Barbara J. Adams

Barbara lived a life defined by compassion, laughter, and unwavering dedication to family and friends. She passed away on July 1, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love. She was born on September 10, 1933, to Michael and Mary (Satala) Ridzik. She attended Southington schools and proudly graduated with the very first class of Southington High School in 1951. After graduating from Laurel College in Meriden, she began her career at the International Silver Company. She was later one of the original employees when Meriden Square opened and worked at G. Fox for over 20 years. Even after retirement, she continued working part-time at Aqua Turf until 2020 and enjoyed spending time with her many friends there.

She met the love of her life, Horace Adams, on a double date she initially didn’t want to attend because she had just washed her hair. Fortunately, her friend convinced her to go anyway, and the rest was history. They were married on September 10, 1955—her 22nd birthday—and together raised two daughters.

Mom cherished her family and friends above all else, and she loved bringing people together through parties and good food. She was at her happiest when sharing a meal with those she loved—whether she was preparing her famous baked stuffed shells for holiday celebrations, enjoying Sunday dinners after church, going out for lunch, or hosting picnics in the backyard.

Mom was endlessly kind and had a wonderful sense of humor. She had a remarkable ability to ease tension with a well-timed joke, a warm laugh, and just the right words to brighten any situation. She welcomed family and friends with open arms, making everyone feel at home. No one ever left her house hungry, and they were always sent off with her signature farewell, “Toodle loo.”

Mom’s kindness extended to the many dogs and cats who shared her home over the years. She always kept extra treats on hand for neighborhood pets, who quickly discovered her generosity and often decided to stay.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Horace Adams; her sisters, Mary Bmerck and her husband, John, Helen Ridzik, and Ann Mathews and her husband, Roy; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Marjorie Adams, Mary (Adams) Derynioski and her husband, Joe, Leslie Adams and his wife, Nancy, and John Adams and his wife, Diane; and her niece, Jane Adams.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Lori Goucher and her husband, Rich, and Lisa Wallace and her husband, Ted. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Gary Goucher and his wife, Erin; Tim Goucher; Erica Ross and her husband, Chuck; Rachel Wallace and her husband, Jacob Pankey; and Sarah Wallace and her husband, Ian McMullen.

Barbara is also blessed with her great-grandchildren, Benji Goucher, Henry and Evelyn Ross, and another great-grandchild expected later this year. She also leaves behind her much-loved nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends.

Barbara’s family would like to thank the entire staff at the Southington Care Center for their excellent care and compassion.

Barbara’s love for animals may be remembered with contributions to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111 (https://cthumane.org/). 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 7, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 581 Meriden Ave, Southington, CT. Burial will follow at South End Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.