Mrs. Jean Viola Blackburn-Atchison

On Saturday, April 3rd, 2010, Jean Viola Blackburn-Atchison of Weyburn, Saskatchewan passed away at the age of 82 years. Jean was predeceased by her parents, James Milton and Magnuy Viola Stewart, nee Christianson; her sister, Doris Mae Dewhurst; her first husband, John S. Atchison in 1975 and her second husband, William T. Blackburn in 1998. Jean leaves to mourn her family, one brother, James (Lorna) Stewart of Calgary, AB; her two sons: Ken (Jane) Atchison of Saskatoon, SK and Lawrence S. Atchison of Weyburn, SK; and her daughter, Dr. Beth E. Atchison of Victoria, BC; granddaughters: Dr. Amy (Nathan) Ambrose of Victoria, BC and Sarah M. Atchison of Victoria, BC; grandson, Jes (Chrystal) Atchison of Regina, SK; great granddaughter, Emma Jean Atchison of Regina, SK; great grandson, Miles Larsen Ambrose of Victoria, BC; as well as her nieces and nephews: Lynn, Kathleen and Dale of the Dewhurst family and Jeff, Sheila, Lorraine and Becky of the Stewart family.

Jean was born on September 19th, 1927 at Shaunavon, SK where the family remained until the death of her father, Joseph in 1940. Viola moved the family to Semans, SK and Jean graduated grade twelve in 1946. She then moved to Weyburn, SK to pursue training as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and graduated in 1949. Jean was one of many young people drawn to Weyburn by the job opportunities created at the new Saskatchewan Hospital. She remarked that though times were difficult all the new friends made everything worthwhile. Jean married one of her co-workers, John Atchison in May of 1950. They raised three children while pursuing their careers. She also developed interests in curling and the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and continued with volunteer work until health concerns curtailed her activities. Jean was widowed in 1975 when John died shortly after retirement. She continued working and developing interests in travelling and square dancing. Jean remarried in December, 1987 to William Blackburn. She enjoyed travelling with her new partner and commented that it was a very happy time in her life. She enjoyed visiting her children and was later thrilled to meet her new grandchildren. In 1998, Jean was widowed again and later suffered from health concerns that limited her mobility and travelling became difficult. She was a gentle, happy person and she will be missed by those who knew her.

A Memorial Service was held Friday, April 9th, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. from Grace United Church, Weyburn, Sask. with Rev. M. Barnabas officiating.