Maryalis Macaulay Adams

She married Gerard E. Adams (Jerry) on May 16, 1953 and together they had two daughters, Kathryn (Frias) and Nan. She is survived by her daughters, her son-in-law, Jose Frias, and her sister Tessa Macaulay.

Maryalis was an academic scholar and a woman “ahead of her time.” She graduated from Fordham University majoring in Chemistry and Philosophy and became a chemist, married, and like many women of her time, she stayed home to raise her girls.

In 1966, she contacted Sr. Mary Constantia, Principal of St. Michael’s in Flushing, regarding a teaching position.

Sr. Constantia’s response was “you are the answer to my Novena to St. Anthony. Can you start (three days later) on Tuesday?”

Maryalis said “Yes!”

In 1975, the year Nan graduated from St. Michael’s, and Kathy from The Mary Louis Academy, she earned a Masters in Science from St. John’s University and graduated magna cum laude.

Maryalis taught for 10+ years at St. Michael’s, two years at St. Sylvester’s, then taught 8th grade math and religion at St. Ann’s in Flushing for almost two decades. She retired from teaching in 1998.

Maryalis was a devout Catholic. She was always grateful for the Sisters of St. Joseph (Brentwood) who were her friends and co-workers and who taught her daughters in grammar school and high school.

Maryalis loved her time at the beach – from High Hill, Jones Beach, and Silver Point Beach Club where she made a valent effort to be sure her girls knew how swim.

She was loved by her family, friends and co-workers, and most especially her students. She made a positive impact on many lives and and will be missed.

A visitation for Maryalis will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Quinn-Fogarty Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358. Funeral mass Friday, December 29, 2023, 9:45 AM at St Anastasia Church, 45-14 245th Street, Douglaston, NY 11362. Committal service will follow Friday at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton, NY 11792.