Obituary of Martha Katharina Atchison

ATCHISON,

Martha Katharina

(Nee Mueller/Miller)

1925 -  2024

Our mother, Martha Katharina Atchison (née Mueller/Miller), was born on February 22, 1925, in Melville, Saskatchewan, to George and Sophia (Mattes). She was the first generation of her family born in Canada, as her parents had immigrated from the Austro-Hungarian Empire—her father in 1904 and her mother in 1906. She passed away peacefully on Friday, June 21st, at Sherbrooke Community Centre.

Our mother will be joyfully reunited at the pearly gates of Heaven with our father, Francis James (Frank), her parents, their infant son Warren, their daughter Gale Patricia, and all her other loved ones who passed before her, creating an eternal heavenly celebration. Our parents' daughter/our sister Gale Patricia, who had Down's Syndrome, passed away in our mother's arms on a train returning from visiting our Grandma Atch in Regina, succumbing to pneumonia during the journey. She was also predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Mary Miller, Emma Kilbach (Joe), Ann Kesselring (Karl), Wilma Conroy (Jim), and Margaret Solloway (Fred); and her brothers, Ernest (Lorraine), George Jr. (Zulma), John (Clara), and Reinhold (Marion).

She is survived by her three children, Donald (Mardele), Douglas, and Debora; her eight grandchildren, Carrie (Devon), Jason, Brielle (Greg), Donald James Jr. (Sabine), Aria (Richard), Mitchel (Sazi), Kennedy (Connor), and Blaire (Nick); as well as fifteen great-grandchildren.

After graduating from high school, our mother moved to Regina, where she met the love of her life, our father, Frank. They married young, at 18 and 19 years old, on August 12, 1944. Their love story spanned over 79 years, beginning on a dance floor when they were teenagers. Initially, our mom wasn’t interested, but dad found out her address and won her over by showing up at her door. His persistence captured her heart. Our father passed away on December 20, 2023.

Our mom excelled at everything she did. As a realtor, she learned about Grosvenor Men’s and Boys’ Wear before it went up for sale, met with Mr. Spector (the owner), and purchased the business. She eventually renamed it Atch and Company, expanded the men's wear business, and opened a tuxedo shop and several jean stores. She was an exceptional businesswoman, often described as a workaholic—the hardest worker we have ever known. She not only managed the stores and worked full-time in one of them, but she also handled alterations and maintained our home.  Our mom also dedicated many hours volunteering at Bingo, with the proceeds benefiting the Shriners Children's Hospital and the Travel Fund.

Our mother was also talented in knitting, crocheting, petit point, needlepoint, and sewing. She never sat idle while watching TV, always keeping her hands busy with some craft. Every Sunday, she hosted family dinners with all the trimmings. Our mom was an excellent pie maker. All of us have already asked each other if someone has her open peach pie and rhubarb pie recipes. These were our favorites but she made a variety of fruit pies. We were all very lucky because the fruit was grown on her brothers’ and sisters’ orchards in Oliver, British Columbia. She insisted on doing her own cleaning, spending Friday evenings after work tidying and cleaning the house while listening to music by Connie Francis, Engelbert Humperdinck, The Cowboy Church Sunday School, Petula Clark, Andre Rieu, Russell Watson, and Il Divo and a little bit of country from Shania Twain. She was thrilled to see Andre Rieu live several times and saw Il Divo perform in Victoria, BC, with what she called "the best seats in the house." Unfortunately, she had plans to see Russell Watson, but his concert was canceled due to his illness.

Despite her busy business career, our mom managed to fit in some travel. She visited several European countries, spending six weeks one summer touring the continent. Our mom and dad frequented Costa Rica. enjoyed many trips to Hawaii and visited Barbados. They also often traveled to the United States, spending time in Nevada and Lake Mary, Florida. Within Canada, they regularly visited Toronto and Victoria.

Our mom will be deeply missed, but we have countless cherished memories of her.

Funeral Services will take place at Faith Lutheran Church (2801 Preston Ave.) on Friday,  June 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm with interment following at Woodlawn Cemetery.