Obituary of Mariella P. Atkins

Mariella P. Atkins age 91 of Gloversville passed away peacefully Saturday April 10th at her home surrounded by family.
    She was born February 13th, 1930 in the Village of Gaysville, Vermont.  The daughter of the late Ebenezer and Ella Proctor.  Mariella was predeceased by her husband, Franklin R. Atkins who died in 2015.  Franklin was the love of her life for over 67 years. 
    She was a very busy woman, raising seven children, Franklin D. Atkins (Constance) of FL, Deborah Conyne (Dan) of NY, Michele Mariano (Leonard) of TX, Suzanne Guy (Frank) of NY, Natalie Calandra (Gino) of NY, Dean Atkins (Michelle) of FL, and Shannon Stergas (Brett) of NY.
    She had eleven grandchildren, David Atkins (Lesley) of FL, Jessica Gifford (Matthew) of FL, Anne Rose (Steve) of FL, Peter Conyne (Beth) of NY, Crystal Gillen (Bradlee) of NY, Angela Adair (Aaron) of TX, Leonard Mariano (Jillian) of AZ, Brandon Calandra (Dana) of VA, Elysse Calandra (Lauren) of NY, Helaina Stergas of VT, Austin Stergas of NY, along with 20 beautiful great grand-children that she loved with her whole heart.
    Mariella also leaves three dear sisters, Mamelou Hanscom (her late husband “Scooter”) of VT, Joanne Best (Lloyd) of VT, and Cheryl Wood (her late husband Jim) of WY, and many close nieces and nephews.
    Mariella was also predeceased by her loving, loyal, furry companion, Joe.
    Mariella loved being with her family and being active.  She and Franklin loved swimming and water-skiing on the Great Sacandaga and Indian Lake along with family camping trips.  They also enjoyed hiking in the Adirondacks, and alpine skiing at Royal Mountain in the winters.  Mariella and Franklin would frequently host family winter hockey games with pot luck dinner and picnics in the summer at “the camp”.
    Mariella had a passion for the Arts.  She loved music and was a talented artist.  She has left behind many poems and short stories for her family to enjoy.  She also enjoyed gardening and bird watching. She enjoyed spending time with friends and was part of a card group for many many years.
    Arrangements have been entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville.
    The family will have a memorial service on June 19th, 2021 at 441 Steele Ave. Ext. Gloversville ,so all family and friends can get together to celebrate a life that has touched so many.
    Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a charity that was close to her heart.
    Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral .com.