Sweet Rosemary
In the garden of life, a radiant Rose bloomed on May 8, 1954, in Petoskey, Michigan. True to her name, our beloved mother, Rosemary Patricia (Corp) Adams brought joy and smiles to countless lives throughout her remarkable journey. On December 27, 2024, she gracefully completed her earthly journey and reunited with her cherished husband and best friend, Leonard Adams, leaving behind a legacy of love and light.
It’s bittersweet to write this so soon after our father’s passing, but their story truly feels like a fairytale ending - a testament to two souls who shared a lifetime of love and simply couldn’t imagine life without each other’s light and spark.
Mom had a free spirit and a zest for life that knew no bounds. A true flower child of the 60s, she embraced the world with restless energy, moving from place to place before graduating from Grayling High School and eventually returning to her roots in St. Ignace, Michigan. In 1977, she met her soulmate, Leonard Adams, and their love story began. One of Mom's first acts of love was helping Dad reconnect with his children, Christopher Adams and Kimberly Adams - a mission she fulfilled with her characteristic determination, forever transforming our family, which eventually would include mom’s loving daughter-in-law Laura Adams.
To know our mom was to know a woman of boundless courage and compassion. She was a fierce warrior who faced every challenge head-on, a nurturing caregiver with a heart full of love, and the most extraordinary grandma we could have ever hoped for.
Our mom was blessed with the love and companionship of her four wonderful sisters: Connie Corp, Catherine Nayback, Christine Arbib, and Margaret Huskey. Together, they shared countless cherished memories, laughter, and unwavering support, along with our beloved grandparents, Robert and Evelyn Corp, who brought so much warmth and love to their lives.
We also hold deep gratitude for our family friend, Kelly Grogan, who felt like our honorary sister. She spent countless days with Mom, sharing stories about life, birds, children, Dad, and the occasional bit of gossip - as every good friendship should. For all the love and joy they brought to her life, we are forever thankful.
Mom’s greatest legacy is her grandchildren: Brea Adams, Courtney Dillon, Maxwell Adams, Sierra Adams, Hunter Dillon, Cody Dillon, Ella Adams, Reese Adams, Shania Douma-Adams, Gabrielle Adams, and Adrian Adams. They were her pride and joy, the light she lived for until her very last day. Determined to celebrate her anniversary and Christmas surrounded by her loved ones, she achieved her goal with grace and love. True to her spirit, she ensured that the Charlie Brown tree was filled with light, laughter, and gifts that spread joy to everyone. In addition to Kimberly Adams and Christopher Adams, mom also had three crazy boys, Robert (Bobby) Adams, David Adams, and Nicholas Adams.
No amount of time with Rosemary could ever be enough, and it is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye. Yet, her memory, her laughter, and her radiant smile will live on in our hearts and souls forever. She taught us to never quit, to be kind, to know when to listen, and above all, to love deeply and fiercely.
A Memorial Service to honor the life of our beloved Rosemary Adams will be held on May 21, 2025, at 10 A.M. at the Family Life Funeral Home in St. Ignace, MI. Mom was a Sault Tribe Member and faith and beliefs were beautifully diverse, so her service will reflect the fullness of her spirit: a Catholic blessing, a Native blessing, heartfelt tributes from her boys, and the loving presence of family and friends.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
