Nydia R. Adames

Nydia R. Adames, 85, died peacefully from natural causes on September 4, 2023. The matriarch of her family, she was a devoted wife, mami, and abuela who will be greatly missed.

Nydia was born on March 27, 1938, to Manolo and Trinidad Rodriguez in Ciales, Puerto Rico. In 1961, she married the love of her life, Rafael Adames-Longo and their fifty-six-year union was filled with adoration, friendship, and unyielding commitment to family. Nydia was a dedicated mother, first and foremost, and she and Rafael raised their five children in Zion, Illinois.

Nydia’s career spanned years of teaching English as a second language (ESL) and working in varied capacities with the Waukegan public school system, including her beloved Carman Elementary School. She was greatly respected in the community, and colleagues knew of her kindness and quick sense of humor.

Later in life, Rafael and Nydia retired to Morris, Illinois, and Fort Myers, Florida. An avid sports fan, always rooting for her Chicago Cubs and the Bears, Nydia spent her final years cared for by her family, especially her daughter, Nydia and son-in-law, Bryan.

Nydia is survived by her five children, Rafael Adames, Ariel Adames, Nydia Adames-Petty (Bryan Petty), Nydia Robinson (Anthony), and Ivan Adames (Liz). She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ashely & Chrissy Petty, Giovanni Adames, Tyler and Arielle Robinson, and Zoey and Alexis Adames. Nydia was preceded in death by her husband, her five siblings, and her grandson, Bryan Robinson.

The family will hold a private memorial.

In lieu of flowers, they ask that you donate in Nydia’s honor to a charity or cause that is local and meaningful to you. To share a story or photo, leave a tribute, or offer condolences, please visit Nydia’s memorial webpage at McCullough Funeral Home (www.mcculloughfh.com) or send to Ivan Adames at 800 Monticello Place, Evanston, IL 60201.