Keitha Atkinson

Mrs. Keitha Margaret Atkinson (nee MacLachlan), age 89 years passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Southbridge Lakehead in Thunder Bay. Catherine and Margie are thankful we were able to be with her. We are grateful for a loving God who sustained her throughout life’s trials.

Keitha is sadly missed, and lovingly remembered by her children, Catherine Atkinson, James Atkinson (Kim Rogers) in Whitehorse, Margaret Parker (Mel), and John Atkinson (Erika Rozsa-Atkinson) in Hungary; grandchildren Mitchell Parker in Nunavut, Melanie Parker in Lethbridge, and Georgia Rogers Atkinson in Whitehorse.

Keitha said goodbye to her adoring husband Carman Atkinson in the fall of 2000. Together they built a life on the farm. They shared a love of music and faith in God. She was predeceased by her parents, Hector E. MacLachlan, and Gladys Margaret (Betty) nee Mitchell MacLachlan; and her sister Betty Caroline (Joan) Fynney.

Keitha was born on November 18, 1931 in Peterborough. After attending high school in Sarnia, she studied nursing at Victoria General Hospital in London. Throughout life she loved attending reunions with her class of ’53. In 1956 she graduated from the University of Western Ontario in London with a diploma in Public Health Nursing. Keitha enjoyed working in Peterborough and Lindsay as a V.O.N. She especially enjoyed doing baby visits. She married in 1962, and continued working at Campbellford Memorial Hospital while raising a family. She spent the last 23 years before retiring in 1997 caring for residents at the Community Nursing Home in Warkworth.

Keitha loved to laugh, and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She used her gift of hospitality to welcome everyone into our home. Keitha loved to travel, and always liked to keep busy doing things. The last couple of years became harder as her vision was deteriorating, and she could no longer do a lot of the things she enjoyed.

We appreciate the dedicated caregivers at Multicare Lodge in Campbellford who provided support when we couldn’t be there for her. Special thanks to Laureen Mitchell for your encouragement. In 2016 she agreed to relocate to Thunder Bay to be closer to family, and continued to be interested in the lives of those she knew. Thanks to Rev. A. Piper for your visits when she was settling in, and to everyone who kept in touch with her.

Her family would like to thank the administrators and staff at Southbridge Lakehead for your dedication and care, especially during this last very challenging year. Thanks to the recreation team for all the fun you provided. During her time there she really enjoyed the outings, church services, and activities especially the parties where chocolate was served, the art with Willow Springs, music by “Jim ‘n I”, and Tai Chi with Peng You.

Special thanks to Dr. R. Klassen, and Dr. Dhurjon for your care, and Dr. R.J. Cusimano at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre for the extra 8 years we had with mom.

Keitha’s family will gather online to remember her. We look forward to gathering with loved ones in Warkworth when we are able to inter her remains with Dad.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Keitha’s memory to Hope and Healing International located at 1600 16th Ave., Unit 1, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4N6, Southbridge Lakehead Resident Council located at 135 Vickers St. S Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1J2, or Warkworth F. M. Church Box 250 Warkworth, ON K0K 3K0.