Obituaries

Frances Margaret (Morrissey) Adams, a lifelong resident of Quincy, died Saturday, February 13, 2010 at home surrounded by her loving and devoted family, as well as her favorite dog, “Brady.” She celebrated her 90th birthday on December 6th.

Re-entering the workforce late in life, she worked for many years at the business offices of the Quincy Public Schools under Mr. Steve Moynihan, and later in her career as the secretary to the Superintendent of Quincy Public Schools, Dr. Larry Creedon, both of whom she greatly admired, liked and respected. They remained friends until her passing. At the time of her retirement in 1984, she was Clerk of the Quincy School Committee.

Mrs. Adams was educated in Quincy, and attended St. John the Baptist elementary school, class of 1934, the Woodward Institute, class of 1938 (later named the Woodward School for Girls), and was elected President of her class. She continued her education at the Hickox Secretarial School in Boston, class of 1940, where she was hired to teach following graduation. In 1942, she left teaching to marry her late husband, WWII veteran, Theodore Dana Adams, Sr., who was then a noted professional golfer.

Mrs. Adams is survived by her beloved sister and constant companion, Ms. Jean Morrissey of Quincy, her daughter, Susan Reilly of Braintree, five sons and their wives, Ted and Glenda Adams of Marshfield, Richard and Caren Adams of Newton, Philip Adams of Quincy, Douglas and Iris Adams of Andover, and James and Robyn Adams of Quincy, as well as her former daughter-in-law, Billie Jo Adams of Walpole. She was proud to be the mother of five veterans of service in the US Military. Mrs. Adams also leaves her twelve grandchildren, Mark Adams, Dana Adams, Cheri Lamonica and Joyelle Adams, children of Theodore and Glenda; Matthew, Christopher and Andrew Adams, children of Richard Adams and Billie Jo Adams; Leslie, Michael and Rachel Adams, children of Douglas and Iris Adams and Owen and Brendon Adams, children of James and Robyn. She and her grandchildren enjoyed an uncommonly close and loving relationship, and they blessed her with thirteen great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

Mrs. Adams, known to many as Fran, deeply treasured a number of friends and co-workers who enriched her life, especially Phyllis Mortenson and Eleanor Burrell, close friends since childhood and high school respectively. Workmates, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers referred to her as a woman with dignity, intelligence, work ethic, strength, morality, faith and kindness.

Although her family was the center of her life, Mrs. Adams was a voracious reader and lover of classical music, intellectually curious, politically astute and avidly kept up with current world events. She was a compassionate human being who volunteered her time often, including at the Eventide Retirement Home and for AARP, and donated to many charities for the betterment of others.

Mrs. Adams was a life-long member of St. John the Baptist Church. She was born into it and lived in its shadow. Mrs. Adams loved her faith, her church, her parish, her neighborhood and her city. She was one of those involved citizens who contributed quietly to the world around her.

Until her eighties, she could be found in her yard grooming and caring for the roses she was so fond of, along with many other favorite flowers. She especially loved her lilacs as they bloomed in the spring.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, February 17 from 4:00 to 8:00PM at the Dennis Sweeney Funeral Home 74 Elm St. Quincy Center. On Thursday there will be a gathering at the Funeral Home at 10:30AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Church at 11:30AM. Burial will follow at Mount Wollaston Cemetery.

Donations in Mrs. Adams’ memory may be made to the Hospice of the South Shore PO Box 859060, Braintree, MA 02185-9060 hospicefed.org.