M. Winifred Adams

Winifred S. Adams, 94, passed away on July 17, 2015 in Portland. She was born on January 4, 1921 in East Boothbay, Maine, the daughter of Louena M. Spear and Charles F. Smithwick. She cherished her memories of growing up in this close-knit village, and she returned often to visit, the ocean remaining an essential element of her spirit. She attended the East Boothbay Grammar School and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Portland. She trained as nurse at the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary on Bramhall Square, and after a brief stint at a New York City hospital with her best friend, Faye Hoag, she decided that no one should want to live in such a big place and returned to Maine to live and work. She married Ervin E. Adams in 1950, and together they raised three children in Falmouth. Although Ervin died in 1990, Winnie continued to live in her Falmouth home capably and independently until she finally accepted the generous invitation from her son Michael and daughter-in-law Carol to join them in their Cumberland home.

Winnie was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She attended every school and sporting event in which her children participated or coached. When grandchildren came along, she was there to babysit and cheer for them all, and became a great friend (and checkers opponent) to each. She enjoyed bird watching, gardening, knitting and bowling. She was a wonderful cook and baker, putting on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter feasts year after year. Her pickles and preserved harvests were deservedly enjoyed by all.

Winnie was long-suffering Red Sox fan who nevertheless could stoically turn off the TV set and remind others that “there’s always next year.” She encouraged trips to Fenway, and even into her late 80s, she was just as happy with tickets comfortably behind home plate or a six-level walk upstairs.

Surviving Winnie are her children, Michael E. Adams of Cumberland, Maine and his wife, Carol; Ann E. Adams of Portland, Maine and her husband, Daniel W. Boutin; and Charles S. Adams of Acton, Maine and his wife, Brenda. Also surviving are grandchildren Kate Snyder of Bethesda, Maryland and husband Pete; John Adams of Dillon, Colorado and wife Nadine Carter; David Adams of Frisco, Colorado and wife Erin; Elliot Adams Boutin of Portland, Maine; Alexander Adams Boutin of Brooklyn, New York; and two great-children, Maxwell and Oscar Snyder of Bethesda, Maryland. She was predeceased by her brother, Weston F. Smithwick of Vassalboro, Maine and Kansas City, Missouri.

A period of visitation for Winnie will be held on Friday, July 24 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M at the Jones, Rich and Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. An 11:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial for Winnie will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland on Saturday, July 25, 2015. Interment at the Ocean View Cemetery in Boothbay Center, Maine will follow.

The family would like to give special thanks to all the CNAs and life enrichment staff of Fallbrook Woods who provided such comfort and care to Winnie in his her last days, as well as to the adult daycare staff of Cedars and the Stewart Center.

To leave messages of condolence, or sign the on-line guestbook please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.