Laurie Ann Milatz-Atkinson, D.O. Laurie Ann Milatz-Atkinson passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 3, 2018 with her family at her side. Laurie was born on June 14, 1960 in Detroit, Michigan to Ed and Shirley Milatz. She received her bachelor degree from the University of Oklahoma and then studied medicine at the Oklahoma College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. She completed her medical residency in York, Pennsylvania in 1991 and then moved to Chester where she joined a private practice with Jerry Robinson. Laurie was a caring physician who was always devoted to her patients. Those who knew her or worked with her knew of her devotion to caring for others. Laurie was an advocate for abused children in our community having served on the board of the Children's Attention Home for 10 years, four of which she served as the Board Chairwoman. During this time she not only filled an administrative role, but also volunteered countless hours working directly with the children that had been placed there from abusive homes. Laurie also served on the Community Board of the Spring's Foundation supporting many worthy causes in our local community and also as a Chief of Medicine at Chester Community Hospital. Laurie always said her most fulfilling achievement in her life was being the mother of two beautiful boys whom she loved more dearly than anything else. Laurie always appreciated the welcoming community of St Joseph's Catholic Church where she was an active member, served on several committees and taught religious education. She was also an active parent volunteer in many areas at St. Ann's Catholic School in Rock Hill, SC. Laurie was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Therese (Oakie) Milatz, her father, Edward Louis Milatz, and her brother, Eric James Milatz. Laurie is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, J. Scott Atkinson, and their two sons, Benjamin Heath Atkinson and Nicholas Miller Atkinson. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Paula and Chuck Despars of DuPont, WA; Martin and Elizabeth Milatz of Fowlerville, MI; Steven and Angela Milatz of Spokane, WA; Greta and Ken Vega of Denver, CO, and Betsy Marie and John Stege of Norman, OK. She is also loved and missed by her many nieces and nephews on both sides of her family. In lieu of flowers, Laurie requested that donations be made in memory of her to the Children's Attention Home, PO Box 2912 Rock Hill, SC 29732; St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 110 W End St. Chester, SC 29706; or St Gregory's Abbey, 1900 W MacArthur St. Shawnee, OK 74804. Laurie's life will be celebrated with a Catholic Rosary at 6:00 PM and following at 6:30 will be a Receiving for family and friends on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Barron's Funeral home in Chester. There will be a private funeral service and family interment for Laurie on Wednesday. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barronfuneralhome.com.

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Published by The Herald on Mar. 7, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Laurie D.O.

2 Entries

Diane Garrigan, DO

March 22, 2018

I am shocked and saddened to learn of Laurie's passing. We were good friends during our residency years in York, PA and shared lots of laughs and good times. She visited my summer home on Long Island and had commented that the ocean tasted "salty" which had us laughing. Unfortunately we lost track of each other after our training years. It warms my heart to read of all the wonderful works she was involved in and all the people she impacted so beautifully.
I'm not surprised; knowing her as a resident I knew she would be a very compassionate doctor with alot of empathy. She was one of the most caring, honest, warm, sensitive and loving persons I've had the honor to have known. I feel blessed to have had her as part of my life twenty something years ago.

Lisa Murphy

March 10, 2018

Oh this breaks my heart - but I know heaven gained a beautiful angel - and just knowing her she will forever protect and prepare a place while waiting for her loved ones. Laurie touched my heart immediately - so very genuine and true to herself her family and patients. One of the most beautiful souls I've ever met - she ALWAYS shared a story of love and adoration about her boys and husband so very dear to her heart. You will be sorely missed but your legacy lives on in so many many hearts you've touched. My heart goes out to her family - I cannot imagine your loss and grief - I pray that you will find comfort and know you all are so loved - fearlessly and faithfully loved. I know you will meet again - and I pray you find comfort your mother, wife, Sister, aunt, friend is no longer in pain - and she is with her Lord again. Much love with a heavy heart - Lisa Murphy (NP)

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