Ann Marie (Veilus) (Zayac) Adams passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Good Samaritan Medical Center on December 27, 2023. Born in Brockton, MA on April 18, 1936, she was the daughter of Jessica (Duksta) and Stanley Veilus.
Ann grew up in Brockton and graduated from St Patrick's High School. After graduation, she had a varied career as a telephone operator at Ma Bell and as a model, waitress and singer. Ann loved fashion and was always impeccably dressed. She never left the house unless she was in full make up and every hair was in place.
At one of her singing gigs in Millers Falls, MA, she met Joseph Zayac. They were married in 1956 and had a daughter whom they named Jo-Ann, after both of her parents.
After their divorce in 1962, Ann embarked on a jazz singing career. She had many engagements in jazz lounges in Boston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her jazz influences were Helen Merrill, Ella Fitzgerald and June Christie. She knew 400 jazz songs by heart.
When she came back to Brockton, she waitressed for a while and then went to work at Hit or Miss clothing store. Her singing career came into play when she was chosen, along with some of her fellow employees, to sing for the United Garment Workers Union, in a commercial which was televised nationwide. Every time it was shown she would receive a royalty check which she loved. When Hit or Miss closed she went to work at Stop and Shop on Montello Street in Brockton. She stayed there until she was 86 as a beloved employee.
While working at Hit or Miss she met and married Forrest Adams who was also employed there as a security guard. They shared the love of good jazz, good food and good movies. They enjoyed visiting family and friends and travelling to new places. In 2016, they went to the international balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico and had a wonderful time with Forrest’s Navy buddy Rick and his wife Marie. While there, they sampled Mexican food for the first time. Life was a wonderful adventure for them.
Ann visited Birmingham, England many times to see her daughter Jo-Ann, husband Gareth and grandkids. They took her to London and Paris, she couldn't get enough of the delicious French pastries.
From March 2023 to December 2023, they were very happy living at Heights Crossing Assisted Living. Because she always wore a dress when she went to the dining room for her meals, Ann was often referred to as Miss America and Princess by the residents, staff, and Forrest.
Both Ann and Forrest died at Good Samaritan Medical Center, Forrest passed on December 26th and Ann on December 27th.
Ann is survived by her daughter Jo-Ann Zayac and her husband Gareth Austin of London, England; three grandchildren: Gwendolene and her partner Pieter of Hausen, Holland; Sam and his partner Ahlam of Birmingham, England and Harry and his wife Sonia of Zürich, Switzerland. She is also survived by a sister Mary A Stimans of Candia, NH; two nieces Donna Stimans of Manchester, NH and Cheryl Critchett of Northwood, NH and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton, on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 1 to 2pm, followed by a funeral service at 2pm when family and friends are welcome to share their remembrances of Ann.
No flowers, please, but donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.