Shirley Jean Atkins

Shirley Jean Atkins, 79, of Barbeau, Michigan passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at the Hospice House in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Shirley was born October 29, 1936 in Atlas, Michigan to Emerson and Marion Badgley. She joined sisters Gladys and Louise at home. Shirley was raised in Barbeau as her parents built the original Cozy Corners and the general store that sat next door to the Cozy. Shirley eventually bought the Cozy Corners after her parents passing and brought the building back to the family. Many memories and friendships were made at the Cozy. Shirley welcomed everyone with open arms and as soon as she smiled you knew you had a friend for life. Shirley was loved by all that knew her. Shirley was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 82. She was a member of Eastern Star for nearly 60 years. She proudly served as Worthy Grand Matron, President, Secretary and held many other positions throughout the years. She loved to travel with the group. The friendships and memories she made through Eastern Star were cherished dearly by Shirley. Shirley was also retired from the Army Corp of Engineers. While employed with the Corp she worked in the information center at the Soo Locks before being moved into the Timekeeping department. She loved to visit with the people as they came through the information center. Shirley was very knowledgeable about the Locks and its history and would share what she knew with anyone who asked. Shirley is survived by sisters Gladys (Stan) Liddell and Louise (Carroll) Owen, brother-in-law Glen Atkins, sisters-in-law Raeona Armstrong, Marilyn Fegan and Joan Atkins. She is also survived by her five children. Dale (Cheryl) Atkins, Betty (Danny Cryderman) Evey, Nancy (Brian McKenna) Proulx, Gary Atkins, and Carl Atkins. Special family friend Russell Andrews. Her grandchildren, Justin (Esther) Proulx, Matthew Proulx, Kari (Will Graham) Evey, Adriane (David) Hill, Derek (Chelsea Gimpel) Cryderman, Erik Boussum, Katie (Lance Ensing) Atkins, Sarah (Mike Edema) Atkins, Zoe and Nicole Atkins, Emily Akre, Mikki Weber, Ali Weber, and Zoe Fiechtner. She is also survived by 6 Great Grandchildren. Ryan Richardson, Braeden Smith, Isla and Brooke Hill, and Elise and Jacob Proulx. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her beloved parents, Emerson and Marion Badgley and her loving husband, Carl Atkins. Also preceding her in death were her in-laws Cecil and Margaret Atkins, her brother-in-law Donald Atkins, and her sister-in-law Lauretta Atkins. She was also preceded in death by her very special friend Earl (Irk) Graham. A funeral service for Shirley will be held at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home, 4951 S M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 12:00 noon. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Hospice of the EUP, Order of Eastern Star #82, or a charity of your choice.

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Shirley Jean Atkins

October 29, 1936 - December 20, 2015