Obituary of Rosemary C. Adams

Rosemary C. Adams aged 91 passed away peacefully at her Tucson, AZ home on August 13, 2023 due to complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Rosie, as she was known to all who loved her, was born on February 5, 1932 in New York, NY. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, sister, and aunt, as well as a faithful and loyal friend. Rosie was a graduate of Radford College (now Radford University), after which she went to work in New York City for McCann Erickson (now McCann) as an executive assistant.

Fate took Rosie to Chicago where she worked for the Life Circulation Company and met the love of her life, John. Rosie, who was John’s executive assistant, always maintained that it was love at first sight – a fact that would have been obvious to anyone who spent any time with them. They met on August 21, 1958 and married on August 22, 1959. Rosie and John spent 60 wonderful years married, and they ‘didn’t leave anything on the table.’ Together they traveled the world, visiting six of seven continents. They lived well, laughed often, loved passionately, and made many precious and cherished memories.

While Rosie worked for many years in the travel industry, her biggest impact undeniably came through her many volunteer commitments. Throughout the years she and John lived in New Jersey, Rosie was active and held leadership positions in the Franklin Lakes Newcomers Club, The Franklin Lakes Women’s Club, and St. Alban’s Episcopal Church where she served on the alter guild and as the Church Vestry’s Senior Warden. This commitment to volunteerism continued in Tucson, where Rosie and John retired to in 1995. In addition to serving on the altar guild at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, Rosie also served on the St. Luke’s Board of Visitors and was an active member of the Skyline Woman’s Club and the Patio Garden Club.

Rosie was also an avid bridge player and spent many happy hours with friends at the card table. Last but certainly not least, Rosie was a brilliant cook and a joyous and generous hostess. Rosie was never happier than when she was savoring an evening with friends, sharing with them delicious food and wonderful wines from John’s wine cellar.

Towards the end of her life, Rosie assumed the role of family matriarch, a role she adored and cherished. Family meant everything to Rosie and her love for her family was like a warm embrace and a beacon for all of us if we strayed too far.

Rosie is survived by her daughter Abigail (Tim), granddaughters Alexandra and Maegan, sister Joan (Peter) and sister-in-law Jane. She is also remembered by her nieces Julie (Charlie), Cristina (Dale), and Cecilia, and her nephews John (Christie), Tomas (Jessie), and Ray (Cathy). Rosie had eight grandnieces – Kathrine, Ellie, Vivi, Sylvie, Jasmine, Chase, Morgan, and Ashlyn, and four grandnephews – Austin, Justin, Brian, and Andrew.

Family and friends are invited to a celebratory mass at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church on Saturday, September 30 at 4:00pm, followed by a celebration of life at 6:00pm at the Mountain Oyster Club, both venues located in Tucson, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosie’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. To offer condolences, please visit www.adairfuneralhomes.com.