Caring, compassionate, feisty and mischievous
Published December 19, 2019
READING — Madeline H. (Reynolds) Adams, 87, of Reading and formerly of North Reading, passed away, Thursday morning, December 12, 2019 at the Bear Mountain Nursing Home in Reading, after a lengthy illness.
Born in Winterport, Maine on March 30, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Everett and Lillie (Danielson) Reynolds. She attended Lynn Public Schools and worked at the Harvard Folding Box Company in Lynn.
Madeline Adams, known as “Maddie” to her friends, filled many roles in her 87 years. She was a hardworking woman with a kind heart. She was mother to four daughters, who will be forever grateful for her devotion to her family. Then in 1976, Maddie became a grandmother, and from that day forward became affectionately known as “Nana Banana.” In that instant, she stepped into the role of her lifetime.
Since then, Maddie was blessed with 14 grandchildren. She wrapped each in her immense affection, which continually blossomed as the family grew. She was a fierce and loyal protector. Her generosity was boundless. While she always wanted to shower her grandchildren with gifts, it was not the material goodies that meant the most; it was her generosity of time.
Despite working a full-time job, Maddie gave all of her extra time and energy to her grandchildren, who were always welcomed at Nana’s place.
Maddie was both caring and compassionate, but could also be feisty and mischievous. It was these combined traits that made her special. Moments spent in her company will live on as precious memories.
As the years passed, she was thrilled to see the next generation born. One by one, her love extended to reach 22 great-grandchildren, with her 23rd great-grandchild expected in a few months. While her energy naturally waned, her love remained as potent as ever. The family will carry this love with them always.
Family members include her loving daughters, Donna Kwiatek and her husband Michael of Lynn, Cheryl O’Connell and her husband Bob of North Chelmsford, Terry Gill and her husband Dave of North Reading and April Adams of Gainesville, Fla.; her late brother, Everett Reynolds and late sister, Marilyn Sisson; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private and are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to: Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
