Mary Adams

Mary Cornelia McCarthy Adams, age 74, passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends February 10, 2018, after a long battle with lung disease.

Mary was born March 20, 1943 to John Francis and Connie McCarthy. She grew up on the famed Tipperary Hill in Syracuse, NY where she graduated from St. Patrick’s High School. She was a cheer leader, sang in the choir, and was a member of Florimel Sorority where she served as an officer for many around the council. She was queen of the senior prom.

Shortly after graduation, Mary moved west to Portland Oregon, where she met her future husband, John Quincy Adams. As newlyweds, they settled in Syracuse, UT where they raised a family of 3 children. Mary was a true homemaker and found great joy and pleasure in baking bread, caring for her children, sewing, canning, cooking big family meals, ironing, folding clothes and settling down with her family to watch movies while enjoying a bowl of buttered popcorn. Mary had an infectious laugh and was a mother to many.

Mary also found great joy in her St. Rose of Lima church family and became a prominent member through unwavering service to her community. She taught religious education classes while her children were young. She continued in her service and received numerous appointments and service positions including serving as the president of the Rings of Counsel Northern, Deanery for St. Rose of Lima. While in service of St. Rose, she earned and was given many awards including “Woman of the Year” in 1988.  She also served as President of Diocesan Parish Counsel for three years. She had a wonderful rapport with Bishop George Hugh Niederauer, serving as his Diocesan Pastoral Counsel President.

Mary was a devoted member of the National Council of Catholic Woman (NCCW) and was elected President of the Diocese of Salt Lake City council of Catholic Women from 1996-1998. She was elected to the NCCW Nominating Committee which was a wonderful honor for the Diocese. In 2008-2010 Mary was elected as the Province Director for the Province of San Francisco to the NCCW Board of Directors in Washington DC.

Mary’s organizational skills and strong work ethic served her well not only in her family and church service but for 35 years as an office manager in an ENT office under Dr. Robison and Dr. Moesinger, and in her latter work years, under Dr. Barlow. Upon retirement, Mary travelled the world tracing the footsteps of St. Paul in Athens, Greece, kissed the foot of the statue of Saint Peter in Saint Peter’s Basilica, and her most privileged honor was to sing for the John Paul Pope in the Vatican.

Mary returned home to Syracuse, NY to better support her lung condition. She was privileged to join her best friend and sister, Chris in her nonprofit organization WHOLE ME. She helped with programs and activities which promote life skills and success for deaf/hard-of-hearing children and families. Mary worked as the scheduler for sign language interpreting services. She was loved and adored by all the interpreters and families who had the honor of working with her. Mary was referred to as the “interpreter whisperer” because she was so loved no one could say no to her. During her years at WHOLE ME Mary went above and beyond to make a positive difference in the lives of many children, families and co-workers.

Mary is survived by her 3 children: Jennifer Woodbery; Clyde Hill, WA; John Quincy (Melanie) Adams; Layton, UT; Patrick (Jenny) Adams; West Valley, UT. 5 Grandchildren: John Quincy, Raquel, Julia Adams; Liam Patrick and Elle Hunter Woodbery. Siblings: John Francis McCarthy, Skaneateles, NY, Dr. Patrick V. McCarthy, Bowie, MD, Robert J. McCarthy, Portland, OR, Thomas M (Linda) McCarthy, Dallas, TX, Christine (Michael) Kovar, Camillus, NY.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John Francis and Connie McCarthy, and her husband, John Quincy Adams.

Friends and family may visit 6 to 9 pm, Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, UT. Viewing will be held from 6-8 pm. A Rosary and Vigil will follow 8-9 pm. Friends and family are invited to share tributes to Mary during the Vigil. Funeral Mass will be held 10 am, Friday, February 16, 2018 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 210 Chapel Street, Layton, UT.  Interment and graveside service held at Syracuse City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the St. Rose of Lima Council of Catholic Woman (801)544-4269.