Joan Ann Adams, 91, of Burlington, Vt., passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of June 29, 2026, at Birchwood Terrace.
Born on July 25, 1934, in Plattsburgh, N.Y., Joan was the daughter of John and Elsie (Overbeck) Frechette. On January 9, 1954, she married her husband of 64 years, F. Henry “Hank” Adams. Two years later, she moved to Burlington, where she devoted herself to raising their growing family. In later years, Joan and Hank enjoyed spending winters in Naples, Fla.
Joan loved giving back to her community as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She had a lifelong passion for flower arranging. A devoted member of the Burlington Garden Club and the Ikebana Club in Naples, she crafted arrangements that earned numerous blue ribbons and brought beauty wherever they were displayed. She also loved playing tennis and treasured the friendships formed on the court. Joan enjoyed fashion and took pride in her outfits, especially when driving her convertible, which always seemed to match her vibrant spirit. Her weekly coffee gatherings at McDonald’s were a cherished ritual and a joyful part of her routine.
A gifted host, cook and baker, Joan made every holiday gathering memorable with her exceptional meals and desserts. Her grandchildren especially enjoyed the elaborate, lovingly decorated cakes she crafted for their birthdays — each one a masterpiece.
Joan is survived by her children: Gregg; Jill Villarreal; John; and Rebecca Adams and her husband, Michael Shea. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Sarah, Lindsey, Jason and wife Josilyn, Abigail, and Colin; as well as her great-grandchildren, Mary, Caro and Augie. She was predeceased by her husband, Hank, in 2018.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, 11 a.m., at New Mount Calvary Cemetery in Burlington. Joan’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of Birchwood Terrace and the University of Vermont Home Health & Hospice for the exceptional care and kindness they provided.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ready Funeral & Cremation Services, South Chapel. To send online condolences to the family, please visit readyfuneral.com.