Connie Frances Adams

Connie Frances Adams was born on March 4, 1946. She often joked she was born during the only “command” of the year: March forth! From that day, she marched toward the draw and dreams of the vast ocean. Starting her life in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Connie knew the vastness of the Midwest and its never ending plains. She was born to Charles and Frances Kunkler along with brothers Gary and Steve. Her childhood took her from Okmulgee to Joliet, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri to Kansas City, Kansas and eventually to Omaha, Nebraska.

In Omaha, she attended Westside High School where she would meet Dennis (Denny) Adams. The two graduated from Westside in 1964. Amid the threat of a war in full force and a threatening draft number, the two focused on careers, and eventually a life, of social service.

That draw of the ocean and green of the Pacific Northwest brought them out west together in 1971 driving in their VW bus (Yes, it had curtains). When deciding whether to move to Oregon or Washington, it was the weather that played the ultimate role. As they share the story, they always laugh as they point out it was raining during their time in Washington, but the sun shined in Clatsop County!

Connie became a mom in 1977 to Aaron and then added a daughter, Alana, in 1980. This is where she found her calling. Her life revolved around their activities, passions and adventures. She prided her participation and advocacy when she served on a panel drafting the original Oregon Health Plan and devoted her time to supporting parents and families who had children with disabilities. She also excelled in advocating for children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, CASA. This was a responsibility she took to heart in representing a child when their voice needed to be heard in the court system. Her joy at being a mom was surpassed only by her joy in becoming a grandmother; she reveled in her love for her granddaughters, Karlie and Kaia. They loved her attention, treats, and never ending snuggles.

She with her family lived in Oregon, then Washington, Arizona, Florida, and finally back to Oregon for the remainder of her life. Connie found calm in the rivers, lakes and glory of the ocean. She will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family and those moments spent soaking in the beauty around us.

She would want those who knew her to take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you whether in nature or family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Connie’s memory to the NAACP at www.naacp.org, an organization which she became a member in the 1960s, or the Democratic Party at www.democrats.org.