Mary (Rinde) Adams

Mary Louise (Rinde) Adams passed away peacefully at home on January 6, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on August 7, 1935, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, she was the sixth of seven children of Thomas D. and Inez Rinde. She grew up in Fremont, Nebraska, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Math from Midland College, where she was an active student leader.

After graduating, Mary earned her physical therapy certification at Mayo Clinic and worked at Straub Clinic in Honolulu, Hawaii. There, she met and married Charles Powell Adams, a naval officer, in 1960. Together, they built a life of love and adventure, raising two sons, Stuart and Steven, in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, where they made their permanent home.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a lifelong member of Palm Lutheran Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and active participant in craft shows, where she shared her passion for Scherenschnitte. She loved playing bridge, reading, gardening, and completing puzzles. A leader in the Palmyra Library Book Club and the Women’s Club, Mary embraced her community wholeheartedly.

Mary and Powell shared a love of travel, creating cherished memories across North America, Europe, Central America, and Africa. Her favorite journeys included visits to Scandinavia, Italy, and Morocco.

She is survived by her sons, Stuart (Jeff) Adams and his wife, Jacky, of Andover, MA, and Steven Adams and his wife, Kay, of Reading, PA. She was a proud grandmother to Caroline, Emily, Juliet, Katie, and Elena, and great-grandmother to Ari and Sophia.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Palm Lutheran Church, 11 W. Cherry St., Palmyra, PA 17078. Family and friends are invited for a visitation from 10:30 am until the start of the service. Burial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery will be held privately at a later date.

A recording of the service will be available shortly after the conclusion of the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palm Lutheran Church at the address above.

Mary Adams’ kindness, strength, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Palm Lutheran Church
11 West Cherry Street, Palmyra PA 17078
Tel: 1-717-838-3311
Email: parish.secretary@palmlutheran.org
Web: http://www.palmlutheran.org