Mary Kooyers ’50 Adams

Marylouise K. Adams left us to meet her Lord on the morning of February 23, 2024. She had recently turned 95 years old and was always happy and interested in visiting with those she met on her life’s
journey. She enjoyed gardening; loved to write detailed, often newsy letters to folks; and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family including her many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marylouise was born February 3rd, 1929 in Holland, Michigan to her parents the late Alton V. and M. Alverne (Avery) Kooyers. She grew up in Holland, after a brief time spent living with her family in Cabin John, Maryland. She often spoke fondly about their time in Maryland. She attended Holland High School, Hope College graduating in 1950, University of Michigan, and Michigan State University. The latter being where she studied and received her teaching accreditation.
She relocated to Midland in the early 1950’s and taught in the MPS system, especially at Carpenter Elementary School. While attending a social group sponsored by the First United Church of Midland, she met her late husband, Lawrence W. Adams and his three children, by his late wife Betty Miller Adams. The couple married in 1955 and were happily married for 57 years.
Marylouise was active in helping scout troops – as a Den Mother for Boy Scouts and with the Girl Scouts, as a leader. Marylouise enjoyed a good book, PBS shows, the arts, music, history, genealogy, and had been a member of local groups: The Valley Herb Society, Midland County Historical Society, and The Midland Antique Society, at one time. She had also been a member of First United Methodist Church and a longtime member of Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church, with her family. She had a sharp memory for names of people and even their pets’ names, and loved to travel when she got the chance.
Marylouise is survived by her sister Lorraine (Larry) Dietz and their families, her cousin Judy Avery and her family, her three step children and their families: Susan Perry, Tom (Karen) Adams, Don
(Vicki) Adams. She is also survived by her children and their families: David (Daileen) Adams, Rich Adams, Alice Adams, and Rob Adams. Also, her Step-Grand-Children: Aaron Adams, Brad (Jeanie) Perry and family, Beth Perry, Tim (Crystal) Perry and family, and Sarah Anker. Her sons, Geroge D. Adams and Alton C. Adams predeceased her along with her siblings Alton D. Kooyers, Lloyd Kooyers, and sisters-in-law, Alice Kooyers and Joanne Kooyers, and nephew Kenneth Kooyers.