Obituary of Joan P Atkinson

Joan "Joanie" Phyllis (Sailor) Atkinson Joan Atkinson joined her loved ones in heaven, on August 8, 2015, from the Brakeley Care Center, Lopatcong, New Jersey, with the loving support of her family, friends, and care givers. Joan was born on August 10, 1927, in Atlantic City, NJ. She was a long time resident of Pleasantville, NJ, growing up on Greenway Ave, which is now the Atlantic City Expressway. Joan was a majorette and graduated from Pleasantville High School, in 1945. Joan is survived by two sons, Rik (Walter H. III – Wife, Penelope - Karrsville, NJ) and Scot (Wife, Betty - Absecon, NJ). Seven grandchildren – Rebecca Forsbrey (Husband, Gregg - Long Valley, NJ), Derrik Atkinson (Wife, Melissa – Morristown, NJ), Melanie Atkinson (Fiancé, Erik – Easton, PA), Tod Atkinson (Fiancé, Amelia – Somers Point, NJ), Danielle Manera (Husband, Greg – Ventnor, NJ), Adam and Ryan Atkinson (Absecon, NJ). Five Great-Grandchildren – Trent, Bryce and Cecilia Manera, and Erik and Leo Forsbrey. She was predeceased by her husband Walter H. (Bud/ Pop) Atkinson Jr. ('94), sons Bart ('67) and Tod ('95), sister Nancy LiCausi ('04), and daughter Jil Fiumara ('07). After High School, Joan's career began at the Atlantic City Electric Company. She was forced to resign, when she married Bud (as was the policy in those days), on August 20, 1947. For many years, she provided organizational and financial oversight to the family business "Atky Communications". Joan served as lead secretary for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers out of Atlantic City and Pleasantville and retired in 1988. She also enjoyed running concession stands for the South Pleasantville Little League and the Pleasantville Speedway, for many years. Joan moved to Long Valley, NJ, in 2008. She resided at the Country View Estates, in White Township, NJ, for five years. Joanie appreciated Bingo and the pool, before a fall forced her to move to the Brakely Care Center. Joan was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, in Washington, NJ. Joanie especially treasured the family holiday and birthday events that featured White House subs, Coke, and cakes from Freihoffer's/ Minos Bakery. Joan was fond of her sheep dog, panda bear, butterfly, and Hallmark collectables. She was an avid collector of GI Joes, Coke Memorabilia, old dolls, coins and stamps. Throughout her life, Joan was a friend to many large dogs and furry felines. Joan worshiped the sun and spent many enjoyable summers on the Ventnor and Atlantic City beaches. She was a big contributor to the rebirth of Atlantic City, through the casinos. Five days following Joan's death, a large yellow monarch butterfly visited Rik, in the early morning, at his home and landed two feet from his face. After two minutes, the butterfly proceeded to flutter about the yard. Later that day, the butterfly encircled Penny, and led her to her car. The butterfly returned again to visit Rik, in the late afternoon. Joan was sending the message, that all was well. "Good bye, Joanie. See you on the other side." A private Memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit the Warren Hills Funeral Home http://warrenhillsmemorialhome.com