Marisue "Sue" Atkinson

Marisue "Sue" Atkinson beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully at Big Sky Senior living, on the morning of July 17, 2025  at the age of  80.  Born November 25, 1944, the oldest of 5 children to John and Margaret (McDonald) Cannon.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and quiet determination. She was rooted, for all but a small portion of her life, on O’Neill Street in Walkerville.  It was from her family and Walkerville roots, both of which she had great pride, that she was shaped with an endearing spirit.   She attended St Lawerence School and graduated high school from Girls Central.  From her early years in Walkerville and her high school years at Butte Central she made dear friendships, that she maintained throughout her life.

Following high school, she worked at ST James as a surgical tech, until marrying and starting a family.  In 1964 she married Tom Campbell and together they raised four boys, later divorcing.  Upon the arrival of Jerry, she settled in and focused on being a wonderful mother. Shortly after Mark arrived, followed by Greg and finally Chris. As the boys grew older, she again joined the work force, first at Henrys Book, then as Justice of the Peace for the city of Walkerville, a position the maintained for many years. Followed by time at Miners bank, The Power Credit Union, Western Energy, Montana Power and finally in the benefits department at Northwestern, from where she retired.  Not one to sit around, she again joined  the work force at Portlock software and finally in the chief executives office for Butte Silver Bow. She had a very difficult time having to stop working, due to memory issues.  Throughout her working career she was blessed to be surrounded by wonderful coworkers and always created lasting friendships at the office.  Later in life she married Herb Atkinson, later divorcing. She had a sharp wit and an infectious laugh.

Family was very important to her and she was her boys biggest cheerleader and supporter, whatever the event or sport.  Blessed, or maybe not so blessed, they all became wrestlers and she was behind them all the way. It was at that time that she took on the task of running the concession stand, for the Butte Wrestling club.   Or travelling to countless gyms across Montana, every winter weekend,  cheering on her boys.

Over time she was blessed, as her family grew even larger, with the marriages of her sons and the arrival of her grand children.  Also, she was quite pleased to have some feminine energy added to the equation.  She was thrilled to welcome nine grandchildren, all cherished, though there is special place in her heart for her granddaughters.  She loved attending and was a great cheerleader and supporter for all her grandchildren’s activities. Throughout life she maintained strong relationships with her siblings and cousins.   Especially her sister Pat,  whom she was very dependant upon, later in life.  The Oregon coast held a special place in her heart and she was fortunate to visit it often, with her special cousin Claire.

Marisue was preceeded in death by her mother and father, brother Terry and sister in law Jeannie Cannon.  She is survived by her sons and their families; Jerry (Ian and Emily,) Mark and Darcie (Cash), Greg and Brittany (Coy, Cambri and Cendyl) Chris and Darlene (Andrew, Adam, Dameon) Siblings and spouses Tom and Diane Cannon, Pat and Larry Mcgrath and Frank Cannon.   Also her lifelong best friend  Ann Shea.   As well as numerous cousins,  nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:00am to 11:00am Friday in St. Patrick’s Church for visitations.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am.  Private family placement of ashes will take place at a later date.

The family is greatly appreciative and thankful for all the wonderful care that she received from by the staff at Big Sky Senior living.   Where she had spent the last 5 ½ years of her life.  Also special thanks to Dr Siddoway.