Jeanette Lucille Atkinson

Jeanette Lucille Atkinson, 97, passed away Thursday April 11, 2024 in Scott’s Valley, Ca with her son Tim by her side.  She was born September 9, 1926 in Deer Lodge, Mt. to Hector and Margaret Rainville, and was the third child of five.  Jeanette attended school at St. Mary’s Academy and graduated in 1944 from Powell County High School.

When Jeanette was 13, she read in the paper that the US Navy needed knitted wool sweaters.  She attended the advertised meeting to demonstrate her skill and returned home with wool yarn and a pattern, donating several sweaters to the war effort.

In 1943, while working at Kenny’s Soda Fountain she met Wally Atkinson.  They married in 1950 upon his return from the navy.  Despite raising five children together they remained best friends until Wally passed in 2019.  That dynamic duo even built their own house, doing the entire construction themselves in the evening and on weekends.

Jeanette got her first job when she was 15 at Shaver’s Jewelry Store.  She went on to work for attorney Kenneth McPherson, and was administrative assistant to the business manager at Montana State Prison.  She then stopped working for others, and with Wally started their own jewelry business which they managed for many years.

Jeanette was active in the Catholic church.  Together with Wally and their friends Pat and Charlotte Healy, they started serving breakfast in the parish center after Sunday mass with proceeds going to the church.  They hosted free Thanksgiving dinners there for anyone who wanted to come, and provided a family atmosphere for many people.  They served 250 to 300 meals along with 70 boxed dinners.  The dinner tradition started in 1984 and continued for decades.

During these many years Jeanette also maintained a home for her family.  She gardened and cooked; she sewed and knitted; she crafted and constructed.  She was talented and capable.  Mom made every holiday a big celebration for her family. She made decorating the house and cooking dinners for 30 seem easy.  She and son Tim made the cake for her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, a 5-tier extravaganza complete with a working fountain.  Jeanette paired up with Tim again, upscaling a ginger bread house into a detailed castle that stood at least 18 inches high sporting turrets and melted sugar windows.  Her big projects were the stuff of family lore.

When her kids were small, Jeanette started hosting the Atkinson annual fourth of July backyard bar-b-que where there were games, music and unlimited food. Grilled burgers and hotdogs evolved to roasted pigs.  Ice cream was churned in the afternoon and everyone took a turn at cranking the canister.  The day ended with fireworks in the street in front of the house.

Throughout her entire life Jeanette continued to learn and do new things.  When she read about an adult education water painting class, she signed up! That evening she asked Wally to take her to Missoula on Wednesday evenings for her class.  He wanted to know what he was supposed to do while he waited for her.  “Oh” she said “I signed you up for guitar lessons.”

She was proud to be a Montanan.  She lived in Deer Lodge until she was 86 and then in Hamilton, Mt, with Carol.  At age 92 she moved to California to live with Cheryl. She spent her last year near Tim in assisted living.  She strove to know everyone in the facility.

Jeanette was optimistic first and foremost.  She was loyal and compassionate with a forgiving heart and loved all unconditionally. She was willing to help anyone and her home was always open. She will be a tough act to follow.

Jeanette is survived by her brother Tom Rainville.  Children Carol Andersen (Kris Anderson), Cheryl Terry (Golden), Cleo Klepzig (Casey), Tim Atkinson (Morgan Taylor) and Janet Wimmer (Tom), 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including close nephew Guy (CJ) Rainville and his family.

A Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the church with Rite of Committal to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. A luncheon will follow at St. Mary’s Center.