FAIRFAX, Va. — Janice Wiley Adams, 93, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 21, in Fairfax, Va., surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

As a matriarch to the family, she avidly engaged in correspondence through handwritten letters to each member individually. Her special gift that she passed on to every member is how important the bond of family is.

Born and raised in Maplewood, N.J., Janice graduated from Columbia High School in South Orange, N.J. and from Sweet Briar College in Virginia, where she studied English and dance.

Janice and her husband, George, traveled the world during their 57 years together. While she lived in New Jersey for most of her life, she also lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Rio de Janerio, Brazil, Pennsylvania and retired to Maine in 1977 with her husband, George. Janice was living most recently in Sterling, Va.

Devoted to a life of community service, Janice was a literacy volunteer and also volunteered together with George at the Economic Ministry in Salem, as well as countless other causes. She was a faithful member of St. Bernard’s Church in Bernardsville, N.J., Calvary Episcopal Church in Summit, N.J. and St. Luke’s Church in Wilton.

Her love and of horticulture, nature, gardening and especially her much beloved cabin on East Pond in Smithfield, was evident to all that had the privilege to know her. Her long time personal love and commitment to physical fitness inspired Janice to walk, cross country ski and swim into her nineties. A passionate and avid reader Janice was always a member of a book club, often reading several books at one time. She was a graceful, patient, loving and understanding woman who will be sorely missed by all that were fortunate to have known her.

Janice was the beloved wife of George Emery Adams and loving mother to her surviving children, Michael Adams of Mountain Lakes, N.J., Ellen Adams of Charlottesville, Va., Carol Haver of Great Falls, Va., Rebecca French of Madison and Abigail Adams of Montclair, N.J. Her surviving family also includes her sister, Nancy Wiley Walker of Montpelier, Vt.; ten grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; all of her beloved nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, William Carroll Wiley and Isabelle (Lecato) Wiley; her husband, George in March, 1997; and two brothers, William Bradford and James Wiley.