Joan B. (Newark) Atkinson

Joan was born in Grand Forks, ND on April 6, 1929. She had very fond memories of her time spent in Grand Forks but the need for work prompted her father to move the family to Washington State to work for The Boeing Company when she was about 15 years old. She attended Renton High School where soon after graduating met and married Duane Atkinson. They settled down in the Renton area and promptly started their family of 6 children.

The youngest of 9 children, Joan had a calling to nurse and care for others. She was calm, kind and caring. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, fishing, boating and had a love for interior design. She loved to laugh, loved a good joke and particularly loved the Sunday comics. But none of those things compared to her love of politics.

Joan was an active member of her church while her children attended St. Anthony’s School and she also volunteered her time at Hillcrest Elementary School.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Duane Atkinson of Renton and her sons John, Mark and Donald.

She is survived by her daughters Karen Aron of Issaquah, Barbara Ferguson (Ken) of Puyallup and her youngest son Paul Atkinson (Michelle) of Renton.

She was blessed with 8 beautiful grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

She was a wonderful and devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister and friend. She will be missed by us all.

Mass and Celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 10th at 11:00 am, at St. Anthony’s Church 314 S. 4th St., Renton. A graveside service will follow directly after mass at Greenwood Memorial Park 350 Monroe Ave. N.E., Renton.