Christine Atkinson

Chris was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She is survived by her mother Lillie Royer, husband Bob Atkinson, daughters Laurie (Mike) Barrett and Kimberly Atkinson, and was ‘Nanny’ to grandchildren Nick Bloom, Hailee Zaleski, Gavin Barrett, and Aiden Barrett. Siblings Ken Royer, Holly (Joe) Ryan, her Aunt Sylvia Edwards, in addition to numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved her dearly. Also survived by sisters-in-law Barbara (David) Dunlevy, Bonnie (David) Krogman, Patsy (Dean) Binnix, and Nancy Keller with which she held a very special bond.

She was proceeded in death by her father Ralph Royer and uncle Bill Edwards.

Born on January 29, 1952, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, she was the beloved daughter of Lillie (Edwards) and Ralph Royer. She was raised in Linwood, New Jersey and attended Mainland Regional High School. In high school she met her husband, best friend, and soulmate, ‘her Bobby’, whom she married in 1970. They were lucky enough to celebrate 55 incredible years of marriage on September 12th of this year. They were blessed with 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren, all who loved her more than words can say.

She worked at Virginia Polytechnic Institute as an Administrator while Bob earned his degree after marrying in 1970 and later was employed by the Ridley School District as a secretary until finally retiring in 1998. But she would tell you her favorite ‘job’ was being a wife, mother, and Nanny. Family was her number one priority, and she went above and beyond in caring for and supporting them while always making sure they knew how much they were loved. There was nothing more important to her than time spent together. Whether it was the kids’ sporting events, family trips to the Florida Keys and Disney World, quiet time enjoying the beach or a beautiful sunset, she made sure to make the most of her life and leave lasting memories with those she loved. Her family will carry that love and those memories with them always.

Chris had a profound love for music from an early age and was an accomplished pianist. She had an incredible gift and sang with the voice of an angel. She was an active member of her high school choir/ band and over the years continued to use her gift by playing the piano/organ and singing in the choirs of churches she attended. She also shared her talent teaching piano to children who shared her love of music.

The beach was Chris’s happy place from early childhood days in Southern New Jersey until her final days along the Gulf Coast of Florida. A perfect day for her was walking the beach collecting seashells and floating in the warm clear Gulf waters. She found so much joy boating to the sand bars, fishing, watching Dolphin, and enjoying the peace of beautiful sunsets. She will be remembered for her passion for gardening and as a devout Eagles fan loudly cheering on her favorite team every football season.

Over the years Chris developed lifelong friendships, many of them becoming like family. She was an amazing listener, advice giver, life of the party, and would do anything for anyone. Her two best friends Teri and Candee Modesti passed before her, and we know there was quite a celebration when they were all reunited in Heaven. It gave her great peace to know they would be together again in her final days.

Chris often said she was blessed to have a life so well lived. Her memory will continue to fill our hearts, and she will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

There will be a Memorial service held for Chris on Saturday November the 1st at 11:00am at the Church of Saint Mark and All Saints, 429 South Pitney Road, Galloway, New jersey 08205. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Chris’s name to the charity of each person’s choice.