Anna Jo Atkinson Obituary (1916

Anna Jo Atkinson, a resident of Bremerton and Tiger Lake, Mason County, for over 80 years, passed away October 24, 2003 peacefully at St. Mary's Hospice in Tucson, Arizona, with family members at her side. She was born November 1, 1916 to Earl Henry and Maude Mae (Thayer) Harkins in Hoquiam, Washington. Anna Jo graduated from Union High School and married Donald Marion Atkinson on September 14, 1934. They were married 66 years until his death in 2000. She is survived by her son Bob and his spouse Karen of Sechelt, BC; daughter Fran and her husband Larry Thornton of Tacoma, WA; son David of Mikkeli, Finland; son Rob Atkinson and his wife Angie of Shelton, WA; and sister Rowena Hinshaw of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Anna Jo was and active member of Manette Community Church and Gorst Baptist Church. She served as a Deacon at the latter. She was co-owner, manager, and butcher at Nygard's Superette in Bremerton. Prior to that she worked as a rural mail carrier and grocery clerk. She and her husband Don served as the first caretakers of Illahee State Park in Manette. She was active in Community affairs, serving as cub scout and girl scout leader. In their laters years, she and Don were active in Kiwanis and the Manette History Club, were she served as President. A memorial sercie will be held at Manette Community Church on Monday, November 3, 2003 at 2pm. Memorial donations may be made to Manette Community Church (1137 Hayward Ave, Bremerton, WA 98310. Viewing will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2003 from 8am to 6pm at the Lewis Funeral Chapel in Bremerton.