Frances (Fritzi) Atkins

Frances (Fritzi) Atkins, 97, was born October 14^th, 1926, in Hanover, PA and died on January 4, 2024, in Canton, MI.  In the final days of her life she was surrounded by her children, dying peacefully from a body weakened by time.

Fritzi spent much of her youth growing up   in the small town of Salamanca, located in the Allegany Mountains of Western New York. She was one of five children to Marvin and Gertrude Hoover. She graduated from Salamanca High School. In the years that followed, she met and married the love of her life, Don Atkins. Soon after, Fritzi and Don moved to Cheektowaga, NY and had three children, daughter Kim, son Terry, and son Dana.  Fritzi’s greatest love was her family. She was a loving and devoted wife to Don for over 50 years and an amazing caregiver to him as he battled health issues later in his life.  Fritzi was also a wonderful homemaker and mother. She created a home for her family where everyone felt safe, loved, and special. A home where honesty, fairness and equality were the hallmark of her life. A home where the wants and needs of her family took priority over everything else. A home that was maintained meticulously clean, with a warmth and comfort that made everyone feel welcome. And while the home was modest, it was filled with keepsakes and family photos that were priceless to Fritzi. The health, wellbeing and happiness of her children and grandchildren were the sole purpose of her life. The deep love they all have for her stands as a testament to what an amazing mother she was. 

Fritzi was known for having an infectious smile that would light up the room and automatically bring a smile to the face of others. She was loved by many.  It was remarkable how many people would come up to us and say, “I just love your mother, she’s amazing”.  She always remembered everyone’s birthday or anniversary with cards and letters. Adult nieces and nephews would recall getting a birthday card from her as a child with a quarter taped inside. A small, but special token of love and appreciation that left a lasting impression of caring on them. 

Fritzi was preceded in death by her husband Don and her four brothers and sisters.

Fritzi is survived by her loving children, daughter Kim, son Dana and wife Colleen, son Terry and wife Sue, grandson Blake, granddaughter Devon and great grandson Jaxson.

She leaves behind countless family and friends who hold a special place in their heart for Fritzi. She will be greatly missed by all.

 Fritzi was will buried at Parkview Memorial in Livonia next to her beloved Don with a private family committal service.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Angela Hospice  Angela Hospice DONATE