Mary Helen Adams
Date Of Birth: 10/24/1931
Date of Death: 03/01/2023
Mary Helen Adams was born to Eric and Vera Bryant on October 24, 1931, in Buffalo, Wyoming. She went to be with the Lord peacefully in her sleep on March 1, 2023. As a child, her family often moved as her father worked in road construction throughout the Western United States. They eventually settled in Oregon, where she graduated from Gaston High School as Valedictorian in 1949.
Mary Helen attended college at Biola University for four years in La Mirada, California, where she studied Christian Education, emphasizing Missions. She continued her education at Good Samaritan Hospital Nursing School in Portland, Oregon graduating and receiving her licensure as a Registered Nurse in 1956. After nursing school, Mary Helen worked as a medical missionary in Costa Rica, where she eventually began corresponding with John Reuben Adams, who she had met through mutual friends.
John and Mary Helen were married after her return from Costa Rica on May 4, 1964, in Portland, Oregon. They settled in Kamiah, Idaho, on the farm where John had grown up and was now working after serving in the Navy. Mary Helen worked as a nurse in Idaho before their children were born and returned to nursing in Hillsboro, Oregon, when their youngest, Paul, was in school full-time.
Mary Helen’s nursing career continued to progress as an Emergency Room Nurse at Tuality Hospital, where her fluency in Spanish and passion for helping people made her a huge asset. After she retired from Tuality Hospital at the age of 72 years old, Mary Helen volunteered at a free medical clinic, enjoyed gardening, studying her Bible, and reading current events and history. A life-long passion was a ministry of hospitality, hosting guests, friends, and family for various gatherings. She loved spending time with her ten grandchildren and extended family.
Mary Helen is survived by her husband, John of Hillsboro, Oregon, her five children and their families; John D. Adams of Dallas, Oregon; Annie Becker of Yelm, Washington; James Adams of Hillsboro, Oregon; Paul Adams of Tigard, Oregon; and Graciela Rodriguez of Hillsboro, Oregon. A memorial service celebrating her life and faith in Jesus Christ will be held at the Hillsboro First Baptist Church on March 18 at 1pm. In place of flowers, her family requests donations instead to Intervarsity Christian Fellowship in her memory.