When you sit down with Legacy Village of Cleveland resident Bess Scheid, you quickly get the sense that her story is as rich and varied as the music she’s played and the quilts she now lovingly stitches. Bess’s journey began in Warsaw, Poland, where her parents, Anna and Bruno Adamski, were studying far from home. As the world shifted with the approach of World War II, the Adamski family faced uncertain times, first living in Warsaw, then being relocated to Germany. When Bess was just two years old, they made a brave leap—returning to the United States and starting over in Baltimore, Maryland, ready to embrace new beginnings.



In Baltimore, Bess found her rhythm early. She attended Seton High School, where she was rarely seen without her flute or piccolo, playing in both the band and orchestra. Music was her first love, and after graduation, she followed that passion to Western Maryland College. There, she spent four years exploring her interests, starting as a music major before discovering a new fascination and earning her degree in history and political science. Her academic journey didn’t stop there—Bess went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law, paving her way into the world of law.

While attending the University of Maryland, Bess met Charles Scheid on the very first day of classes, and the two quickly became inseparable. They dated throughout their college years and were married after graduation, embarking on a life built on love, respect, and shared dreams. Charles’s sharp mind led him to a long and successful career as a Mechanical Design Engineer for the U.S. Army, a position he held with dedication until his retirement.

Together, Bess and Charles raised two children, Chuck and Susanne (Douglas), and found immense joy in watching their family grow to include two granddaughters, Anna and Kathleen. Bess cherishes memories of those early years as a stay-at-home mother, pouring her creativity into sewing clothes for her children and savoring the simple, everyday joys of family life. Once her children were in school, Bess returned to her professional calling, joining the State of Maryland as an Assistant Public Defender. Over three decades, she served in many divisions, specializing in criminal defense and leaving a legacy of dedication, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to justice.

Music remained a constant thread throughout Bess’s life. Her love for woodwind instruments, especially the recorder and krumhorn, led her to play for churches and to perform for years with the Catherine Street Consort in Maryland. Deeply involved in her church community, Bess served on the Vestry, sang in the choir, and brought her musical gifts to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Bel Air, Maryland, always finding ways to connect her faith and her love of music.

After Charles’s passing, Bess moved to Tennessee to be closer to family—a new chapter, but one she embraced with her characteristic warmth and creativity. Today, she pours her artistry into quilting, as a proud member of the Cherokee Blossom Quilting Guild in Cleveland. Her quilts, like her life, are full of color and care, each piece a testament to her patience and joy.

Bess’s days are filled with much more than fabric and thread. At Legacy Village of Cleveland today, she delights in trivia nights, enjoys entertainment, and is always present at resident socials, brightening any room with her kindness and wit. We are grateful she chose to call this place home. Bess’s story—woven with music, love, and resilience—continues to inspire all of us, as she remains a cherished part of our community.