Elizabeth Louisa ‘Louise’ Atkinson passed away peacefully July 5, 2016 in Summerland, BC at the age of 93 years. She was predeceased by her parents William and Elizabeth (Ritchie) Atkinson and her sister Isobel Jensen.
Louise will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her niece Linda Jensen, nephews David (Gudrun) Jensen and Lee (Debra) Jensen; grandnephews and grandnieces Jeremy, Anna Lisa (Harry), Alexander (Kay), and Viktor Thor; great grandnieces and grandnephews Nate, Karly, Ottilie, Elias, Panya, Jin, Viggo Thor and Estella; as well as godchildren Gary Newton and Nancy Hunka.Louise was born and raised in Summerland by a loving and close knit family that included her many aunts, uncles and cousins. Among them are the many members of the Newton, Barkwill, Johnson, Ronald and Atkinson families. Until the end of her life she fondly remembered those days of growing up, attending school and the fun-filled activities that arose from such a wonderful extended family that lived as neighbours to one another. During World War 2, Louise’s family provided a home for a young English boy, Brian Kelly, who was sent from England to escape the terrible bombings. Louise and her family always treated Brian as kin during those war years and any memory of Louise’s younger years would be remiss without mention of him.After finishing high school, Louise attended business school in Penticton but remained living in her beloved Summerland. Apart from the last 2 months spent in the loving care of the staff at the Dr. Andrew Pavilion, she had the good fortune to live in the family home on Turner Street her entire life. As a long time employee of the Municipality of Summerland, Louise met and befriended dozens, if not hundreds, of Summerland’s residents. Her friendly ways and numerous volunteer activities were recognized in 1996 when she was named as Summerland’s “Citizen of the Year”, an honour of which she and her family were very proud.Louise enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid curler and angler. She was a founding member of the Summerland Sportsmen’s Club and was a superb target shooter with her .22 calibre rifle, winning awards year after year. Until late in life she was also a proud and active member of Rebekah Lodge No. 32. In 2011, Louise was named a Life Member (in recognition of donations and services) of the Summerland Museum and Heritage Society. She was also a former Director and Life Member of the Penticton Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society.Louise loved to explore her native Okanagan and British Columbia, and later in life had the opportunity to travel abroad. Always interested in her heritage, there were several trips to Scotland and England to see the places her ancestors came from. Home was best though, and the family cottage by the lake in Trout Creek was the summer gathering place. From all corners of the world, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends came to share their accomplishments, adventures and dreams. A lover of dogs large and small, she was the doting owner of two Boxer dogs, Kim and Ellie. Ellie was especially loved by Louise and was a faithful companion to her, always at her side. Most of all though, Louise loved people. While those she counted as close friends are too many to mention, she especially enjoyed outings with Matt and Eileen Graham and Alice Foy. In her later years Louise became dear friends with Heather Panich (Ernie) and Heather’s sister, Barb. Louise and Heather had a very special mother/daughter-like bond and Louise was blessed to have had Heather at her bedside when she passed away.Louise’s family would like to thank the staff of the Dr. Andrew Pavilion in Summerland. The attention and kindness they showed Louise will always be remembered. In addition, a special thanks must be given to Louise’s home caregivers Sue and Lorrie. Their assistance and caring allowed Louise to remain in her home for much longer than she could have otherwise.A funeral will be held on July 19, 2016 at 11:00 am at Summerland United Church, 13204 Henry Avenue, Summerland, BC. A tea will follow. Interment to take place at the Peach Orchard Cemetery, 6300 Ramsay St., Summerland, BC.Louise was a giving person and a donation in lieu of flowers to either the Canadian Cancer Society, British Columbia and Yukon Division, 202-1835 Gordon Dr., Kelowna, BC V1Y 3H5 or the Summerland Museum and Heritage Society, Box 1491, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 would be greatly appreciated.