Charm and grace never fade: Oak Trace resident still influencing at age 92
At 92, Oak Trace resident Jeanette Adams is proving charm never goes out of style.
Long before influencers had followers, Jeanette Adams (pen name Jan Adams) had fans. Readers of her weekly Guidelines to Glamour column in the Kettering Times turned to her for advice on style, poise, and charm.
Today, at 92, Jeanette is still inspiring everyone around her — this time at Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove, Illinois, where her signature wit, grace, and impeccable hair continue to turn heads and lift hearts.
She was an “it girl” in the 1950s, well before Instagram or TikTok existed — an influencer before the word was even invented.
A beauty aficionado since college, Jeanette attended the John Robert Powers Modeling School and, before long, was asked to run it. “It was a big operation, and I loved it,” she recalled. “To be in charge of a place like that was great.”
In 1965, she entered her first pageant and was crowned Mrs. Ohio, which led to the Mrs. America competition. She gave presentations about everything from cooking to ironing, becoming a beloved local celebrity who was often spotted out and about in her sash. “My daughter, Wendy, took me to show and tell at school,” Jeanette said. “Other children brought stuffed animals — but she brought her mom.”
At the national competition, where there was no swimsuit segment (“although, to be honest, I had the figure,” she laughed), Jeanette made her mark with a demonstration on how to properly put on a coat — so impactful that the organization later used it in promotional materials. She was ultimately named one of the top seven contestants.
Over the years, Jeanette did it all — radio commercials, modeling, and public appearances. But it was her newspaper column, Guidelines to Glamour, that truly showcased her voice: practical, witty, and enduringly relevant.
What to wear to a high school or college reunion: “Whatever you do, make a good first impression. It may have to last you another 10 years.” — Guidelines to Glamour by Jan Adams
The column ran for years and built a loyal readership. When the paper attempted to cancel it, reader complaints poured in — so many that the editor brought her back immediately, even if it meant a small pay cut. “He told me he’d never had complaints about a canceled column before,” Jeanette said.
Still need help deciding on eyewear? “Send me a note with your wardrobe colors, skin, hair, and eyes, and I’ll be happy to make suggestions.” — Guidelines to Glamour by Jan Adams
Jeanette also taught home economics and English, as well as GED night classes, all while raising four children. Through it all, her grace and kindness left a lasting impression on nearly everyone she met.
In more recent years, she even became a poster girl — literally. Wendy’s employer at the time was promoting Crabbie’s ginger beer and repurposed Jeanette’s vintage Mrs. Ohio photo for a cheeky campaign. They swapped her purse for a bottle, added a logo to the bench, and gave her a bright red hairdo to match the “Enjoy the Ginger” tagline.
“The poster was displayed in bars and pubs all over Chicagoland,” said Wendy.
Today, Jeanette calls Oak Trace in Downers Grove home. She moved in late last year to be closer to family, which now includes four children, 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren — with one more on the way.
She loves the programs, classes, and clubs at Oak Trace — and the warm, caring team that makes life here feel effortless. “Everyone is so kind,” she said. “You can tell they love their jobs.” Wendy added, “They’re amazing.”
Though she receives support for a few daily tasks in assisted living, Jeanette remains fiercely independent and deeply engaged with her community.
Her crown may be in storage, but her charm? It’s as radiant as ever.
Jeanette is among the first Oak Trace residents to be featured in the senior living community’s Trailblazers Welcome campaign.
About Trailblazer Stories
Trailblazer Stories is a signature storytelling series within the Trailblazers Welcome campaign. It brings the campaign’s ethos to life by sharing the real stories of Oak Trace residents — people whose lives defy convention and inspire others through purpose, passion, and pursuit.
Through personal profiles and compelling photography, Trailblazer Stories highlights artists, advocates, business leaders, lifelong learners, and more, who show that aging is not an ending — it’s an evolution. These narratives offer an authentic window into the Oak Trace mindset: one of curiosity, resilience, creativity, and continued impact. The goal? To reshape the perceptions of senior living and honor the remarkable individuals who call Oak Trace home.
To explore current Trailblazer Stories, visit: www.oaktraceseniorliving.com/trailblazer-stories and www.trailblazerswelcome.com.
Oak Trace Senior Living
Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove, Illinois, is set on more than 40 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds featuring gardens, walking paths, ponds and abundant green space. As a Life Plan Community, formerly known as a CCRC, Oak Trace offers a full continuum of care: including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Oak Trace is owned by Lifespace, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 50 years of experience in senior living. To learn more about Oak Trace, visit www.OakTraceSeniorLiving.com.