Katherine T. Theodora Chekoulias Atherton

Katherine T. “Kit” (Chekoulias) Raymond Atherton, 89, of Bernardston, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, on September 27, 2017. She was born in Boston, a daughter of the late, Theodore and Pauline (Jeroulis) Chekoulias. Kit was a beautiful, brave, courageous and generous person. It was amazing how easy she could make friends with anyone she met. Kit enjoyed spending time with family, holidays and celebrations of any kind with family, were on the top of her list. She enjoyed braided rug making, crocheting, card games and trips to the Bernardston Senior Center. She was famous for her jams, dill pickles and pickled eggs. Kit had an amazing and full life. She bore nine children with her beloved Elbert “Joe” Raymond, who predeceased her in 1972. Kit found her second love, the late Francis H. Atherton, her beloved for 36 years. She is survived by her sister Vera Marziarz of CT, her 9 children, Robert and his wife Linda of Bernardston, Janice Leh and her husband Julian of Bernardston, Jeanette Bailey and her husband Charlie of Westhampton, George and his wife Roberta of Northfield, Michael and his wife Mary Jane of Bernardston, Mark and his wife Tina of San Diego, CA, Ernie and his wife Linda of Bernardston, Lisa Hudson and her husband Russ of Greenfield and Jonathan and his wife Tammy of Bernardston, her step-children, Crystal Storozuk and her husband Bill of Bernardston, Chip Atherton and his wife Debbie of New Hampshire, Randy Atherton of Florida and Lucinda Atherton Zemen and her husband Ben of Maynard, 24 grandchildren, Jason, Jennifer, Jared, Thea, Jonathan, Steven, Kristen, Matthew, Bridget, Nicholas, Ben, Sarah, Jackie, Taasi, Tirena, Trey, Joey, Garrett, Hailey, Emily, Laura, Daniel, Adam and Luke, 23 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, her faithful neighbor and friend Sandy Mazor, and her steadfast dog Ruby. In addition to Joe and Fran, she was predeceased by her six siblings.

Funeral services will be Monday October 2nd at 11AM at the United Church of Bernardston, 58 Church St., burial will follow in Center Cemetery, both in Bernardston. Visiting hours will be Sunday October 1st, 2-6PM at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin St., Greenfield, MA 01301

Memorial Contributions may be made to: The Bernardston Senior Center, 20 Church St., Bernardston, MA 01337 or the United Church of Bernardston, Operating Expense Fund, 58 Church St. Bernardston, MA 01337.

We would like to thank our sister Jeanette who tirelessly provided dedicated, loving and attentive care to our mother. The family would also like to acknowledge the tender and compassionate care provided to their mother at the Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Buckley Nursing Home, Dr. James Arcoleo and Dr. Laurence Klein.