Catherine E. (Nichols) Atkinson, 96, formerly of South Kingstown, passed away on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022 at the Sunny View Nursing Home in Warwick. Born in Providence to Catherine (Talty) and Waldo Nichols, she grew up in Warwick, but made homes in different towns at different stages of her life, including Jamestown, East Greenwich, and South Kingstown. She was the beloved wife of the late Gordon H. Atkinson. She was predeceased by her son, WFD Battalion Chief (Ret.) Richard E. Erban (Diane), and outlived all of her loving siblings: R. Maureen Scanlon (Thomas), William E. Nichols, Margaret R. Toole (the late Frederick), James G. Nichols (Rosalyn), and Anne M. Garlock (Peter). Catherine is survived by her devoted children: Jane E. Dwyer (the late John) and Brian A. Atkinson (Maria). She is also survived by 3 of her 4 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, as well as dozens of nieces and nephews. A 1946 RISD graduate, she worked as a cartographer for the Providence Field Office of the Defense Mapping Agency for the entirety of her career. She enjoyed redesigning every home she ever occupied, and when she could do no more, would move to a new place and start over again. Most recently, she enjoyed word games and spending time with her cherished cat, Gracie. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, January 10, in St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Road, Warwick. Burial was in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Due to COVID considerations, the visitation was private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hasbro Children’s Hospital are appreciated. To leave condolence messages, please visit www.barrettandcotter.com
