Norene Helen Adams

Norene Helen Adams (Perks) (Perky to her family)

Norene was born in Greenville MI. 7/08/1931 the 2nd of 5 children (and the only girl) to Stanley & Helen Perks. Norene grew up with 4 loving brothers in what she later described as a bunk house life. The bunk house life would continue after she married life as she had 3 sons of her own to raise. Her brothers Bob, Jim, Ed and Tom would always be an important part of her life and she saw them whenever she could.

It was here she developed her early love for music, and she would sing at her high school sporting events, parades and various Festivals. One of Norene's first jobs was at AMI jukebox and recording where she recorded a 78rpm record of herself singing. This love of music would continue throughout her life. Later in her life you could often find her with a record on the stereo and the music blaring while she was singing her heart out as she did her housework or was making dinner for her family.

It would be early in her life in Greenville that the travel bug would hit her. She packed up her car and drove by herself out to Arizona to see her brother Ed while he was stationed there. The road would lead her to Jacksonville Florida where a blind date that she would later say she really did not want to go on would lead her to the love of her life Robert (Bob) Adams. They would be married in Florida and then Bob would take a transfer to Ohio where Norene could again be closer to her family. They would settle in Sylvania Ohio in a quiet neighborhood on a 3-acre lot and start raising a family. Her 3 sons Mike, Kevin & Jeff would soon be swept up in the traveling with many trips to Greenville to see her family and for Holidays. The years would go by and the trips would continue Michigan, Florida, Carolinas, Smokie Mountains, up and down the east coast her family would travel in the family station wagon. Too soon her sons would grow up and move out to start their own lives, but the traveling bug would not stop.

Norene and Bob would continue their explorations the American West then maybe down south. We would get calls saying we are heading out and should be back in a couple of weeks. They both loved to travel. Norene would even take her love of travel overseas to New Zeeland, Australia, Ireland (several times) Newfoundland and the list would continue to grow. Norene would lose Bob her travel partner in 1994, but even that would not deter her from more adventures.

Norene was a people person and loved to meet new people as well as continue old friendships. It was often said that she could turn a quick trip into the grocery store into a social event meeting a total stranger and talking for a half hour in the aisle. It would be her love for people that would lead her to the PPSEAWA group and a remarkable group of new friends and travel experiences. She would even host a princess from India in her home while a member of this group. Then there would be bird watching clubs, camera clubs, bus tours. She had very many friends and was always making new as old ones passed away.

I remember her often saying " I have had a better life than I ever thought possible", so please everyone remember Norene as the wonderful vibrant person she was. I am sure everyone that knew her has a special memory of her please hold onto that memory of her and then she will always be with us, and maybe turn up the radio a little and sing a chorus or two for Norene.

Norene will be remembered by her sons and their spouses, her remaining family as well as her 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

We would also like to thank all of the people and agencies that helped her remain home as long as possible during her journey:

West Park Place
Visiting Angels
Gierlich Center
Right at Home
Pro-Medica rehab center

As well as all the wonderful friends and family that stayed in touch with her and did their part to help along the way we love you all and thank you deeply.

Today we honor Norene Adams for a life lived fully and without regret and we gather here to send her to meet her husband Bob that together they may continue their final adventures. We will miss you greatly and love you always. Farewell Mom may God bless you

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness" Mark Twain
"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life" Berthold Auerbach

Private family services will take place and Norene will be laid to rest at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

To share a memory of Norene or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.