Norman Adams

Norman C. Adams



Norman Clyde Adams, 82, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away in his sleep Sunday, January 14, 2018. Norm was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 10, 1935, to William F. and Helen Adams. He was the third child of four. Norm graduated from Roosevelt High in Minneapolis in 1955, served in the Army during peacetime, and returned to Minnesota to receive his Associate of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Cloud State University. Upon taking a trip to the Southwest with an army buddy, he fell in love with New Mexico and purchased land, planning to return. A few years later, Norman met Sonja Marcene Swanson. The couple was married February 12, 1966, and ended their Rocky Mountain ski honeymoon in Albuquerque. A year later, the newlyweds moved to Albuquerque. After completing his NM teaching certification, the couple settled in Paradise Hills in November of 1968, on the west side of Albuquerque during its infancy. Norm taught math for Albuquerque Public Schools for 30 years, ending his career at West Mesa High in 1997. Norm and Sonja were founding members of All Saints Lutheran Church in 1969, and Cross of Hope Lutheran Church in 1982. They were active members of both communities. Norm loved to sing, and sang baritone both during his university career and for many years in his church choir. He led Sunday School worship for over 25 years. He also taught Sunday School and served on the church board. Many have said that Norm touched their lives through his soft-spoken kindness, his light-hearted humor, and patient teaching skills. He will be greatly missed by his family for his steady, loving reason, his integrity and commitment to his family, and his optimistic outlook on life, even through some very challenging times. Norm's steady physical decline after an undetected stroke six years ago never took away his sharp mathematical mind, or his love for life and positive outlook.

Norm is survived by his wife, Sonja Marcene Adams; his daughter, Kristen Adams of Denton, Texas; his son, Kenneth Adams and his wife Lori Ann, and two grandchildren, Olivia and Zephaniah of Albuquerque; his son, Kevin Adams of Albuquerque; and his sister,

Jeanette Sandahl of Apple Valley, Minnesota. Norm is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Daniel's Family Funeral Home, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. A viewing open to the public will begin at 11:00 a.m., the celebration of life at 1:00 p.m., and burial at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Norm's love for gardening, the family is taking donations toward a Tree Memorial program with the City of Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation. The tree(s) will be planted in the spring. Please make your donation payable to Rio Rancho Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and send to 6309 Casa Blanca NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.