Rose Marie "Rosie" Theresa Adams

Lt. Commander (Retired) Rose Marie Theresa Adams (Rosie), 66, of Escondido, California passed away unexpectedly at her home in Escondido on May 15, 2018.

Born to the late Woodrow Whitney Adams and Nora Cecelia Gavin Adams on August 22, 1951 in Fullerton, California she was the fifth of eight children. Rosie attended Holy Family Grammar School in Orange and graduated from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana in 1969. Rosie went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1973 from California State University, Fullerton and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management in 1985 from Memphis State University.

Rosie was a phenomenal athlete from a very young age receiving numerous awards and accolades throughout her athletic career.  Rosie was named scholar-athlete for Mater Dei High School in 1968 and 1969.  Rosie continued her success earning multiple All-American honors at CSUF in three sports.  In 1965, on her 14th birthday, Rosie became the youngest woman to play in an Amateur softball Association’s women’s Fast Pitch National championship tournament for the Orange Lionettes.  Rosie went on to play major league women’s softball for Orange and the Stratford, Connecticut Brakettes for eleven years.  During this period of time, she was a member of seven championship teams and named as a four time All American.  Rosie represented her country in two World championships abroad, earning a silver medal in 1970 and a gold medal in 1974.

A significant life moment occurred on July 9, 1987 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where Rosie was inducted into the National Softball Hall of fame in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the sport.

After retiring from amateur softball in 1975 and playing professional softball for two years, Rosie enlisted in the Navy in 1978. Lt. Commander Adams was a member of the United States Navy for twelve and a half years.  She was a pioneer member of the 1980 Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island that integrated women and men for the first time.  Rosie served her country with great pride and was stationed in Memphis TN, Jackson MS, Idaho Falls ID, and San Diego CA. A well-respected officer, her hard work and dedication to the service earned her several honors and commendations prior to her retirement in 1991. Being an officer in the Navy was one of her proudest achievements.

Rosie is predeceased by her parents Woodrow Whitney Adams and Nora Cecelia Gavin Adams, a sister Mary Lou Sauter, brother Lawrence Adams, an aunt, Sr. Rosemarie Gavin, SND and her beloved dog, Josh.  She is survived by her brothers Michael Adams (Fran) of Petaluma, CA, Robert Adams (Vicki) of Mesa AZ, Charles Adams of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, John Adams (Darlene) of Corona, CA, Mark Adams (Cindy) of Novato, CA, sister-in-law Clare Adams of Anaheim, CA. Also survived by 18 nieces and nephews, 14 grand nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family members and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Rosie's memory to either Wounded Warrior Project or National Alliance on Mental Illness 

Donations may be made to:

National Alliance on Mental Illness 

3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100

Arlington, VA 22203

Web: http://www.nami.org/

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