GREEN LAKE, DEDHAM – Frances D. Adams, 78, died peacefully at the home of her daughter on Feb. 14, 2004, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born Feb. 1, 1926, in Stanley, New Brunswick, the oldest of 12 children of Joseph J. “Jack” and Dorothy R. (Keenan) Merrill. She came to Maine as a young child, treasured her United States citizenship and was a true patriot. She was the sole provider of the Lakeside Cottage and beautiful homes her family enjoyed for 64 years, and worked at whatever job necessary to provide the other necessities for her four children, to whom she devoted her life. She was the sole provider of all parental love and guidance. She loved life, her children, her family and countless friends. She lived her life with dignity and grace and her warm heart and spirit will live with those she leaves on earth who have been truly blessed to have known her. Her children hold close to their hearts a quote by Abraham Lincoln, “All that I am or ever shall hope to be, I owe to my loving angel mother.” She is survived by her husband, Gordon; three sons, Harvard and his wife, Elise, of Levant, Charles Sr. of Dedham, Richard and his wife, Laura, of Eddington; a daughter, Dorothy of Ellsworth; four brothers, Ross and his wife, Laureen, of Fredricton, New Brunswick, Charles and his wife, Verna, of St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada, Nathan and his wife, Kelly, of Lynn, Mass., John Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Mississaga, Ontario, Canada; three sisters, Lillian Mattsson and her husband, Larry, of Kinmount, Ontario, Canada, Nellie Cumberland and her husband, Dale, of St. Stephens, New Brunswick, Margaret Shannon and her husband, Gene, of Vanceboro; sister-in-law, Violet Merrill of Dewolfe Corner, New Brunswick; brother-in-law, Ronald Marsters of St. Stephens, New Brunswick; and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, too many to mention, but loved dearly. She was predeceased by two brothers, Willis and Orlen Merrill; and two sisters, Ella McKay and Verda Marsters. Honoring her request, spring burial and graveside services will be held in the Marston Cemetery, Orrington, at a date to be announced later. A service of Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer.
FRANCES D. ADAMS
