Mary Joanne Adams "Jo"
March 23, 1929 - June 23, 2019
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Mary Joanne "Jo" Adams, age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2019 surrounded by her family. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up in Middleton, Wis.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BA in International Studies, she met her husband, Elza, on a blind date in Atlanta, Ga. They married on Sept. 20, 1952, and together raised five children. The family enjoyed many happy times together camping at Devil’s Lake and in Northern Wisconsin, and vacationing in Door County, the Smoky Mountains, and at the beach on the Atlantic ocean. In 1969 they moved to Wisconsin to be near Joanne's family.
She enjoyed political discussion, entertaining friends and family, and had a great love of the outdoors. Her wonderful sense of humor and talent for putting people instantly at ease will be missed by everyone, especially her children.
Jo is survived by her children, Connie (Richard, deceased) Acklam of Middleton, Kerrie (Neal) Kedzie of Middleton, Wm. Lee (Carole) Adams of Reedsburg, Mary Kay (Michael) Adams-Edgette of Sun Prairie and Angela (Michael) McKenzie of Madison; 12 grandchildren, Katie (Beau) Shellhause, Erin (Harold Damone) Carson, Erika (Damian) Koch, Ryan (Caitlin) and Sean Kedzie, Carleigh (Tyler) and Heath Adams, Emily (Chris) Scheffelman, Katy (Brett) Schuster, Chloe (Chelsea), Tess (Casey) and Tara McKenzie; and 10 great-grandchildren, Truly Shellhause, Jaia and Briana Carson, Amiah Gray, Henry and Harper Koch, Ella, Lily, and Leo Scheffelman and Owen Schuster; plus many other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 12 noon on Friday, June 28, 2019. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Friday. Join us in gathering for light refreshments afterward.
The family sincerely thanks the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for their tender, loving care of Mom.
You were the best mom and grandmother in the world. Thank you for always being there for all of us. You will always be in our hearts. We can see you in ourselves and your grandchildren. Continue to watch over us and guide us with your loving spirit. You and Dad are finally dancing together again.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
Events
Visitation
Fri Jun 28, 2019 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (University) • 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Fri Jun 28, 2019 @ 12:00 PM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (University) • 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, WI null
Photos
No photos of Mary have been shared yet.
Memories
BG
Barbara Gaustad
Other •
She was a great neighbor & friend. We will miss you. Barb & Phil Gaustad
MW
Maribeth Weier
Other •
Genuinely a beautiful woman, inside & out. I always felt so welcomed to spend time with Joanne and her entire family. She will be missed by many. God Bless.
JS
Jamie Schlachter
Other •
Thinking of you all as you say good bye to your mom. May your memories bring many smiles and warmth to your hearts.
KL
Kathleen Lively
Other •
Jo had a wonderful, kind and loving spirit. I enjoyed her tremendously. She was a beautiful role model of a woman, mother, grandmother and friend. I will miss her. Prayers to her whole family!
Kathy Lively
SG
Sue Gorton
Other •
I never had the pleasue to meet this wonderful woman, but felt as though I knew her through the wonderful stories and love that you granddaughter, Erin, shared at our workplace, over the years. Rest in peace and God bless. May the memories be held close by all those who loved her!
BS
Barbara Stowe-Carpenter
Other •
I do not think my first post sent I knew Jo many years. Her beautiful smile and kind heart will be missed . My deepest sympathy to the family. I will miss her. Barb Stowe-Carpenter