AUBURN — Carmen Theresa Adams, 83, passed away Monday, July 30, at Clover Health Care, where she had resided since December.

She was born Aug. 20, 1928, in Auburn, the daughter of Joseph and Anna Demers Chaput and was educated in Lewiston schools.

On Nov. 18, 1949, she married “the love of her life,” the former Auburn fire chief Ralph Adams. She waited for him for 28 months when he was a Prisoner of War in North Korea. Upon his arrival home to Auburn in September 1953, they began their beautiful life together and raised their family.

Carmen was a stay-at-home mom until her children were grown and then worked part-time at Day’s Jewelry Store, Ralph Lauren in Freeport and GM Pollack Jewelry Store. She and Ralph enjoyed their family vacations to Ponce Inlet, Fla., and North Conway, N.H. They also traveled to England, Hawaii, Canada and both returned to South Korea to revisit the border crossing at the DMZ.

Carmen always loved spending her time at the coast of Maine on their sailboat, LARA II, which was moored at Orr’s Island for many years. Carmen loved life, most of all her family, and found joy in everyone and everything.

“Grammie” was known for her fabulous homemade apple pies which were made with apples from their family owned apple orchard. She loved “apple season” and sharing the harvest with all her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph of 63 years; her sister, Louise Nadeau; daughter, Carol LeBlanc and husband, Fred and daughter, Susan Laroche and husband, Gerry; son, Michael Adams and wife, Doreen and son, Mark Adams and wife, Lynn; seven grandchildren, Matthew LeBlanc and wife, Leslie, Shelley Laroche Annaldo and husband, Dave, Danny Laroche, Darcy Adams Flemming and husband, Caleb, Michele Adams and fiance’, Brendan Barker, Morgan Adams and Carolyn Adams; six great-grandchildren, William, Briana, twins, Leah and Melania, and Kadi and Macy; several nieces and nephews; and her very dear friends, Judy Reed and Les and Jean Titus.

She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Brenda Adams; granddaughter, Katie Laroche; two sisters, Marie Lussier and Florence Smith; and four brothers, Wilfred, Maurice, Ulric and Armand.

Carmen’s family wishes to sincerely thank the very caring staff at Clover Health Care and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, especially Mona Lisa, for their compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.