Shirley Adams

Shirley E. Adams passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by loved ones. Born July 9, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Shirley was the daughter of Agnes (Olson) and Clarence Sorenson. She deeply loved her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. Shirley lived a life filled with unconditional love and service to others, supporting them with gestures both big and small.

Shirley worked as a keypunch operator before marrying the love of her life, Robert 'Bob' Adams, in 1959. Together, they built a warm and loving home, raising their children - Catherine, David, Jeffrey, Jennifer, and Robert Joseph. She took immense pride in caring for her home and was known by all for her cooking, baking, gardening, love for animals, reading, and her unwavering thoughtfulness. Shirley worked at Jovan Cosmetics from 1980 until just before Bob passed, in 1996. She then moved to Belvidere, Illinois, where she lived with her son David, his wife, Lynn, and her grandchildren, Taylor and Spencer, until her passing.

In October 2024, Shirley joyfully attended her granddaughter Nancy's wedding. She adored family gatherings of all kinds, but this one will be cherished as her final one. Shirley was deeply devoted to her family and was loved profoundly in return. She will be dearly missed by all.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes and Clarence Sorenson; her husband, Robert Adams; her infant son, Robert Joseph; her brothers, Carl and Bob Sorenson; her stepsister, Ellen Szczod; and her son-in-law, Michael Schmidbauer.

Those left to honor Shirley's memory include her children Catherine Schmidbauer, David (Lynn) Adams, Jeffrey (Kim) Adams, and Jennifer (Steven) Morris; her sister, Carol Stafford; her grandchildren, Joseph Schmidbauer, Kelsy (Adam) Kadisak, Brittany (Bryan) Crotty, Nancy (Dane) Zarnowski, Taylor Adams, and Spencer Adams; and her great-grandchildren, Mason Kadisak and Ada Kadisak.

A private graveside service will be held in July. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or Plant a Tree in honor of Shirley's love for animals and gardening.

Stateline Cremations is assiting the family. 6204 Forrest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111 www.statelinecremations.com