Irene passed away peacefully at the Elk Valley Hospital with family present on December 28, 2017 at 95 years. She was born May 4, 1922 to Olina and Anton Bergan in Readlyn, Saskatchewan.

Irene grew up in Readlyn and then moved to Vancouver where she met Adelard (Sam) Atkinson. They were married on November 10, 1945 and had four children: Ron, Patricia, Floyd and Laverne. They lived in Chilliwack for eight years and then bought Irene’s dad’s farm in Saskatchewan. Together they worked the farm until they retired to Winfield, British Columbia, where they lived for twenty- five years. When Sam died on July 31, 2001, Irene moved to Claresholm, Alberta for one year, and then to Fernie, British Columbia where she has lived for the past eight years.
Irene loved painting and was involved with the Visual Arts Group at the Fernie Arts Station as well as with the Decorative Arts Group. She loved life, meeting new people, and sharing her experiences with family and friends. Her other loves were golf, fishing, family time and children and grandchildren. Her pet peeve was growing old.

Irene is survived by her children: Ron Atkinson (Bonnie), Claresholm; Patricia Moore (Donnie), Fernie; Floyd Atkinson (Debbie), Grande Cache; and Laverne Atkinson (Cindy), Calgary. She is also survived by brother Arthur Bergan of Saskatoon and grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jason Atkinson (Monica) and Samantha and Hayley; Daryl Moore (Shona) and Ethan and Claire; James Atkinson and Keira and Trystan; Scott Atkinson (Nikki) and Jordy and Brady; Bradley Atkinson; Angela Atkinson and Brett; Mariah and Delaney Atkinson. She was predeceased by her sisters Mabel and Clara, her grandson Curtis Moore and her husband Sam Atkinson.

Irene will be buried next to her husband in Winfield, BC, in the summertime.

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