Ruth Marlene (Koprowski) Atkinson

Ruth Marlene Atkinson passed peacefully on October 14, 2018 after almost eight months under Hospice Care. Her determination to live each day joyfully is her legacy to her family and those who knew her. Ruth was the daughter of Polish immigrants, Marion and Stephanie Koprowski, was born in 1931 and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ruth has a sister Evelyn and a brother Richard. Only four years old when her father died, Ruth’s brother, Richard, became her protector, role model, and best friend. Ruth met the love of her life while waitressing in Grand Rapids, as she regularly served a handsome young man named William Atkinson from Sault Ste. Marie who was on the auditing crew for the A&P grocery store, whenever he came to town. Her mother knew that Bill was “the one” for her daughter, after their first date where he was introduced to a Polish wedding! After that, Bill could do no wrong! Ruth and Bill married on August 20, 1955 and had four children, Debbie, Steven, Arlene and David. After many years as a stay-at-home mom, Ruth went back to work and eventually became a head cook at Lake Superior State University. Ruth loved her job, cooking for the college students and running a large kitchen. She was the favored chef for many college presidents, including Dr. Shouldice, who always requested her. Even after she retired, to her absolute delight, she was asked to work often until age 77! Ruth lived on Superior Street behind St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 50 years. Ruth was the proud mother and mother-in-law of Debbie & Rick Faust, Steven & Megan Atkinson, Arlene & Rod MacPherson, and David & Heather Atkinson. She is the grandmother of Tricia Farner, Stephanie Luckie, Grant & Mandy MacPherson, Cecilia & Taylor & Bill Atkinson, and Ariana & Trey Atkinson. She has three great grandchildren; Landon, Noah and Morgan Farner. She attended as many events for her children and grandchildren as possible - her son’s baseball games, her granddaughter’s volleyball games, shows and plays and competitions - and was their greatest cheerleader. Ruth lived independently after Bill passed in 2002 with their beloved cockapoo, Skippy. She drove herself everywhere, from grocery shopping to water exercise class, and loved her social life - her swim club breakfasts and her many family activities. As head family cook, she spoiled her children with her delicious meals. When she moved into McKinley Manor in January, she brought the family with her! Many birthday parties were hosted this year there and her grandchildren were there to visit her almost every day. Nothing made Ruth happier than spending time with her family, her church, and her God. Today she is the happiest she has ever been. Visitation will be held 9:30am until 10:30am on Wednesday October 17, 2018 at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00am Wednesday October 17, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Michael Chenier as Celebrant and Deacon Bill Piche assisting. Burial will be in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or Hospice of the EUP would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.

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Ruth Marlene (Koprowski) Atkinson

August 23, 1931 - October 14, 2018