Mary was born on August 15, 1926, in Norristown, Pennsylvania to Julia M. and William F. Dorsey. She lived through WW2 and the Great Depression. She married her husband, Gregory, a heavy equipment operator, in 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio, where they would eventually have eleven children and raise them in Chula Vista, California. She tragically lost her husband when her last two children (twins) were 9 years old and there were still four children living at home.
Mary retired from her job as a Loan Secretary from Union Bank, served as a Eucharist Minister and Bookkeeper at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, and helped her 3rd eldest son build his construction business.
Mary was a shining example of humility and grace, often putting others before herself. She joyfully dedicated her life to serving her exceptionally large family, the Catholic Church, and the Lord. She was a selfless, hardworking, and a devoted mother, who taught her children tremendous compassion for others by seeking to understand the other person’s situation, and the blessings that came from hard work. Mary was known for her innate, soft spoken wisdom that spoke loudly through her actions. Mary could bring peace and serenity to any room simply with her presence. Even in the midst of chaos, she was known for her ability to keep everyone calm in any circumstance or situation. Not one of her children can recall her ever complaining about her life.
Mary exhibited class and style far beyond her middle-class upbringing. She took pride in taking care of herself, her family, and her home. Even after 11 children, she was always beautiful, inside, and out. She had a heart to give and gave generously to her family. She was kind and spoke kind words. She was patient and loving. She had seemingly tireless energy for her family. She had an unshakeable belief in the power of prayer and that God would take care of her family – and He always did!
Mary loved her husband and children deeply. She and Greg never had a lot of money, but they were a great team and worked together seamlessly to ensure each of their children had three meals a day, clean, pressed clothing, and a home that provided safety and security. A kiss and the words, “God be with you”, was her daily mantra as the children left for school each day. Mary and Greg both worked tirelessly to provide for their children to give them everything they needed to become who they are today.
With nearly 80 members of the Adams family today, the legacy of love she leaves behind and the love she brought to this world is unquantifiable. Mary strongly believed there is no greater gift than love itself and that indeed is what she gave to so many during her time on earth.
Mary is preceded in her death by her parents, Julia and William Dorsey, her two brothers, Thomas and Raymond Dorsey, her husband, Gregory, and her first grandson, John Adler Jr. Her legacy faith and service will live on through her large family. She is survived, and will be deeply missed, by her eleven children, Karen, Gregory Jr., Phillip, David, Mary Elizabeth “Beth”, Matthew, Eileen, Michael, Margaret “Maggie”, and the twins, Julia and James “Jim”, her 30 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.
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