Mary Ellen "Dede" Daugherty Adams died in Farmington, Michigan on March 27, 2018 after 73 years of really LIVING.

"You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live. So live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you."

Dede was diagnosed in July 2016 with glioblastoma. She spent the next 20 months heroically fighting the disease and truly living. She continued to travel, attend mass, and visit with friends.

Dede was a proud breast cancer survivor, a brain cancer fighter, a passionate Michigan Wolverine, a faithful Catholic, and an advocate for independent women. She participated in the Komen 3-day walk as a volunteer and walker (60 miles in 3 days at age 67). She was a volunteer for Providence Hospital giving over 12,500 volunteer hours. She was also a word traveler, who loved learning of other cultures and making new friends.

Dede was a loving daughter, mother, and grandmother. She talked to her father every day until his passing and to her children most days via phone or text. She was a supportive mom who encouraged her children to learn, explore, and love.

Dede was born in Gary, Indiana to parents Charles E. Daugherty and Mary Ellen Tuerff Daugherty. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1966. She was a school teacher at MacArthur Elementary in Southfield, Michigan. She was also a substitute teacher in the Farmington and Northville school districts.

Dede is survived by her son George C. "Tripp" Adams, her daughters Katharine "Kate" Adams (husband Rodney and daughter Meela), Ellen Hamel (husband Scott and children Maggie, Annie, and Cooper). She is preceded in death by her husband George M. Adams Jr.

Visitation will be at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home in Farmington, Michigan, Friday 3/30 from 4-8 pm and Saturday 3/31 1-5 pm with a Scripture Service at 5 pm. Funeral will be St. Kenneth Catholic Church in Plymouth, Michigan on Monday 4/2 with Mass 10:30 am (in state 10:00 am).

Freedom House Detroithttps://www.freedomhousedetroit.org/ click on "Support" or

The American Brain Tumor Association (http://abta.org/), click on "Donate"