NORWICH - Martha L. Atkinson, 81, died peacefully with her family at her side on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Avalon Healthcare in Mystic, Ct. She was born September 11, 1931 in Alton, Il, the daughter of John O. and Edna Jacob Logan.
Martha's childhood was spent in Niagara Falls, N.Y. and in the suburban area of Chicago, Il. From early childhood she studied piano and was somewhat of a prodigy. Her family re-located to Briarcliff Manor, NY, where Martha spent her high school years as an outstanding student, an athlete when there weren't that many opportunities for girls, and especially as a musician.
She then went on to Connecticut College "for Women" as she often reminded us, and graduated in 1952 with a major in piano performance. Also in 1952 she was married to William G. Atkinson and began a new life as a wife and eventually a mother. Martha and Bill had three sons, William G. Atkinson III, known as Gary, John Robert Atkinson , and David Logan Atkinson. The family moved to Gales Ferry. Ct..
In 1962, the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut established a new congregation in Gales Ferry, St. David's Episcopal Church. Martha played the piano for its first service in the Gales Ferry School and went on to serve many years as the incredibly creative choir director and organist.
Martha was active in Cub and Boy Scouts with her sons, two of whom went on to obtain Eagle Rank. She was active in civic organizations, school affairs, and did everything and more that a perfect wife and mother did in the 60's and 70's.
Musically, Martha was into everything a pianist could do in the area. She gave piano lessons, an occupation that continued for almost 40 years, and was the piano accompanist for the United Methodist Players, a number of Pfizer musical productions, and also worked with the River Rep at the Ivoryton Theater. One of her favorite "gigs" at the Ivoryton Playhouse was being musical director and playing "Sister Martha", the pianist in their productions of Nunsense I and II.
In the early 80's, she and Bill were divorced and she began a new life in Norwich, Ct. Martha and Deborah Lyon established a home, a piano studio, and a piano duet team known as "Two Plus Two". This duo played programs all over New England in the 80's and 90's, entertaining clubs,.civic and church groups, and providing music for many memorable sing-alongs.
Martha was the choir director at the Church of the Resurrection in Norwich, and later choir director and organist at First Baptist Church of North Stonington, and St. Mark Lutheran Church in Norwich. In recent years she has been the choir accompanist at St. Mark Church, while her partner, Deb Lyon, plays the organ and directs the choir. She loved singing, and was a section leader and occasional accompanist for Cappella Cantorum of Deep River. She also served for a number of years as the principal accompanist of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus.
Her teaching at the Atkinson-Lyon Piano Studio touched many lives and brought music to countless children and adults. She was an extraordinary teacher and a marvelous influence on many people.
Martha also excelled in fine arts. Her posters were legendary, and her needlework has "decked the walls" in her home and homes of family and friends. An avid reader, she never had fewer than two or three books going at a time.
Martha is survived by her beloved life partner, Deborah Lyon, two sons, John R. Atkinson and his wife Colleen of Old Lyme, Ct., David Logan Atkinson and his wife LaNae of Mystic, Ct., a brother, John O. Logan, Jr. of Wickenburg, AZ, sister-in-law, Nadine Logan of Milford, Ct., grandchildren: Kelsey Henderson of Mystic, Kathryn Atkinson and Juliette Atkinson, both of Old Lyme, and many extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her son and daughter-in-law, W.Gary and Judith Atkinson who died in Pan-Am Flight 103 bombing in Lockerbie, Scotland on Dec. 21, 1988, and one brother, Robert Logan of Milford, CT.
There are no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Norwich, CT. at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 17, 2012.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church, 248 Broadway, Norwich Ct.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.churchandallen.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 26, 2012
To Deborah and Martha's entire family, my sincere condolences go out to you all. Martha was always pleasant, upbeat, and wonderful to work for. What an accomplished life she had...well lived too.
Jon Parker, Old Lyme
November 21, 2012
Jerry Lowney
Martha and I go way back - I remember her sitting in my waiting room as she waited for her sons' orthodontic treatment. Martha was a very classy person and I'm sure she'll be missed by many. She's in our prayers.
