Mary Adams

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Mary Adams

March 20, 1943 ~ February 10, 2018

Mary Cornelia McCarthy Adams, who served as president of the Diocese of Salt Lake City’s Council of Catholic Women from 1996 to 1998 and as province director of the National Council of Catholic Women from 2008 to 2010, died February 10, 2018, after a long battle with lung disease. She was 74.

At her vigil on Feb. 15, Deacon John Weis of St. Rose of Lima Parish said Mary had three loves: God, her children and the Virgin Mary.

Deacon Weis, whose children grew up with Mary’s, said she recited the rosary every day since the seventh grade, and her dedication to the Blessed Mother “was beyond comprehension.”

One of her sons, John Quincy Adams, said his earliest memory of his mother was when he, as a  young child, jumped into the swimming pool without knowing how to swim, and she went in after him. Grabbing her outstretched hand, “I remember feeling very safe … and I’ve always felt safe in Mom’s arms,” he said.

“Mary was an extraordinary woman who enjoyed ordinary things like a diet Coke, a tub of popcorn – we went to the movies every Sunday with her and John,” said fellow DCCW member Sue Bedard, adding that Mary was a social butterfly who loved to laugh, be of service and who was generous with her time.

“Mary lived her faith every day,” Bedard added.

Mary was born March 20, 1943 to John Francis and Connie McCarthy. She grew up on Tipperary Hill in Syracuse, N.Y. where she graduated from St. Patrick’s High School. She was a cheerleader, sang in the choir, and a member of Florimel Sorority. She was queen of the senior prom.

Shortly after graduation, Mary moved to Portland, Ore., where she met her future husband, John Quincy Adams. As newlyweds, they settled in Syracuse, Utah, where they raised a family of three 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 Parish 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’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 later 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 Pope John Paul in the Vatican.

Mary returned to Syracuse, N.Y. 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 that promote life skills and success for deaf/hard-of-hearing children and families. Mary worked as the scheduler for sign language interpreting services, and 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 three children: Jennifer Woodbery of Clyde Hill, Wash.; John Quincy (Melanie) Adams of Layton; Patrick (Jenny) Adams of West Valley; five grandchildren: John Quincy, Raquel, Julia Adams; Liam Patrick and Elle Hunter Woodbery; siblings John Francis McCarthy of Skaneateles, N.Y.; Dr. Patrick V. McCarthy of Bowie, Md.; Robert J. McCarthy of Portland, Ore.; Thomas M. (Linda) McCarthy of Dallas, Texas; and Christine (Michael) Kovar of Camillus, N.Y.

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

A funeral Mass was celebrated February 16, 2018 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

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