Heidi S. Atkins

Heidi S. Atkins, 46, of Springfield, died at 5:05 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center after a long and courageous battle against breast cancer. Heidi was born September 30, 1969 in Oak Lawn, IL, the daughter of George H. Atkins, DVM and Muriel E. (Olson) Atkins. Heidi was a 1987 graduate of Pleasant Plains High School. During high school, she loved being a part of madrigals and musicals. It was during this time that she also discovered her passion for helping children. Heidi earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education at MacMurray College and her master's degree in Counseling at University of Illinois at Springfield. She began her career as a Special Education Teacher at Chaddock in Quincy, IL, but soon returned to Springfield to work for District 186 as a Special Education Teacher and later as a part of the Student Assistance Programs. She spent the past 12 years in private practice as a Christian Family and Child Counselor at her office in Chatham, IL. She most recently attended St. John's Lutheran Church. She was a member of Hope Church where she became inspired to start her journey in Christian counseling. Heidi enjoyed cooking, gardening, and swimming. She was preceded in death by her father and maternal and paternal grandparents. She is survived by her mother, Muriel of Springfield; siblings, Brian Atkins of Chatham, Bruce (wife, Claire) Atkins of St. Louis, MO, and Jacki (husband, Patrick) Atkins Schroeder of Sherman; six nephews, Austin Atkins of Chatham, Jonathan Heritage of Springfield, MO, Christopher Heritage of Fort Drum, NY, Benjamin Atkins of St. Louis, MO, and Henry and Miles Schroeder of Sherman; two nieces, Hali Niles of Oxford, MS and Moorea Atkins of St. Louis, MO; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 9, 2015 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington, Springfield with Pastor Ladd Sonnenberg and Pastor Greg Busboom officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703.