Jerry and Virginia Lowney
November 20, 2012
Marilyn Lowney
Dear Deb,
I just found out about Martha's passing. I remember only a couple of months ago, waiting for my niece at her piano lesson, and hearing absolutely stunning piano music coming out of the room Martha was in. What a lovely and talented team you and she were. Sending much love and comfort. Marilyn Lowney
November 16, 2012
Barbara Kallan
Dear Debra and the Atkinson Family, Our sincere condolences on the passing of "Lu". She was a wonderful piano teacher for our daughters , a great entertainer and a truly outstanding person .We are saddened by your loss. "Lu" will be missed by all who knew her. The entire Peter Kallan family of Gales Ferry, Barbara, Peter, Thea Johnson, Missa Kallan and Jen Battle.
November 16, 2012
Manke Jake
Dave, So sorry for your loss
November 15, 2012
Melissa Smith
To Ms. Debi Lyon,
You have my deepest sympathies. As a student to the studio it saddened me to learn of this news; Martha was the sweetest woman I have had the honor of meeting. Martha poured much of her heart and love into the studio and helped preserve many memories in her photographic posters of the students; her work and yours enriched the lives of many and these students will continue to pass on the love and passion for music that Martha shared. As a student for eight years, both you and Martha greatly impacted my life, for the best, as I continue to express myself through music and aspire to be as caring and gentle.
Missy
November 14, 2012
Catherine Sarni
Dear Family of Martha Atkinson,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It has been many years since I have been in Martha's company but I remember well her warm and welcoming smile. Know that much love and many thoughts and prayers are being sent to you.
With heartfelt condolences,
Catherine Sarni and Gene Swain
November 14, 2012
Heather LeBow
As a past member of First Baptist Church in North Stonington Choir I remember fondly the joyous music Martha could produce from an assortment of ordinary voices who loved to sing. The always fun Christmas party Deb and Martha shared with us in their lovely Norwich home. May all of her family find comfort in their memories.
November 14, 2012
Liz Thomas
To Deb and Martha's families, I am saddened to learn of Martha's passing. Having moved out of the area I have missed her for a long time; however, thinking of Martha just brings back memories of a joyful, funloving woman who always greeted me with a smile. I am sure she has been a very important person in the lives of all her students and those who had the privilege of working with her. Blessings and condolences to all who were close to her.
November 14, 2012
Amanda Fagan, Principal
Atkinson family,
The Ledyard High School community shares your grief as you mourn the passing of Mrs. Atkinson. We have been so fortunate over the years to maintain a relationship with the Atkinson family after Gary's untimely death and the subsequent establishment of a scholarship in his name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 14, 2012
Noralie
Dave and Family , I'm so sorry to hear of your lose.
November 14, 2012
flo klewin
When a beautiful person comes into your life you never want to let them go.Martha you touched mine. I will miss you. Flo
November 13, 2012
Fr. Doug & Carolyn Coil
We were so sorry to hear of Lou's death. We have such wonderful memories of her from St. David's so many years ago. She was incredibly talented as a musician but also a wonderfully intelligent, independent and strong woman. Our prayers are with Deb and the family.
November 13, 2012
Dear Deb,
I am so sorry for your loss. You were right, Martha was quite an accomplished musician and I wish I had known her better. I had no idea Martha lost a son and daughter-in-law on PamAm 103. Our neighbor's son lost his life on that same flight. My prayers are with you, Joyce Mletschnig (Cappella soprano).
November 12, 2012
David Warfield
Deb .... so sorry to hear of your loss... David & Karen Warfield
November 12, 2012
Nancy Allen-Ziemski
Martha was a wonderful lady who will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. May memories bring you comfort and know our thoughts and prayers are with you
November 12, 2012
Brett Bernardini
Your beautiful music will remain with us all! Thank you for touching our lives! To yours and Deb's families, my sincerest blessings for much healing and light!
November 12, 2012
Donna Kenyon
Dear Dave, I was so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was an amazing woman and is in so many of my memories of St David's Church. St David's night was always so special in due mostly to your mom's talents and the way she brought the best out in others. She has always been one of my most cherished memories from church and I will never forget listening to her play at our church services for so many years.
