Mardell “Mardy” Columbus-Adams

Mardell Rose “Mardy” Columbus-Adams, 65, resident of Duluth, MN, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was born on August 12, 1958, in Hibbing, MN, the daughter of John Thompson and Rose Burnside. She graduated from Ortonville High School, class of 1976, and went on to further her education at Hibbing Community College, earning her degree in law enforcement. Soon after, she went to work at the Nett Lake Police Department in Indian Affairs, where she was a dispatcher. Mardy was blessed to have found the love of her life and married her soulmate, James “Jim” Adams. Practically inseparable from the beginning, Mardy and Jim often spoke about how it was virtually instant love for them. Many admired their beautiful love-story as they championed through life challenges together. The hallmark of their love was evident in the way they laughed together all the time and in their shared care and respect for one another. Mardy passionately advocated for her and Jim to be together and was a strong advocate for Jim to continue doing the things he was passionate about, even as his health declined. Jim only had eyes for Mardy and followed her wherever she went, frequently asking her ‘you, ok? He absolutely loved and appreciated Mardy very, very much for who she was as a person and wanted nothing more than her happiness. Mardy was a longtime active member of Alcoholics Anonymous and was proud of her long-term sobriety. Jim often attended meetings with her and continued to proudly support her commitment and dedication to sobriety long after his ability to participate disappeared. Over the years, Mardy developed many friendships and touched the lives of countless people within the AA community. She had an unwavering faith and was a shining example of purity and love. With her gentle nature, she taught others to be kind, to speak truth, and to lead with love and compassion, always. Her laughter, her stories, and her perseverance and strength of character will be remembered for years to come. Mardy had a heart of gold and was always thinking of others. She enjoyed making and sending cards to her loved ones, and especially enjoyed receiving mail that she would proudly share with Jim. Mardy loved to be around friends and family. She had the dynamic ability to make others smile naturally and was a joy to be around, always sharing her contagious smile, sense of humor and infectious laugh with the world. She appreciated a good phone call and was always sure to leave loving and thoughtful messages for those she cared about. A loving wife, sister, and cherished friend to many, her presence will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Jim; her siblings and extended family; the caring staff at RSI, and the many friends whose hearts she touched along the way. Jim and family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Residential Services Inc., in Duluth for their kind and compassionate care and support over the years. A Celebration of Mardy’s Life will be held from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Friday, August 9, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church, 2415 Ensign Street, Duluth, MN. The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.