BATH — Helen G. Atkinson, 92, a longtime resident of Bath, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2015, with family by her side.

Helen was born in Augusta, Maine, on May 6, 1922. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Michalina Popowicz Ochmanski, who emigrated from Poland in 1909. Helen grew up in Augusta, Maine, as the fourth born of ten children, graduating from Cony High School in 1940. She worked as a telephone switchboard operator in the Augusta area and also did receptionist duties at the Bath Memorial Hospital.

In 1948, she married Edward G. Atkinson of Bath, Maine, and resided on Court Street and later on Harward Street, where they raised their four children as members of St Mary’s Catholic Church.

Helen was a talented and creative individual who spent much time knitting, braiding rugs, decorating crafts, and cooking, while lovingly supporting the needs of her family and nurturing her grandchildren at every opportunity. She was an avid gardener and loved to work with the many flowers around her home. Her energy, enthusiasm, and friendly personality were always a great addition to any social gathering or family event. Not many could outlast her on the dance floor especially during the polka.

Helen was predeceased by her granddaughter Lisa Favreau Quinn of Brunswick, eight of her brothers and sisters, and by her husband Edward in 1985. Six years later she was able to find comfort and companionship with her special friend Roy Lawrence until his passing in 2009.

Helen is survived by two daughters: Melissa Niemann of Bath, and her husband George, Cynthia Favreau of Brunswick and her husband Gary, two sons, Gerald Atkinson of Bath, and Stephen Atkinson and his wife Candace of Glenburn, Maine; and 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St Mary’s Church, 144 Lincoln St., Bath, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited, and may visit with the family on Tuesday, March 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. at David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath, Maine. Interment services will be held at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery in Bath, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Bath Area Senior Citizens, 45 Floral St., Bath, ME 04530, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.


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