Rosemary Clemence Atkinson

1929 - 2023

Rosemary Clemence Atkinson, 93, died peacefully February 19, 2023, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

She was until the end technologically savvy and politically aware. Her favorite activity was following the stock market and being attuned to financial matters. She was born on December 3, 1929 in Milford, Connecticut to the late Honorable Robert Hampton Clemence and Grace Eleanor Reilly. She enjoyed a close friendship with her older brother, the late Robert John Clemence (Phyllis). Rosemary graduated from Northfield-Mount Hermon School and Mount Holyoke College. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the government. There she met and married an Episcopal seminarian, Robert Poland Atkinson, who was her husband of 60 years. She was a faithful servant in many Episcopal churches in West Virginia, Tennessee, and Virginia. She took great pride in her volunteer work with the Junior League, Episcopal Church Women, various literacy programs, and emerging day care initiatives and legislation. She was also a substitute teacher, tax preparer, and accountant.

Rosemary is survived by her three children and their families, Anne (Mark) Fields, Robert "Rip" (Sharon) Atkinson, and Amy (James) Midkiff; and her grandchildren, Thomas (Christy) Fields, Riley Atkinson, Carrie Midkiff, Henry Midkiff, and Allison Midkiff. Her nieces, Lynne Bradstreet, Suzy McCarthy, Candy Clemence, and Cissy Clemence were very special to her.

Rosemary will be especially missed and remembered for her unconditional love and sharp mind. She was a woman ahead of her time. Her family and friends will celebrater her life Saturday, April 15, 2023, 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Greenwood, Virginia. She will be laid to rest next to her late husband following the service in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a donation to ProMedica Hospice, Charlottesville, Va. or to PBS would be thoughtful.