It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother on Friday, August 19, 2016 at the Points West Hospice in Grande Prairie at the age of 86 years.

Nona or Noni (as most called her) was born in Vulcan, AB on October 5, 1929. She was the eldest of seven children.

Nona was raised in Milo, Alberta and attended nursing school in Calgary in 1948. Later that same year she met and married Wilfred Gordon Atkinson. They moved to the Goodfare/Hythe area where they raised 10 children. In 1972, Nona moved to Manning where she resided until 2009. Mom returned to Grande Prairie to the Heritage Lodge in 2010 where she enjoyed the company of many new friends and the caring staff until her passing. Throughout her lifetime she wore many hats. She was a custodian, cook, business owner, foster parent, day-home provider and spent many of her later years enjoying and working in her greenhouse.

Mom was a very loving, gentle and giving person who was always there for whoever needed her. She was fun-loving and caring. Her home had an open door policy and everyone was always welcome there.

Her hobbies included bingo, sewing, quilting, gardening, playing cards, reading and of course coffee with friends. She was also very active as President of Royal Purple in Manning.

She will be sadly missed by her siblings: Wilson, Thomas (Donna), James, Agnes (Merv), Sylvia (Bev), Joe (Jane); her children: Duane (Diane), Daisy (Leo), Juanita, Charlie, Will (Debbie), Wendy (Byron), Darcy (Dorothy), Cliff (JoAnn), Mick (Marlene) and Allison (Dusty); as well as 27 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents Andrew and Alice Will, husband Wilfred Atkinson, granddaughter Angela Adam, and great-granddaughter Taylor Hessdorfer.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 11:00am at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

Memorial donations may be made to Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation – Cancer Clinic (10409 98 St. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2E8), to Canadian Diabetes Association (100 12220 Stony Plain Rd. Edmonton, AB TT5N 3Y4), or to Grande Prairie Hospice Palliative Care Society (P.O. Box 21215 Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6W7).

A very special Thank You to the Doctors and Staff at QEII Hospital and Points West Hospice for their care of our Mother.