Mildred “Midge” Judith Adams, 78, a resident of Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, September 8, 2022. She was born February 11, 1944 to Carl Sr. and Ida (Luoma) Norberg in Paynesville, MI.
Midge graduated from Ewen High School (MI) and was Valedictorian of her graduating class receiving several academic scholarship offers before enrolling at Northern Michigan University in Marquette on the shore of Lake Superior. She completed her degree at University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Secondary Education with a minor in French. She was united in marriage to Jerry Adams on June 26, 1965 in Bruce Crossing, MI. With Jerry’s job as pilot, she stayed at home managing the house and Fam and enjoyed raising her two children, Arabie and Kirk who she shuttled to about every imaginable sport and activity. She was unanimously voted Mom of the Year for 53 consecutive years. A remarkable, unassuming spirit who always put others needs and the needs of her kids and family in front of her own.
Midge grew up in the U.P. (Upper Peninsula Michigan), a place near and dear to her heart, affectionately defining her as a “Yooper”. She loved trips up north and taking trips to the lake and fishing. She had a deep love for the family pets through the years with all her uniquely created nicknames, but also had a big interest in wildlife and particularly anything hailing from up north headlined by bear and moose. Her all-time favorite animal was the Otter. She diligently looked out for and knew her backyard birds and had a vast collection of water birds in the home led by her favorite, the Loon. She adored flowers and enjoyed spring planting with Jerry. She knew her authors, quotes of poetry, flowers, spices, and birds. Through the years, she’d surprise you with an occasional adventurous flair highlighted by horseback riding, a wheely down the neighborhood street on the back of a Honda scooter, and most epic of all, letting Jerry pilot her upside down in an AT6 over Tijuana.
Midge was avidly into anything politics and proudly campaigned for John F. Kennedy while at Northern. She was always an advocate, and unwavering voice for voting, of course voting correctly. She’ll be greatly missed for her passionate daily news updates in the mornings and staunch, no-nonsense viewpoints.
Her knack for dominating in Trivial Pursuit, Trivia Crack, Scrabble, Quiddler, and every word game imaginable was awe inspiring even through her recent health challenges. A smirk and a “hmm” or “ha” would be her only modest post game victory brag moment. She was a competitor. Quick witted, she had an incredible mind and memory including 1-2 daily expert level crossword puzzles and loved challenging herself to keep her mind and memory keen and sharp. She enjoyed the daily, printed home delivery of The New York Times and Kansas City Star (yes, this still happens!) and would read it thoroughly, clipping articles to share with family. She usually had something she was saving to give you. Ahh, but perhaps what she really enjoyed was tackling the weekly climatic conquering and challenge of the NY Times Crossword puzzles. Climatically, Fridays are the toughest, and they too, rarely stood a chance.
She loved board games, watching, and cheering on her kids and grandkids sports and activities and avidly followed the Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, KU Basketball, William Jewell baseball and the Ottawa University Braves. She absolutely loved watching basketball. Midge was an excellent cook who cherished the holidays, family gatherings and family game nights. Her holiday meals will be missed and forever attempted to be replicated by the family with her motto of never be afraid to use spices. She loved Christmas shopping, aided by her multitude of catalogs, always seeking out the perfect gifts. And, oh, did she love asking about and hearing updates about her grandkids and cherished seeing and hearing about their interests and successes.
Although she finally succumbed to her health issues, her Finnish roots and inner SISU made for quite a battle as she defied the odds time and time again. Although physically weakened, Mom had SISU within, showing us when perseverance ends, SISU begins.
“Stand By Me”…She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Jerry Adams of Kansas City, MO who stood by her side selflessly caring for her to the end; daughter, Arabie Conner and husband Tim of Shawnee, KS; son, Kirk Adams and wife Ginger of Lathrop, MO; grandchildren, Cole, Kylie, Zoey, Brodie, Mikayla (to Saturn and back), Elijah, Hadassah, Jonti and Naomi; close-knit family members CarrieAnn and Eric Land (Mikayla’s mom and step dad); nephew Jimmy Adams of Broken Arrow, OK; nephew John Adams Jr. and wife Bessie of New Harmony, Indiana; niece Kristin (Norberg) and husband Neal Drucquer of Albany, New York; great nephews and niece Nick, Noah and Esme; and of course her beloved goldendoodle Maggie Mae who never left her side. “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
Midge is preceded in death by her parents, Carl Sr. and Ida Norberg; brothers, Carl Norberg Jr. and Raymond Norberg.
The family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to KC Hospice, Nurse Lisa and the team for the wonderful care and support over the last 7 months.
A committal service officiated by her nephew Pastor John Adams will be held at a later time at the Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyer Northland Chapel in Parkville, MO. Memories of Midge and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
We will miss you so much. It’s been wonderful being your friend and neighbor for the last 30+ years. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Arabie and family – We are so sorry for your loss. You are on our hearts and minds.
Rob, Amy, Sam & Grace