Tribute

Mom’s are extra special. And it is with great sorrow to announce a beautiful soul, who is our mother, has left us. Jacqueline Beatrice Atkinson of Grand Falls, New Brunswick, traveled this life for 96 blessed years and her spirit touched the lives of many across Canada. Born into a noted New Brunswick Lumber Baron’s family and the youngest of three spirited sisters, all of whom followed their own paths through life.

In her younger years, our mother became a bonafide “bush pilot”;  that in her later years translated into a spotter for air search and rescue which was run by the RCMP and Chilliwack Fire Services. She was also an avid fisher person, tackling both local rivers as well as the ocean – thus revealing her ferocious appetite and spirit for life and love that was part of her upbringing, along with her two sisters. The same spirit and love of life Jackie instilled upon her children, and her two sisters did the same with their own families.  There was never a dull moment when all the families would gather every summer to enjoy each other’s company. Yes, we loved, learned and took in this lust for life. And all done with respect for others as well. We were a community and brought up in that same way.

From a bush pilot young adult to a noted hair stylist to a loving wife and mother – Jackie instilled the higher order of character to all. She will be sorely missed especially by her family: her eldest daughter, Heather Atkinson, her eldest son, Bruce Atkinson and her youngest daughter, Beth Atkinson.  She now awaits to join her loving husband, James Everett Atkinson and her youngest son, Drew Atkinson in preparation for the “Last Great Day”!

Our mother has also been blessed with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and even several nieces and nephews – whom she adored and were also impacted by her life. Her life? A truly sweet legacy where memories are long-lasting. Although it is heartbreaking to say, goodbye mom and rest assured that we will pick up your torch and carry it further for you.

A private internment service was held with family and close family friends on Monday, Oct 27th.  A celebration of life is being planned for after the holiday season and once the date and place is confirmed, it will be posted here.