Obituary of Janice Lillian Atkin

Janice Lillian Atkin (Jan), 82, passed away at home on Wednesday, September 29 in New Port Ritchey, Florida. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 1, 1939 to the late Lillian Ullrich Atkin Slifer and Edward Henry Atkin, both deceased. In addition to her parents, Jan was preceded in death by one brother, Eddie Atkin, and sisters, Shirley Nenaber and Claudia Knudsen. A dependable and diligent employee, Jan had a smile for everyone and a great sense of humor. She worked as a cashier at the Jewel supermarket chain in the Greater Chicago area for a few years, but the majority of her career was in medical billing, where she worked for and retired from Dependable Business Service in Orland Park, Illinois. In Jan’s younger years, her attention was lavished on her two Schnauzer dogs, Impy and Binkey and on her nieces and nephews. Later, she and her partner, Kathy, were owned by a rescue pup named Rusty and a bird named Perry. For several years and until her Aunt Hazel Ullrich’s death from Alzheimer’s disease, Janice put her own life on hold to provide loving care and companionship for her in her home. When Jan’s health allowed her to travel, she loved visiting friends and family around the country and fishing whenever the opportunity presented itself. The bright lights and allure of possible big winnings from video poker and Keno (her favorite games) also attracted Jan to casinos for food and fun. Another of Jan’s passions was tennis: both playing (when she was in good health) and watching national and international matches on television. She remembered the birthdays of her extended families and for years would send cards and a bit of money to help celebrate them. Survivors include her partner of 37 years, Kathy Snearley; sister, Joyce M. Fletcher; brother-in-law, Donald Knudsen; beloved nieces and nephews - Nacy Benjamin (Vance), Vonnie Ray (Dan), Phillip Nenaber, Scott Knudsen (Pam) Carrie Knudsen (Brian), Ken Knudsen (Ann), Connie Singleton (Curt), Ronnie Johnson (Shannon), Jamie Johnson (Sherry), and many great-nieces and nephews. A private Celebration of Life service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations to honor Jan’s life will be appreciated. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America / https://alzfdn.org/about-us/mission-history/ American Heart Association / https://www.heart.org/ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. ~ Psalm 34:18