My condolences to Deb and Martha's extened family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
November 12, 2012
Ralph Thorp
To Deb and the Atkinson family,
So sorry to hear about Martha's passing. My connection is as a bass player for both Deb and Martha. My heart and prayers are with you all.
November 12, 2012
The Mariano Family
We are very sorry of your loss. It might be hard on you to let your friend / loved one go, but God knows best... to give her, her heavenly peaceful rest _ no more pain, but all happiness with Him. May those precious memories of her linger on.
Gone are the days when Rodrigo and Franchella listen to the beautiful music that Ms. Atkinson makes while we wait for their piano lessons time at the opposite room. We will miss her and those days.
Thinking of you, Ms. Lyon and the Atkinson family with prayers,
November 12, 2012
Sherburne Stidfole
Deb,
So sorry to hear that you lost Martha.
Hugs from Sherry and Jim Stidfole
November 12, 2012
Beth and Dave Garbo
Dear Dave,
We are so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. LaNae tells me that heaven is graced by her presence and although she will be incredibly missed, we hope this offers you comfort. You were a good and loving son. She was blessed to have you.
November 12, 2012
Joyce Daubar
Friends from Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus send sympathy and affection to Martha's family and friends. She was a talented musician and a lovely lady. What a beautiful legacy of music she leaves!
November 12, 2012
My daughter took piano lessons from Martha for years, and I always enjoyed seeing and talking with her weekly. She was an excellent teacher and a very nice woman. My sincere condolences to all her loved ones.
Joe Grieco
November 12, 2012
Maren Schober
To Deb and the Atkinson family,
Deb and Martha have given me the happiest of memories at St. David's Church when we were working on the talent shows. Joy and laughter was in abundance and I am so thankful for those times. I also remember beautiful choir parties at the Atkinson farm at Christmastime. My heart and prayers are with you all.
Maren Schober
November 12, 2012
Martha and Deb have been two of the greatest assets of
the greater Norwich community. A great loss that the delightful duo is no longer. We will miss Martha and our warmest thoughts go out to Deb.
Martha Briggs and family
November 12, 2012
Carol Pratt
I cannot express how sad I felt upon reading of Martha's passing. I have so many wonderful memories. I will never forget her wonderful musical direction and sense of humor during NUNSENSE I and II when we performed at Ivoryton. Some of the audience was convinced she WAS a nun. She and Deb tackled a musical with me for the Groton Senior Center entitled "70 Girls 70". I will never forget opening night when they had to keep playing the overture because someone had fallen and broken their arm wandering out on stage just before curtain time. We had a different story for every performance and I remember laughing out loud with them both as we would recount them later. Martha was a talented and caring woman who always carried herself with such grace! I had the pleasure and honor of knowing her and will miss her. May fond memories comfort you all.
November 12, 2012
We have lost one of the best friends ever and send warmest admiration to Deb and Martha's immediate and extended family. Musical memories will continue to inspire all those whose lives have been made fuller because of all those piano duets, accompaniments and services through which Martha and Deb's resplendent light shone. We are more highly evolved musically and spiritually by their presence and example. Bob Cumming
November 12, 2012
Franchella and Rodrigo Mariano
To the Atkinson family,
We wish to convey our deep condolences to Ms. Lyon and the surviving family members of the late Martha Atkinson
With great sorrow,
November 12, 2012
Robert and Lisa Smith
Our thoughts are with you.
November 12, 2012
Laurie D'Amato
Dear Dave and LaNae,
We are thinking of you and praying for you as you recall the beautiful life of your Mom. You two are the most gracious of couples and I am certain Martha was proud and knew she was deeply loved. The tender care you offered over the last few months was a testament of your heart and glorified God. May his spirit continue to embrace you always.
With Love,
John and Laurie
November 12, 2012
Guy and Carol D'Andria
To Debrah and Martha's family.We are deeply saddend to hear of your loss.Martha was a wonderful women and a delightful neighbor and freind. She will be missed.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
November 12, 2012
Mary Porter-Price
Dear Family of Martha Atkinson,
Although I worked in Gales Ferry for 17 years, I never had the pleasure of meeting Martha. She sounds like quite an amazing lady, who will be missed by many. May your many happy memories of her bring you comfort as you continue your earthly journey.
Sincerely,
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
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