Barbara Jane Atkinson

Barbara Jane Atkinson, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on February 5, 2026 surrounded by the love she spent a lifetime giving to others. She was the beloved wife of Mike Atkinson. Together they built a life centered on family, laughter, and simple joys. She was the incredibly proud and devoted mother of Scott (Roxanne) Henry, Sandi (Jack) Hollingsworth, Steve (Kelly) Atkinson and Jill (Chris) Greunke. Barbara was a cherished grandmother of five, Anthony Henry, Lauren Henry, Nolyn Greunke, Andrew Greunke and Jonathan Atkinson. She was a great-grandmother of three. These roles brought her endless pride and happiness.

Barbara was born on March 30, 1945, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to the late Clayton H. and Marion A. Bertrand. She was raised alongside her two brothers, the late Edward M. Bertrand and Clayton J. Bertrand. At the age of fourteen, her family moved to the United States, where Barbara settled in Michigan and built a life and family of her own.

She worked for General Motors for 24 dedicated years, forming friendships that lasted long beyond her working days. Barbara was a woman who lived with a strong back and a soft heart. She had a way of touching lives wherever she went, making friends easily and leaving people better for having known her. She was often the life of the party.

Barbara found joy in the things that brought people together like organizing quilting retreats and GM retiree parties. She loved Cruisin’ Woodward and classic cars, proudly joining the “Two Lane Cruisers.” Summers were often spent boating in Boyne City, where the water and sunshine felt like home. She had a deep love for quilting and poured her heart into every stitch, creating beautiful handmade quilts for the people she loved most. Barbara was a proud member of the Davisburg Piece Makers Quilt Guild. She also enjoyed cooking, especially preparing pancakes for the grandchildren and her famous beef tenderloin for Christmas dinner, a tradition her family looked forward to each year.

Above all, Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and the way she cared for others. Her love lives on in the family she cherished and the countless memories she helped create.

A memorial gathering honoring Barbara’s life will be held at Coats Funeral Home – Clarkston. Family will receive friends on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will be an opportunity to share your favorite memory of Barb.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.