70 years, she was the first woman attorney in Monmouth County when she hung a shingle out in Red Bank. Her fledgling solo practice was born of necessity - none of the all-male law firms of the day would hire her.

She was admitted to the state bar in 1930, earned a doctorate at New York University in 1947 and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1951.

Until recently, she worked several days a week at her law office, according to her longtime assistant and friend Carol Hinz.

Forgotson was a benefactor to many, including the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, providing space in her office rent-free and free legal counsel to the chamber when it began in 1929.

"She mentored a lot of young women in business," said EMACC president Lynda Rose.

Forgotson also supported the chamber's education foundation, which awards scholarships each year to nontraditional students.

During an interview at this year's scholarship awards ceremony, Forgotson was asked if she would change anything about her long and productive life.

"Not a thing," said Forgotson, who would have turned 100 in January. "It's been a wonderful party. I just wish it would last forever."

Forgotson was an active life member of the Red Bank Chapter of Hadassah.

She was predeceased by her husband of 15 years, Col. John Adams, in 1958, and is survived by several nieces and nephews, including her niece Mary "Dolly" Armagast of Lansing, Ill.

A funeral service was held at Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapels in Ocean Township Oct. 23, and Forgotson was to be buried at Arlington National Memorial Cemetery in Washington, D.C., Wednesday.

- Gloria Stravelli