Marcia Adams: Obituary and Condolences

The Sheets & Childs Funeral Home of Churubusco is in charge of arrangements following the death of well-known author Marcia Adams.  Friends and admirers of Marcia Adams' work may leave a condolence message for the family at the funeral home's website here.

From the Sheets & Childs obituary:

Marcia Grabill Sicard Adams, age 75, of Fort Wayne, died on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Lutheran Hospital.

Born April 12, 1935 in Columbia City; she was the daughter of Merle and Esther (Manahan) Grabill. In her early childhood she lived for a time in Angola and later on the family farm near Flint, Indiana. After graduation from Orland High School with honors, she attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio where she was a member of Phi Mu Sorority and was active in The Literary Society.

She was married to Armand Sicard of Butler, Indiana, by whom she had one son, Gerard, who preceded her in death in 1993. Later she married Richard G. Adams. In addition to her parents and son, she was also preceded in death by a brother Gayle Grabill.

[ ... ] [S]he was a member of many philanthropic groups including board level appointments to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and the Fort Wayne Ballet. Marcia was instrumental in the community fund drives that led to the building of the Fort Wayne Performing Arts Center and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

She received the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest award the governor of Indiana can bestow upon a private citizen. She was also a member of the Indiana Arts Commission, the First Presbyterian Church, and the YWCA.

[ ... ] She was also honored by the YWCA as a Hidden Heroine for her behind the scenes work to bring increased awareness to the issue of women’s heart disease.

[ ... ]

She is survived by her brother Gordon (Janet) Grabill of Angola, one grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

At the request of Ms. Adams, there will be a Celebration of Life memorial gathering of family and friends at a later date.  Interment in Lindenwood Cemetery will also occur at a later time with family and selected friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the YWCA of Northeast Indiana, 1610 Spy Run Ave., Fort Wayne, IN  46808; or the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, IN  46802.

Comments

[Alisa Maureen Gearhart]

I started watching my mom cooking at an early age, but untill I had read your cookbooks did I understood that food is history of the people who prepare and eat it. You are a part of my life and for that I am grateful. GOD bless you Marcia, you were the best history teacher I ever had. Now to GOD you go, to share in his presence be with your son and our Savior.

[From Miriam Vance]

I am saddened to learn of the death of Marcia Adams. I loved watching her cook and teach and share her knowledge of antiques on her shows that appeared on my local PBS station.
From Marcia I learned that sharing what you cook with others is a way to share love! Thanks or your lessons, Marcia.

[Cindy Gill]

Such a heartbreaking loss. Marcia's PBS cooking show was a Saturday morning staple in my home. Marcia showed this West Coast girl what Mid-West traditions and history were all about. How I miss watching Marcia so lovingly and respectfully handle those antique quilts with white gloved hands. Snickerdoodles and big soft lemon frosted oatmeal raisin cookies are part of my baking repertoire thanks to Marcia. I remember Marcia saying on her show that she was "prone to frost her cookies" Me too..Bless you Marcia.

[Amy Wolf]

Marcia's was one of the first cooking shows I watched. She captivated me with her attention to detail and her loving respect for the people and recipes she shared. I have given her cookbook, Cooking from Quilt Country, to many people over the years and we all enjoy both the history and the recipes. I was very saddened to learn of her passing. Our world has lost a wonderful soul, God has gained an Angel.

[Dreama Lee Poe]

Marcia was elegant in her presentantion of her recipes and the rich history that she taught. I am deeply saddened about this loss.I cherish the memories of her.

[Carol Stearnes]

What a great legacy you've left!

[Cori Bodeman]

Oh so sad. While I wasn't a dedicated fan, my most used, dogeared, and stained cookbook in my kitchen during the holidays is "Holidays in the Heartland". Found her on PBS in the 90's. She was what Martha Stewart SHOULD HAVE BEEN.

I'm tardy in this as I just found out but I'm very saddened. Thank you Marcia. My Steamed Apple Pudding and Chocolate Mousse Tulips will be bittersweet this year.

[John Lane]

What a delightfully watchable and refined lady, her death has saddened me. Her Raspberry-Cream Cheese Coffee Cake became an instant classic in my household, and I never tire of it. She gave us home cooks so much and enriched so many lives with her generous spirit. I will miss having her on this earth, but she lives on with the wonderful books she shared with us.

[Eloise Delinski]

I am so sad to learn of Marcia Adam's death. I loved watching her television shows. She inspired me to bake bread and experiment with recipes. I loved her gentle manner and was thrilled to meet her in person in Lafayette, IN on my 50th birthday at a book signing. Heaven is richer for her presence there. Thank you, Marcia.

[Theresa Selga]

I watched Marcia's shows and I still use her cookbooks. She was super in giving us a taste of Amish and Mennonite culture, too! What a great gift she has given us. Thank you

[Judy Sommer]

I just pulled out Marcia's Christmas cookbook. I, too, enjoyed watching her on my local PBS channel and learned a lot from her. My special favorite recipe that I served at a social gathering at our home is the Syllabub. It was a hit! Every Christmas season I associate this "utterly beguiling punch" to the hit of the gathering. Leafing through the cookbook made me wonder about Marcia. Saddened to learn of her passing but will always remember her fondly with educating me in another avenue of life.