Sally Anne Adamson

Born on June 5, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky. Sally lived a life defined by perseverance, compassion, faith, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.

Sally demonstrated academic excellence from an early age, earning recognition for her skills in business education. She pursued secretarial science at Eastern Kentucky State University and began her professional career in academic administration and with Marathon Oil Company. Driven by determination and ambition, she continued her education while working full-time, attending night classes and later moving to California, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Education from California State University, Long Beach in 1972, followed by a Master’s degree in Vocational Education in 1979.

Sally found her true calling in the classroom. She spent more than 32 years teaching business education in the Norwalk–La Mirada Unified School District, primarily at John Glenn High School, where she became a cherished and respected member of the school community. She created a welcoming environment where students felt supported and inspired, and she took great pride in preparing them for their futures. Following a serious heart attack, Sally returned with renewed determination and successfully led efforts to modernize the school’s computer lab through donations and fundraising, ensuring her students had access to current technology.

A woman of deep faith, Sally was an active and devoted member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where she found community, purpose, and spiritual strength.

Sally found joy in reading, traveling, gardening, decorating her home, and caring for her beloved Standard Poodles. She was also known for her simple but treasured favorites, popcorn, an ice-cold coke, crushed ice, and chocolate cake, which she happily enjoyed and shared with family during holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, and quiet evenings at home. Above all, she cherished her family and the time spent together.

For 41 years, Sally was married to the love of her life, Richard Adamson. Together they shared a deep bond and many joyful experiences, including lively conversations about politics, faithfully attending church, and evenings out at Disneyland enjoying their favorite theme park rides. They loved to travel, taking seven cruises, including a memorable journey through the Panama Canal, and making cherished family trips to Hawaii. Sally also treasured special summer vacations with her mother, exploring Scotland, Egypt, Ireland, and England, among many other destinations. These shared adventures brought her great happiness and created lasting memories that her family will treasure forever.

She is survived by her vow-worthy and devoted husband, Richard Adamson; her dog, Desi (7); her son, John Adamson; her daughter-in-law, Christina Adamson; her granddaughters, Blayney (24) and Cydney Adamson (22); and her sister, Leslie Kennedy. Her love, guidance, and strength will live on through them and through the countless students whose lives she touched.

A viewing will be held at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary, located at 902 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. A graveside service will follow at noon at Olive Lawn Memorial Park, 13926 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sally’s name and honor may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church or St. Jude Medical Center.

Sally will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, generosity, fashion sense, and unwavering belief in others. Her legacy as an educator, woman of faith, and devoted family member will endure for generations.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.