Cathy Leanne Adams (Bickar) departed this world suddenly on July 19, 2021.

Cathy was born April 17, 1952 in Aberdeen, Washington to Mina and Bill Bickar and grew up on a farm in Brooklyn, Washington alongside her two brothers Denny and Alan. It is here she developed her love of the outdoors and you would often find her hiking and biking. During her years at school she enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. She graduated from North River High school in 1970 and leaves behind many life-long friends, including Ginger, her best friend since the first grade.

Cathy met her husband, Stephen Lewis Adams and they were married on Sept. 9, 1972 in Yamhill County, Oregon. While visiting Anchorage, Alaska they fell in love with the area and relocated from Oregon to Wasilla with their young son Brett. After Brett graduated from high school he joined the Army, an accomplishment Cathy was always so proud of. Cathy worked on the pipeline on the North Slope for almost five years, an experience she truly enjoyed. She then obtained her real estate license and spent over 20 years pursing that passion. Cathy loved her years in Alaska, meeting several dear friends with whom she enjoyed horseshoes and bowling, ultimately becoming the Alaska state champion in both sports.

One of Cathy’s favorite pasttimes was traveling, especially with her mom Mina. Their favorite memory together was when they traveled to Australia for a month to visit some friends that they both had met in Alaska. Cathy and Mina shared stories and memories of sightseeing and the friends they made during that trip for years to come. It was a very special experience they had together.

In 2010, Cathy moved back to Washington to be near family. She lived with her parents for almost 12 years and was the ultimate caregiver and best friend. During these years, Cathy continued to enjoy painting and had a small studio behind the house where she created beautiful pieces of art. Cathy’s talent, warm spirit and loving nature will be greatly missed by all.

Cathy is survived by her parents, William and Mina Lou (Johnson) Bickar of Aberdeen; son, Brett (Angel) Adams, Salem, Oregon; brothers, Denny (Melanie), and Alan of Aberdeen; and grandchildren, Bailey, Riley, and Kaitlyn Adams, all of Oregon.

A gathering of her life will be held for family and friends to come and share special stories and memories of Cathy at the home of Denny and Melanie Bickar, 6400 Manor Rd. Central Park on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

When Cathy was going through a rough time on the North Slope, her mom Mina wrote her the following poem to let her know she wasn’t alone. We know Cathy would want us to share it and to remind us that we, too, are not alone. She will live in our hearts forever until we meet again.

ALWAYS WITH THEE

When the morning sun tips the mountains

With a mantle of pink,

And the beautiful radiant sunsets

Make you stop and think,

Please know I am with Thee:

When a colorful little bird

Wakes you with a cheerful song,

Or a peaceful flowing stream

Beckons you along,

Please know I am with Thee;

When you see a wild flower

Waving in the breeze,

Or the new green growth

On graceful evergreen trees,

Please know I am with Thee;

When you hear the wind, thunder,

Or gently falling rain,

Or have a day filled with happiness,

Sorrow or pain,

Please know I will always be with Thee:

Mina Bickar