CAPE ELIZABETH – Barbara M. Adams, 85, died peacefully Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, with her family by her side, after a 19 month battle with breast cancer at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. She was born March 13, 1924, in Boston, the daughter of Byron and Elise “Freeman” Morton. Barbara spent her childhood in Roslindale, Mass., and attended Girls Latin School, Boston. Her family moved to Duxbury, Mass., in 1939. She graduated in June 1941 from Duxbury High School with 22 students in her class. After graduation she attended Pembroke College, known part of Brown University, Class of 1945; this is where she met her future husband, also a student at Brown University. She married Capt. Henry C. Adams, U.S. Army, July 2, 1944, in Duxbury, Mass. They moved to Cape Elizabeth in 1966. She was a longtime member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, descending from 11 signers of the Mayflower Compact. She was governor of the Maine Mayflower Society Chapter for three years, also was secretary of the Pilgrim John Howland Society for more than 12 years. She was the recent recipient of the Lura Sellew Mayflower Award from the John Howland Society. She volunteered with her husband for more than 22 years at Mercy Hospital. She was a longtime election clerk in Cape Elizabeth and a substitute teacher in Cape schools. She attended First Congregational Church, where she was an elder and deacon. She loved to knit which was part of her artistic talent. Her knitting was always on demand at the church fairs and with her family members. Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Richard F. Morton. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Col. Henry C. Adams, U.S. Army, retired, of Cape Elizabeth; sons, David M. Adams and wife, JoAnne, of Oakton, Va., and Peter T. Adams and wife, Marie, of Bloomfield, Conn.; grandchildren, Barbara M. Adams and Peter T. Adams Jr. of Bloom-field, Conn.; along with seven nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A funeral service will take place 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at First Congregational Church, Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will take place Thursday, Oct. 8, at Mayflower Cemetery, Duxbury, Mass. Donations may be made in Barbara’s name to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, P. O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.
BARBARA M. ADAMS
