Terri Adams, Brent O’Leary at the 2015 Community Unity event
September 18, By Christian Murray
Terri Adams, a lifelong Hunters Point resident and civic leader, died this morning. She was 75.
Adams, whose family has lived in Long Island City for generations, was the president of the Hunters Point Community Development Corp., a merchant group established in 1952, and remained an active member of Community Board 2 until her death.
“She passed away this morning,” said her son, Brian, Terri’s only child. “It was very peaceful and there was no pain and suffering.”
Brian said his mother was loved by all and that he has been besieged by phone calls as word of her passing has got out. “I’ve been getting thousands of phone calls from her friends. She knew everyone. Everyone cared about her.”
Adams was a conspicuous figure on Vernon Boulevard where she lived in a building that her grandfather purchased in 1895.
Every year, Adams would host a Christmas Tree lighting at Vernon Mall. In later life, she also hosted a “community unity” event at Shady Park on 49th Avenue with Brent O’Leary, president of the Hunters Point Civic Association.
“This is a great loss to the community,” O’Leary said, a longtime friend of Adams. “She made sure the seniors got what they needed and was always there for anyone in need.”
O’Leary said that she also played a big role in the development of Hunters Point South, where she advocated for the residents.
Mark Christie, a Hunters Point civic leader and friend of Adams, said she was “a pillar” and that the neighborhood has lost someone with a ‘beautiful heart!
