Patricia Reid Adams

On June 24, 2025, we lost a truly remarkable woman—one who was selfless, graceful, kind, and quietly powerful. Patricia Reid Adams was a mother, wife, professional, baker, businesswoman, athlete, singer, musician, traveler, motorcyclist, and passionate sports enthusiast. A true renaissance woman, she lived her life with purpose and heart. Patricia passed away peacefully at the age of 82 in Charlottesville, Virginia, surrounded by her loving family.

She is predeceased by her parents, Robert and Flora Reid, and is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years, Don Adams; daughter Dawn Farrell-Moore; son Shaun Farrell; sister Barbara Reid; grandchildren Hayden, Madison, Hunter, and Miles; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Audrey.

Born on December 21, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, Patricia spent most of her childhood in Orange, Virginia. Raised in a loving home, she thrived in every endeavor she pursued. At Orange High School and during her summers, Pat competed in nearly every sport available to girls—basketball, softball, cheerleading—and always with a spirit of determination and joy. She and her sister were a dynamic duo on the field. Tennis, however, was her lifelong passion. She competed in state tournaments in her youth and continued to play well into her seventies, often winning matches against much younger opponents. She stored her many trophies quietly, later donating them to the Salvation Army.

Her presence on the tennis court made a lasting impression. At matches in both Florida and Virginia, fellow players would often tell Don, “When I grow up, I want to be just like Pat.” While her “Club Champion” plaques in various tennis clubs surely played a part in that admiration, it was truly her gracious spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering kindness that inspired others most.

Patricia attended Wake Forest University and earned her degree in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia. She saw her career not just as a job, but as a calling. She served patients with compassion and professionalism at hospitals in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Charlottesville (UVA); and Harrisonburg, Virginia.

After her first marriage ended, she raised her two children as a single mother while working at the University of Virginia. During her later years at UVA, she reconnected with Don, her sweetheart from their Medical College of Virginia days. Around that same time, Patricia received a liver transplant—a profound turning point in her life. Don proposed while she was still in recovery, and not long after, with permission from hospital staff, the two briefly left the hospital to pick out engagement and wedding rings. Pat embraced this second chance at life and love with open arms. She became one of the longest-living liver transplant recipients—nearly 36 years—not by chance, but by sheer will, discipline, and a deep respect for the life she’d been gifted.

Together, Pat and Don filled their years with adventure and learning. They traveled widely, both in the U.S. and abroad, seeking experiences that enriched their lives—from art and music camps to deep conversations with people from other cultures. Whether snorkeling among sea turtles and lionfish or sketching mountain views, Pat embraced life fully. She was not one to simply observe—she engaged.

Those who knew her will remember her radiant smile, quiet confidence, boundless curiosity, and “can do” attitude. Her life included many challenges—single parenthood, organ transplant—but she never allowed hardship to define her. She painted beautifully, especially portraits of landscapes, animals, and loved ones. She cheered enthusiastically at her grandchildren’s sporting events and was always up for showing her granddaughter a few tricks on the tennis court.

We will dearly miss her famous four-layer chocolate cake, her banana bread, her chess squares, and her beautiful singing voice—whether on stage, in the church choir, or simply echoing through the house.

The family would like to extend deep gratitude to the exceptional UVA transplant team, especially Dr. Curtis Argo, whose dedication, knowledge, and heartfelt care guided Pat for nearly 20 years. Their relationship was a true partnership built on mutual respect and trust, navigating every challenge together. Special thanks also go to Chip and Judy Strickler for their support of the Charles O. Strickler Transplant Clinic, and to the compassionate staff of the UVA Nerancy Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, whose care in her final days was a great comfort.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to consider becoming an organ donor. Pat’s life was extended—and deeply enriched—thanks to the incredible gift of donation nearly 36 years ago. For that, and so much more, we offer our heartfelt thanks.