Ann Atkinson

Ann Atkinson, of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at the age of 82.
Born in Puyallup, Washington, Ann was the beloved daughter of Helen Berg and Walter Helander, and the youngest of three sisters, following Susan and Nancy.
Her childhood in Puyallup was filled with simple joys - picking berries and swimming in Puget Sound. She graduated from Puyallup High School in 1960 and began her collegiate journey at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. In 1962, she transferred to the University of Washington in Seattle, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marine Studies from the College of the Environment in 1964.
While at the University of Washington, Ann met the love of her life, Larry Atkinson. They were married in 1966, beginning a lifetime of shared adventures and devotion.
Following their studies, Ann and Larry moved to Beaufort, North Carolina, where Ann served the local community and counties as a social case worker. In 1969, their path led them north to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where Ann worked as a lab assistant at Dalhousie University. The couple cherished their time there, canoeing, camping, and enjoying hockey.
In 1972, career opportunities brought them to Savannah, Georgia, where Ann discovered her lifelong love of camellias. During their early years in Savannah, she worked as a librarian at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and welcomed their two sons - Berg in 1977 and Sten in 1983.
In 1985, the Atkinson family made their home in Norfolk, Virginia. There, Ann found deep community connections through societies and her volunteer work at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, the Fred Heutte Center, the Virginia Camellia Society, and Sons of Norway. Through these organizations, she formed many enduring friendships that enriched her life.
Ann and Larry shared a deep love of travel, exploring much of the United States and the world together - including Canada, England, Norway, France, and many other cherished destinations. In later years, Ann especially treasured time spent at the Outer Banks and nearby beaches with her family including beloved grandchildren, Astrid, Clara, and Cecilia.
A woman of many interests, Ann delighted in gardening, sharing plants with friends, caring for cats, walking along the beach, and collecting seashells - especially Baby's Ear shells. She enjoyed flying kites, attending Old Dominion University basketball games, and writing long, thoughtful letters to friends and family.
Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Helen King; father, Walter Helander; stepfather, Robert King; sister, Susan Ogilvie; and her devoted husband, Dr. Larry Atkinson.
She is survived by her sons, Berg Atkinson and his wife Maggie and their children Astrid and Clara; Sten Atkinson and his wife Allison and their child Cecilia; her sister, Nancy and her husband Richard; four nieces, one nephew, and their families. She is also lovingly remembered by dear relatives and lifelong friends from Norway - Liv and Audun Tjomsland, and Hans and Wigdis Naverud - who shared decades of friendship and travel with Ann and Larry.
At Ann's request, there will be no formal service. Her ashes, together with Larry's, will be scattered in the Gulf Stream so they may continue their journey together through the waters connecting Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and Norway - the places they held most dear.
In her memory, Ann wished for us all to be kind to one another, to bring people together, and to cherish our friendships.
Cremation & Funeral Services of Tidewater is assisting the family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ann, please visit our floral store.