November 24, 1971 - December 16, 2022
In loving memory ~
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Andrea Mary Atkinson at 51 years of age. Andrea was born in Edmonton, Alberta on November 24th, 1971, and passed away peacefully, at home, on December 16th, 2022. Andrea is survived by her husband of 27 years, Jason Atkinson and her parents, Ruth and Brandon Zimmerman, and three sisters, Connie (Kevin) Sheppard, Donna (Darren) Zimmerman, Georgia (Kayo) Meyers and seven nieces and nephews.
Andrea was a kind, gentle-hearted private soul. She had a passion for art and shared special pieces with those she loved. The meaning behind her paintings was abundantly vivid, as her ideas came to life on canvas. Andrea cared above and beyond for those she loved and most certainly, her animals.
Over the last 20 years with full support from her husband Jason, Andrea began to pursue the dedicated sport of cutting. Through her own self-discipline, sheer determination, and never giving up on her goal, she was able to fulfill her dream. And with the encouragement from family, and the continued support from her friends Darlene and Carl, and her coach John, aka "99", Andrea earned an official placing with the Central Alberta Cutting Club. It was a thrill of a lifetime, and she loved it more than anything.
Andrea and Jason spent their years together travelling to warm sunny places. They enjoyed the warm sun, snorkelling, kayaking, collecting seashells, and doing the famous handstands in the ocean. Privately they shared scooby snacks as they watched Seinfeld, Bridget Jones's Diary, Shark Week and many more enjoyable shows. Andrea and Jason spent countless hours camping and quadding. She would double her nieces on many adventures as hundreds of miles were ridden throughout the mountains laughing and joking all the way.
Andrea was diagnosed with cancer in October, and soon after she travelled to see the ocean one more time, to be warm, and go to a place she had always loved and felt very safe. Her health declined rapidly. She spent precious moments with family leading up to her death and on Friday, December 16th, Andrea died peacefully, as she hoped she would.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.cochranecountryfuneral.com