Judith Elizabeth Adams

JUDITH ELIZABETH MATTERS ADAMS, age 82, died peacefully with her husband by her side on June 8th, 2021. 

Judy was born on April 30, 1939 in Buffalo, New York, the family then moved to Kenmore, NY.  She was the only child to Helen and Chester Matters.  She had a magical and loving childhood.  She graduated from Kenmore High School.  She has countless cherished friendships made during school remaining in contact until her death.   She went on to study Nursing through the University of Buffalo at Millard Fillmore Hospital, also in Buffalo, New York.  She graduated from Nursing School in 1959 and began her nursing career at the same Millard Fillmore Hospital.   She loved nursing and serving her patients. 

In 1958 Judy met the love of her life, James Adams.  Being an only child, she informed James she intended to have six children and if he wanted to marry her, he would be having six children too.   With his inability to say no to her baby blue eyes, “the terms” were accepted.  They married soon after on August 7, 1959.   This August 7th of 2021 would have marked 62 years of marriage.

They started their married life in Davenport, Iowa, where James continued his college education at  Palmer College of Chiropractic.  Upon graduation, and with now two sons, Robert and Scott, in tow they moved to San Rafael, CA to begin their life together in the sunny state.   Judy began some of her favorite nursing years at San Rafael Hospital.  She often spoke of her time there and the wonderful experiences with the Doctors and Nurses she served with.   While living in San Rafael, babies Bryce and Jill were born.  During their time in San Rafael, Judy and Jim joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  This conversion brought them much joy, purpose, and peace.  

In 1966, they moved the family to their forever magic place in Sonoma, Ca.  She loved Sonoma and was very grateful her life path brought her to this place.  For most of the early years, they raised their family at 214 East Napa Street in the heart of town.  This home is now known as the Hidden Oak Bed and Breakfast.  Soon after their move to Sonoma, babies five and six,  Laurence and Laura, were born.  This met all “conditions” and now the family was complete.    In 1976, the family moved to “Diamond A” in the west valley hills.     Judy continued her nursing career at Sonoma Valley Hospital working in general floor nursing, Labor and Delivery and the ICU.   She often shared wonderful memories of her time there with all the staff and doctors.   She also spent time working at London House Convalescent Hospital.  She especially loved working with geriatric patients.  Bedside care was her greatest joy.   With six busy kids, whom she treasured having time with, she stopped working in nursing in 1972, but she kept her nursing license current until age 75. 

Judy loved to sing and she had a beautiful Alto voice.  She joined the Sonoma Valley Chorale when it first began and remained a faithful member for close to 50 years.   She missed singing with the group during the pandemic and often said so.  She formed close relationships with the “Short Altos” which they called themselves.    She was in her happy place when singing with the Sonoma Valley Chorale.  Every Monday night, she left with a song in her heart and her Chorale binder of music knowing she would be lifted by her time there, and she was.

Judy also loved watching her kids play sports.  You would often find her at at a town or school sports event cheering her kids on during a swim meet, wrestling match, football game, track meet or theater production.   She never missed an event.  Always the forever supporter of her children.  This joy continued for her with her grandchildren.  She went to every event or game she could enjoying every moment. 

Judy had a great love and passion for travel.  She traveled as often and wherever she could.  She loved to go on any adventure, and luckily, had many.  Travel and chocolate were always at the top of her list of life’s joys.  She loved people and truly valued and honored her relationships with others.  She was a great communicator and stayed in touch with those who touched her life.  She wanted people to know they were important to her. She still sent Birthday cards, Anniversary cards, or any acknowledgment of a special event to all those close to her……..every year. 

Judy is survived by her husband, James Adams, her six children, Robert (Jamie) of Sonoma and their children Joshua, Kylee, Zachary, Lucas and great grandchildren Jane and Cal.  Scott (Lara) of Chandler, AZ and their daughter Jenavieve.  Bryce (Stacey) of Mesa, AZ and their children Christopher, Chad, Ashley, Cody and great grandchildren Heston, Easton, Liv, and Breckyn.  Jill Sullivan (Glenn) of Rohnert Park, CA and their children Stephanie, Sean, Jake and Tyler.  Laurence (Lisa) of Sonoma, CA and their children Katelyn, Hannah, and Dax.  Laura of Gilbert, AZ and her children Jordan, Sterling, Gabrielle, Ivy, Eden and great grand child Thelonious.

Family and friends are invited to attend her Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 3rd, at 1pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 16280 La Grama Drive, Sonoma CA.  In Lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

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