Josephine McAdams

JOSEPHINE "Jo" McADAMS, Age 64, of Maple Park, IL, passed away peacefully, Saturday, April 22 at her home following a vicious battle with cancer. BORN / EARLY YEARSShe was born in Dover, Delaware, August 26, 1941, the daughter of Joseph Shamberger and Laura Palmer. From her early years, she was raised by several different people until she came to Illinois to join her sister, Laura. MARRIAGE & FAMILYIn search of love that was true and a life that was secure, Jo found both when she married Ray McAdams on June 29, 1968. They made their home and raised their family in Maple Park.OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY She immensely enjoyed working for Jim Turk at Jim’s Market in Maple Park, where she began in 1977. When her father-in-law, William McAdams, passed away in 1991, Jo became the devoted caregiver for her mother-in-law, Dorothy McAdams, until her passing in 2005. Whether crocheting an afghan, baking goodies in her kitchen, tending her flowers or collecting clothes to take to the needy, Jo was always optimistic and available to help anyone. From her own life storms, she learned the value of unconditional love and the grace of helping hands without judging hearts. LIFE NOTES Looking forward to retirement, Jo and Ray had begun building a new home in Franklin Grove and had made plans to travel when Jo was diagnosed with cancer. With characteristic courage and optimism, Jo endured aggressive surgery to remove an equally aggressive tumor. Though the cancer had attacked her face and smile, it never phased the beauty and grace of her spirit. As Ray patiently worked to complete their new home, Jo enjoyed the acres of wild flowers that surrounded it and watched as Bluebirds came to nest in the birdhouses she hung for them there. When doctor’s pronounced that her system was clear of cancer, Jo and Ray got their passports and prepared for the travels of their dreams. But cancer would return with a vengeance, and the journey they would take together, lead them through the Valley of the Shadow. Daring to make the very best of each day, Jo fought the good fight to the very last. Always concerned about her beloved Ray, their children, grandchildren and her loving sister, Laura, Jo reached beyond her own loss to comfort and cajole her family day by day. Flirting with Ray and teasing her children, Jo was not "the patient", but kept her roles as wife and mother, and to the last, was giving orders. The woman who met life with such joy and death with such courage would not have her loved one’s grieve without hope. The Daffodil’s she requested for her funeral will become her reminder to them all, that life continues after loss, as surely as spring follows winter and no one will ever hear Bluebird’s sing without knowing Jo sent them. SURVIVORS She is survived by her husband, Ray of Maple Park,Three children:Terri Bishop of Granada Hills, CA, James (Lynn) McAdams of Aurora, and Lauri (Gary) Rogers of DeKalb;Three grandsons:Roy and Kyle Bishop and Jeremy Rogers who brought so much joy to Jo’s life;One sister, Laura Lowery of Waterman, IL.Two nieces, Jenny and Ella Lowery and one nephew, Dale Lowery;And family of dear friends. PRECEDED She is preceded in death by her beloved in-laws, William and Dorothy McAdams, who were so important in her life. VISITATION / FUNERAL Wednesday, April 26, 2006 from 5-7:30pm, A brief funeral service will follow at 8pm .Rev. Dan Benson, pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church, Maple Park, will officiate. Committal services will follow, Thursday, April 27, at 10am at Gardner Cemetery, Maple Park, IL.MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in Jo’s name to benefit the Grace United Methodist Church and the Maple Park Community. Memorials checks may be made to the "Jo McAdams Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through her obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information, please visit our website or call 1-800-8-CONLEY.

Visitation Wednesday April 26,2006 5-7:30pm with a Funeral Service held at 8:00pm

Graveside Committal Thursday April 27,2006 starting at 10:00am