On September 22, 2023. Age 75. (nee Hannold) Of Gloucester City. Beloved wife of 52 years to William Adams, formerly of Audubon.  Loving mother of Michelle and Kevin Biehl of Audubon.  Dear sister of Terri Lynn and Paul Taggart of Fort Myers, the late Sandra Lee Adams and the late Lori Ann Hannold. Also survived by her brother in law, Thomas Adams and his wife, Janet, loving aunt Lois Shelton (nee Hannold), loving aunt Olive Mae Driscoll (nee Pine), and uncle Charles Adams, her dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from Gloucester City and surrounding communities.

Mary was a member of the Sterling High School Class of 1967.  She obtained her A.S. Degree in Human Services from Camden County College in 1997 and completed her B.S. in Social Sciences from Thomas Edison State University in 2006.  Mary held two teaching certificates and served as a substitute teacher in local schools as a teacher of students with disabilities and teacher of preschool to third grade.  As a published poet, and a member of the Audubon Poets, Mary Lou would often read poetry to the children and encourage them to write their own poetry.

Mary Lou's love of history and genealogy led her to volunteer in the Gloucester City Historic Commission and Gloucester City Historical Society, of which she is a past president.  Mary Lou loved researching the history of Gloucester City and surrounding communities.

Mary Lou Adams found her life's passion as a patron of the arts and a promoter of artistic expression. In 2008 Mary Lou founded The Gloucester City Cultural Arts and Heritage Society.  For over 13 years, Mary Lou directed the organization which coordinated the Annual Riverfront Art/Music Festival on the Gloucester City riverfront for 11 years.  The purpose of the festival was to promote local artists and musicians and provide Gloucester City residents with a wonderful day of music, artistic expression and fun. Mary Lou would often sing jazz standards at the festival and other local venues.  Mary Lou received a proclamation from Gloucester City Mayor and Council for starting the Gloucester City Cultural Arts Group and was a recipient of a Martin Luther King Freedom Medal and Assembly Commendation.  Some of her paintings in acrylic were recognized with a Camden County Cultural Arts Commission Award and/or received ribbons at a number of juried arts exhibits.

Mary was a creative artist, a compassionate woman, who loved her family and friends, and served her community with joy.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Mary's viewing on Friday morning, September 29th from 9:30 am to 11 am at St. Mary's R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am in the church. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin, NJ.

Charity donations to the American Cancer Society are suggested.

Expressions of sympathy: www.mccannhealey.com under online obituaries of Mary Lou Adams.  Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCann Healey Funeral Home: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, Ph: 856-456-1142.