Marian Clare O'Leary Atkinson of Scituate, formerly of Cohasset and Dorchester, departed this world peacefully, on 7 January 2011. Thomas E. Atkinson Sr., her devoted husband of 51 years, was at her side. She was also surrounded by her loving children; Sarah McKeough and husband Paul; Peg Atkinson; Thomas Atkinson, Jr. and wife Janet; Nina Monty and husband Treg; John Atkinson and wife Heather; Maura Butler and husband Kevin; Karen Witkowski and husband Jamie, as well as her 15 grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Thomas O'Leary, her sister Ellen Winn, her adopted sister Mary Desmond, her cousin Eileen O'Meara and countless nieces, nephews, former students, and "adopted" children. She will be missed, but never forgotten, by all who knew and loved her.

A graduate of Boston College ('57), she taught special needs and 3rd Grade in the Cohasset Public School for 25 years. She retired in 1997. "Mrs. Atkinson" made a profound difference on generations of children, many whom remained in touch with her decades later. She was an accomplished artist who loved to sketch and paint. She was a talented pianist who also played a mean harmonica (at least on her children and grandchildren's birthdays). She was an inventor of games. She was an enforcer of rules. She was an exceptional cook and beloved baker of "Nahnee" bread. She was a selfless citizen and an American patriot. She was principled. She was selfless. She loved everyone and everything unconditionally. Her love affair with Tom was epic, their marriage exemplary.

She was a Catholic woman of profound faith who lived her life as Jesus Christ taught. These gifts, her legacy, live on in the children and grandchildren to whom she dedicated her life. Marian died in communion with her Savior. She is without question in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, reunited with her beloved mother and father Thomas and Marian O'Leary, her brothers Robert and Richard, and her cousin Ann O'Meara. She left the world a better place.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours are from 3:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, 10 January, at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 1 Summer Street (across from St. Anthony's Catholic Church.) Cohasset, MA.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Marian's name to any of the following: the Semper Fi Fund (www.semperfifund.org), St Jude's Children Hospital, Ave Maria University in Florida, or Hospice of South Shore.

Service Information

Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM Tuesday, 11 January, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church Cohasset, MA.