ATHOL -- C. Virginia "Gidge" (Fredette) Adams, 85, of 162 Fredette St., died Friday, Sept. 05, 2008 at her home following a brief illness surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Athol, Mass., Sept. 12, 1922, the daughter of Ernest T. and Mary (Leamy) Fredette. She has lived in Athol all of her life, graduating from Athol High School in 1940 and from Regis College in Weston in 1944.

Following her graduation from college she taught in the Petersham schools and Athol High School for several years. She was a member of Our Lady Immaculate Church, teaching C.C.D. classes for several years. She was also a member of the Athol Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Athol Woman's Club. Gidge enjoyed playing bridge with her many friends and family. Her husband of 62 years, Clifford P. Adams, died in June of 2007, they were high school sweethearts and married in 1945. Together they enjoyed many winters in Florida and traveling, in which they visited every state in the union. Gidge especially enjoyed spending time with all of her family.

She leaves six children, Debbie Kelly and her husband, Ted, of Weston, MA, Sally Ryder and her husband, David, of Tarpon Springs, FL, Larry Adams and his wife, Debbie, of Athol, Marylou Perry and her husband, Rich, of Stoughton, MA, Mike Adams and his wife, Nancy, of Tewksbury, MA and Katie Campion of Orange; 17 grandchildren, Sonja (Kelly) Farmer and her husband, Brent, Jenifer (Ryder) O'Keefe and her husband, William, Jason Ryder, Nick Adams, Jessica (Adams) Knoop and her husband, Dave, Rebecca Adams, Gregory Perry, Erica Perry, Kim (Adams) Driscoll and her husband, Patrick, Mike Adams II, David Adams and his wife, Amanda, Peter Adams, Anthony Castellano, Amy Castellano, Veronica Campion, Geoffrey Campion and his wife, Lindsey, and Jonathan Campion; four great-grandchildren, Jason Farmer, Erin Farmer, Kevin Farmer and Skylar Knoop. She also leaves a sister-in-law, Sally Fredette who she considered a sister.

She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Tammy Lee Ryder and a brother, E. Francis Fredette.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St., Athol with the Rev. Fr. Frederick Fraini, associate pastor, officiating. Those planning to attend the Mass are asked to go directly to the church. Family calling hours will precede the Mass at Higgins-O'Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol and burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to: Our Lady Immaculate Church , Building Fund, 192 School St., Athol, MA 01331 or the Gardner Visiting Nursing Association, Hospice Program, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440.

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Athol- A Mass of Christian Burial For C. Virginia "Gidge" Fredette St., was held Tuesday, Sep 9 2008, At Our Lady Immaculate Church with the Rev. Fr. Frederick Fraini, associate pastor, assited by Rev. Fr. William Gallagher of Worcester, officating. The Altar server was Jane La Chance, the organist was Robert Lemonie and cantor was Elizabeth Hume.
The pall was palced by granddaughter Kim Driscoll and Veronica Campion, and the crucifix was placed by granddaughter Jessica Knoop. The Old Testament reading was done by granddaughter Sonja Farmer and the New Testament reading done by granddaughter Rebecca Adams. The gifts were brought forward by granddaughter Ercia Perry and great granddaughter Erin Farmer and a solo, Ava Maria, was soung by grandson Nick Adams. The Eucharistic ministers were Madeleine Andrews and Ruth LaBrie. A eulogy was given by Mrs Adams' son, Larry Adams and reflections were shared by daughter-in-law Nancy Adams, son-in-law Rich Perry and nephew Ed Fredette.
Burial followed at Gethsemane Cemetery and bearers were: grandson Jason Ryder, Nick Adams, Greg Perry, Peter Adams, Jeff Campion and Jonathan Campion. A reception was held at the Ellenwood Country Club.
Higgins-O-'Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol directed arrangements.