Obituary of Frances Catherine ATKINS

January 5, 1930 – Edmonton, Alberta January 7, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta Frances (Frankie) Atkins of Calgary passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at the age of 86 years. Frankie was born in Edmonton, into the recession of 1930 and grew up in the Peace River area, moving to Calgary amidst World War II as a teenager. A child of two school teachers of Irish Catholic heritage, she was dutifully educated at Saint Mary’s, then placed under the auspicious care of the Nuns at Brescia College, Western University. She married Hugh Atkins in 1957, and raised four children, originally in the Toronto/London area, returning to Calgary to complete their upbringing during the tumultuous 60’s and 70’s. Frankie followed and supported her four children, to the ends of the earth, from San Francisco to the jungles of Belize. She continued to inspire the next generation of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved unconditionally. Frances treated king and pauper with the same respect. She was a renegade, and also a joyful woman who gave much and asked for little. Frankie is survived by her four children, Laurie and Gord Hauck, Karen Atkins (Gerry), Susan Atkins, Doug and Julie Atkins; eight grandchildren, Stephen Hauck, Marie-Eve Richard (Yves), Harley Schiltz, Ryan Schiltz, Joshua and Zoe Birch-Gentles, Jeremy Birch-Gentles, PJ Atkins, and Hayley Atkins; two great-grandchildren, Carl and Tamara. A Celebration of Frankie’s Life will be held in the spring. For more information please email frances.atkins@sintak.ca. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice in Frankie’s name. In living memory of Frances Atkins, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Telephone: 403-241-0044.