Joanne Elizabeth Adams December 22, 2024

Joanne Elizabeth Adams
June 19, 1932 – November 16, 2024

Joanne Elizabeth Adams, known lovingly as “Nana,” passed away peacefully in the care of her family on November 16, 2024, in Turlock, California, at the age of 92. She was born to Josephine L. Dowd Tuohey and William A. Tuohey on June 19, 1932, in Springfield Massachusetts. She was a faithful resident of Turlock, California, for over 30 years.
Mom will always be remembered for her vibrant witty Irish personality, characterized by her infectious laughter and her well dressed, chic looks. She was the life of the party, a great conversationalist and always had wonderful stories to tell. Her home was welcoming to everyone, as she and Dad always hosted great parties for their friends and family, especially on St. Patrick’s Day, Mom’s favorite holiday.
Mom left Massachusetts in the late ‘40s with our Grandma Josephine and traveled by train all the way to San Francisco, where mom went to Lowell High School and graduated in 1949. She then pursued nursing school at University of San Francisco, but did not complete the courses able to graduate. Later on, she got a job on the docks on Pier 33 as a bookkeeper for the boats that came into port. She met Dad in 1953 on a blind date, in San Francisco. For Dad, he was hooked when he first met her – Calling it “love at first sight.” They married a couple of years later on November 19, 1955, living in San Francisco. My sister, Nora, was born in 1957 soon after. They stayed in the city until Dad got a job at Lockheed Martin Missiles in Sunnyvale, CA, moved to Santa Clara, CA, and then had me (Nellie) in 1964.
Mom worked as a TA at Manuel De Vargas Elementary from the year 1970 to 1976, later switching to working in retail at Bullock’s department store in the late ‘70s to early ‘80s. Mom finished off her working career as a loan officer for Bank of America in the late ‘80s. Mom and Dad lived in Santa Clara until Dad retired in the early ‘90s, then making the move to Turlock, CA. They both traveled all over the world seeing different countries, like Istanbul, Greece, Italy, Paris, and more. Mom lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute of traveling, seeing sites, enjoying good food, and great company.
She leaves behind a loving family including her two daughters, Nora Adams-Wunderman and Nellie Adams-Morse, as well as her two loving grandchildren, Alex Wunderman and Emily Morse. She also leaves behind our four-legged furry family companion, Georgie. He was with her until the end, and will miss her hugs and kisses.
Mom was preceded in death by her husband, our late father and “Papa,” Henry H. Adams who died on February 3, 2017. They were married for 62 years.
We know Mom is taking one last trip with Dad and that wherever they go, they are having a blast! We will miss you, Mom, and will always have you in our hearts. Safe travels, Nana, wherever you go. Bon Voyage!
Our Mom’s wishes are to be cremated and scattered out to sea. No funeral service will take place, as our mother thought it was a bunch of malarkey to have one (her words). She will be laid to rest at a private service for immediate family only later on in Southern California.
In lieu of flowers being sent to our family, please consider making a small donation to The State Theatre in Modesto, CA. This was one of our Mom’s favorite spots to spend time with her loved ones.