Kathleen Taylor Adams

ROLLINSFORD, NH: Kathleen Taylor Adams, 95, of Pine Street passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Kathleen was born on March 14, 1929, in Dover, New Hampshire, to Lena Lewis and George Taylor. She was the youngest of six children and the only daughter in the family.

After graduating from Dover High School in 1947, Kathleen took the train down to Boston to begin her cosmetology studies at Wilfred Beauty Academy. It would be the beginning of her remarkable 60-year career as a hairdresser and cosmetology instructor. She even owned and operated two successful salons, Vanity Case Salon and House of Charm, in an era that demanded extra grit, skill, and determination from women business owners. But Kathleen was more than a stylist; she forged lasting relationships with her clients, many of whom she kept in touch with long after retiring in 2008, whether through phone calls or handwritten letters. Notably, Kathleen had impeccable, elegant penmanship– something she was proud to have mastered despite the added difficulty of being a lefty.

Outside of her craft, Kathleen was a dedicated member of the Class of 1947, responsible for awarding thousands of dollars in college scholarships to Dover High School seniors; an avid regional traveler who hiked the Flume Gorge, with enthusiasm and a smile, at age 80; and a true animal lover who often donated to the Pope Memorial (Cocheco Valley) Humane Society and NHSPCA. Kathleen was always on the move, never missing an opportunity to explore the coastline in the summer or admire the northern foliage in the fall. She often reminisced about her childhood summers spent at York Beach, perhaps where her love of seafood started, and family vacations each year to Prince Edward Island, where she made many lifelong friends. When she did stay home, she could often be found at her kitchen table, sipping black coffee while reading the newspaper alongside her loyal cats, playing card games with her family, or planning her next outing with the Red Hat Society.

Kathleen always chose to be kind, grateful, and optimistic, even in the face of life's challenges. Her warm spirit was a source of strength for her loved ones, especially as she played an active, integral role supporting her grandchildren as they grew. She was eternally proud of each and every member of her family and sought every opportunity to share their accomplishments with anyone and everyone. Through them, and her contributions to our seacoast community, Kathleen's legacy will live on.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Leigh Adams-Bourque, and Leigh's husband, Michael Bourque of Dover; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kathleen's name to either the Pope Memorial Humane Society or NHSPCA.

Private final arrangements will be made at the convenience of the family.