Eileen A. (Herrick) Ethier Adams, 88, died Sunday evening Nov. 30, at Penacook Place, surrounded by her loving family.
A native and lifelong resident of Haverhill, she was the last survivor of the nine children of the late Harold and Alice (Joncas) Herrick, and was educated in the Haverhill Public School System.
Ethier Adams worked as a telephone operator for New England Telephone and Telegraph and later was employed at New England Business Co., Haverhill Credit Bureau, and the former Hale Hospital.
A longtime member of Saint James Parish, Ethier Adams, was a volunteer for the Civil Defense as an airplane spotter during World War II and was also a member of the United Military Auxiliary, now known as the USO.
An accomplished soloist, guitarist and keyboard player, she participated in local variety and musical shows and was a member of the choirs of Saint James Parish and the former parishes of Saint Rita, Saint George and Saint Therese. She was well known as a member of the Comedy Masque Review for more than 24 years and served as its director from 2000 until 2009. She also enjoyed playing bingo, trips to Foxwoods, playing cards, especially 45s and cribbage with her late husband Donald, and bowling in local leagues.
A dedicated wife and mother to her own nine children, Ethier Adams was predeceased in 1985 by her first husband, Haverhill Highway Superintendent Donald G. Ethier, and by her daughter Denise Dinges in 1991. She was also the wife of the late Allen P. Adams.
She is survived by two sons, Donald A. Ethier and his wife Joy, and Dennis G. Ethier, all of Haverhill, six daughters, Donna Bothell and her husband Kerry of Clinton, PA, Dianne Romano and her husband Daniel of Methuen, Joanne C. Giampa of Methuen, Joyce Kotuli of Haverhill, Janice Ethier and her longtime companion Joyce Jordan of Salem, N.H., and Doreen Munson and her husband Thomas of Dover, N.H.. , also 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home, 47 Broadway, Haverhill. Her funeral will be held on Friday at 9 a.m. from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Saint James Church, Winter St. Haverhill. Burial will follow in Saint James Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Tree of Dreams Fund of Penacook Place, 150 Water St., Haverhill, MA.