Winnie Atkinson was born on July 18, 1929, to Mary and Michael Lowther, and grew up in East Orange, New Jersey with her six siblings. She passed on June 26, 2018 with her two daughters by her side.
In 1948, Winnie married Frank Koenig and "moved out west" to Everett, Washington where she lived her life and raised her four children.
Winnie was proud of her Irish heritage, and over the years, she shared many stories about growing up poor in a large, extended family. Despite the family's hardships she spoke of the strong Irish bond with her family, and there was often music, dancing and many joyous times in the Lowther home. We were fascinated to learn in 1937, she saw the Hindenburg fly over their house. In 1938 her beloved oldest brother James bought a radio for the family with his first paycheck. Sadly, when the radio broke, Winnie was devastated. With a "take charge attitude" she carried the radio to a repair shop on her roller skates!
Winnie was happily married to Tom Atkinson for 15 years, and together they enjoyed seeing the country and camping with their trailer. After retiring from the Mukilteo School District, Winnie loved to travel, seeing Europe and Ireland. She enjoyed golf, oil painting, board games, tending to her home, and fun happy hours. She had a big heart and spent many years volunteering at a local nursing home. Above all, Winnie loved spending time with her family. She dearly loved her grandkids and they were one of her greatest joys.
Winnie was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Atkinson in 1983.
She will be missed by her children, Fred Koenig (Mila), Judy Kimball (Larry), Ken Koenig, Kathy Markley (Brian); five grandchildren: Sharleen, Alyssia, Christina, Shannon, Allison, and five great-grandchildren (one on the way).
We are proud of you, mom. You showed us your inner strength in the face of adversity and taught us the meaning of resilience. Independence was exemplified throughout your life. Those traits and your love made us who we are today.
Our heartfelt thanks to Lucy, Patty, Fawzia, Sandy and Pat for the compassionate caregiving you provided mom.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Providence, Everett Hospice in memory of Winnie.
A celebration of Winnie's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 10, 2018 at Walter E. Golf Course banquet room, 1226 West Casino Road, Everett, Washington 98204.
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