Livonia: At age 79, Jan passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at the Episcopal Church Home in Rochester, NY. She was born on April 3, 1944 in Coudersport, PA to the late Franklin “Bub” and Alta Tucker. Jan is predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” A. Adamson. Survived by her daughter, Carrie (Rob) Whitehead of Honeoye Falls, New York; her brother Frank Tucker of Clifton, NJ; her grandchildren, Alexander “Alex” and Oliva “Livi” Morabito; her close friends, Karen (Dick) Rowley of Livonia, NY, Sarah (Steve) Hoff of Lima, NY, and Vada (Wayne) Holmes of Springwater, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews’ cousins and dear friends.
Jan’s family is tremendously grateful for Karen and Sarah’s friendship and support. Your presence helped lighten the burden and we know that mom felt your presence and love. We would also like to thank the staff of Rochester Regional Health Hospice Care for making mom’s last days comfortable and the staff at the Episcopal Church Home and The Landing of Brighton.
Jan, nicknamed “Happy” by her father, grew up in Coudersport, PA in “Rubbertown”, just down the block from Dick Adamson. When Dick was stationed in Alaska while serving in the United States Air Force, Jan thought that he might want to hear what was going on back home and began writing him.
Jan attended Rochester Business Institute in 1962, which is where she met Vada Holmes when they became roommates. Vada would be Jan’s matron of honor when she wed Dick on a warm winter’s day, February 26, 1966.
In March of 1970 Jan was acknowledged in the newspaper as “today’s woman in business” for her position as secretary, research and development at E.I. DuPont where she and Dick both worked.
In their early years, prior to the birth of their daughter, Dick and Jan rode their motorcycle and traversed the countryside in their green VW Bus.
Dick and Jan moved to South Livonia in 1978 where Jan started volunteering at Livonia Central School. She eventually began working as secretary of Special Education where she stayed until her retirement in June 2014.
The family moved closer to the village of Livonia and began attending church at the United Church of Livonia (now named the United Methodist Church of Livonia). There they both became very active in the church, volunteering their services any time they could. Jan was very active in serving during the numerous dinners and also served Rotary meals numerous Monday’s a month. It was at church where they met and became inseparable friends with Dick and Karen Rowley. After Jan’s husband passed away in 1999 she went on trips with Dick and Karen and other church friends to the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and Mackinac Island. Karen and Sarah Hoff, whom Jan met later, were inseparable companions to the end.
Friends and family are invited to call from 4-7PM on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street in Livonia. A Memorial Service will take place at 11AM on Friday, June 16, 2023 at the United Methodist Church of Livonia, 21 Summers Street in Livonia, where interment will immediately follow at Union Cemetery on Big Tree Road in Livonia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618 or to: United Methodist Church of Livonia, 21 Summers Street, Livonia, NY 14487. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Dear Carrie, I am just reading of the passing of your mother. Please know, I hold a special place in my heart for your mom; always with a smile and a genuine caring for all. Our connection began when we both worked at Livonia Central, and I was the predecessor to Jan’s hire as Secretary to Special Ed. We also both attended United Church of Livonia and I admired how she and your Dad volunteered willingly for whatever was needed; soon considering them pillars of the church. Jan had a special way of making one feel delighted to be in her presence. Your parents were very proud of you during every step of your growing life, Carrie. And, I had the pleasure of watching you grow, too. May you now find Peace, and be consoled with the continued gentle presence of your parents.
Carrie, I am so very sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. Although our paths crossed only occasionally at the special ed meetings, I always felt that her professionalism and her serene demeanor enriched the atmosphere of those meetings. Please know that she was admired and appreciated.
Dear Carrie,I have thought of your mom fondly throughout the years since she retired. She was an amazing woman and secretary; I still see her notes on some of my recycled files. I was amazed that she never made mistakes and was so dedicated to being a true professional. Jan was a giving woman and was always there for all of us in the special education department and beyond. Her relationship with your father was exemplary and I know she loved you both so much! She beamed with pride when talking about her grandchildren.
I am sorry for your loss but happy for your mother to be at rest and onto her new life in heaven.
You are in my thoughts and prayers,Jill Loftus
Dear Carrie and Family… Our hearts are saddened to learn of your mom’s passing.
She was a very special lady who always had a smile and nothing but kind words and patience for those of us blessed to have worked with her in the Livonia schools or the community. May the special memories you hold of her live on in your hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!Love,
Dave and Mary Jo Dussault
Dear Carrie,
I was so very sorry to hear of your Moms passing. She was such
a nice lady and was always cheerful and a joy to be around. I remember working with her in the Special Education Dept. at the Elementary School many
years ago. I’ve know you for that many years as well. I watched you grow from a
little girl to the lovely woman you are today. You have your Mom to thank for that.
I haven’t seen your Mom for a few years now but will always remember her and that wonderful smile. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Sincerely, Norma Fuller
Jan was a gentle gem who had a true gift of keeping the Special Education teachers in order as well as the endless paperwork. She was definitely a strong backbone of the department for many, many years at Livonia Central. I recall seeing her at Wegmans buying herself a bouquet of flowers cause as she said “I love flowers Kate.” My response was simple and honest… and you so deserve them Jan. Rest in peace.
It was a pleasure to meet and volunteer with Jan at the United Methodist Church in Livonia. I so enjoyed sharing my trip to Mackinca Island. I will truly remember and thank Karen Rowley for inviting me. Rest my church and trip friend. Dawn McMurtry
Jan’s faith in Jesus was strong and she was very active in the church. She also enjoyed our Friday dinners out, especially if there was a chocolate and peanut butter desert! We miss having her “Happy” presence.
Jan had a smile for everyone no matter what and was always loving and kind. She was a fixture here in Livonia for many years and will be fondly remembered. It was a pleasure to know her and Dick …they always made you feel comfortable and welcome.
I have such wonderful memories of Dick and Jan from our church’s activities. She will be missed. Carrie, we watched you grow up in Livonia. Your mom had a wonderful life and now she can rest in heaven with your dad. Peace be with you.
It was an honor to have known Jan she was a wonderful sweet lady. She raised a phenomenal daughter who will miss her very much. I pray she is at rest now.