Judy Adams

Judy Adams, 84 of Venice, Florida passed into a pain-free world on the 8th of February 2023. Judy, the daughter of Maurice and Harriet Adams was born in Michigan and was a proud graduate of Rockford High School Class of 1957.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University in 1962. She was a Board-certified K-12 educator, teaching physical education in both Michigan and then Indiana over thirty years until retirement. While working as a teacher and mother, she earned her Master of Science from Butler University in 1975.

A singer and dancer since early childhood, (when she partnered with her sister Sue,) she would later perform leading roles in Holland Community Theatre, and more. Over the last few years, she danced in a Harbor Isles community group, led by Sue. A life-long lover of the Christmas season and all it involved – whether with decorations or related baking, Judy’s home never failed to transform into a holiday wonderland each year. In her prime, she enjoyed tennis, soccer, cycling, swimming, and golf. Judy was an award-winning amateur golfer. Her sports interests followed her into retirement from teaching at Greenbriar Elementary School (Indianapolis, Indiana) for as long as she was physically able.

Judy’s cooking was a cornerstone of any meal or festivity she was a part of. She was known for her pies! Friends, family and even passing acquaintances enjoyed being on the receiving end of many an apple, cherry, or peanut butter pie. She and her life-partner, Ray Haller, were regular dance partners at the local Elks Lodge as well as travel and cruising partners. She loved taking cruises and made several trips with her close friends. She loved her friends like family and up until the end participated in regular Florida-based Rockford alumni gatherings. Above all, she was the best mother anyone could hope to have.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her older brother Carl Adams, her son Robert Blair (Hesselink), and her life-partner in the latter half of life, Ray Haller.

She is survived by her sister Sue, brother-in-law Carl Mallick, brother Dale Adams, son Craig (Laurie Hesselink), and daughter Pamela (Sean Rouse). Judy was a loving aunt and mother figure to her several nieces and nephews: Scott, Cynthia, Blake, and great-niece Blakely Mallick. Also, nieces and nephews Natalie, Pam, Steve, Mark, Kirk, and Skylar Adams all survive their aunt – as do several grandchildren and great grand-children.

There will be a service at a date yet to be specified in late March / April when her ashes will be interred near her parents at Gulf Pines Memorial Park Englewood. For now, friends and family are invited to share their photos and more personal stories to [email protected] -- In lieu of flowers, mourners are instead asked to donate in Judy’s name to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.