Bernice Ardell Atkins

MIDDLETON-Bernice Ardell Atkins, age 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born on December 10, 1923, the daughter of Bernard and Ruby Brokaw. Her mother died when Be was 2 ½, and she was adopted by her Great Aunt Winifred and husband Ralph DiVall, they raised her with all of the love parents can give their children. She was married to Donald W. Atkins for 15 years and they had two wonderful sons. Be worked at Madison Gas & Electric for 35 years in customer service, where she made many lifelong friends. She moved back into the home she was raised in to take care of her father Ralph. Be brought love and warmth that has stayed even with her passing. Her home is best known for the front porch, where it was the gathering place for many neighbors and friends. Be lost her sight about nine years ago, but it never stopped her from being positive. She took what life dealt her and kept moving forward. Be would still meet once a month with her school group at Denny’s. They graduated in 1941. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 65 years, and had volunteered many years at the senior center. Be is survived by her sons, Thomas Donald (Diane) Atkins and David William (Linda) Atkins; five grandchildren, Pamela (David) Berman, Sheri (Dan) Evans, Christy (Chris) Pickell, Mike (Polly Linn) Atkins and Valerie (John) Thurston; ten great-grandchildren, Alex and Katie Bowman, Danny and Sheridan Evans, Hope and Ciara Pickell, Oscar DiBerardinis and Lily Be Atkins and Joseph and Abigail Thurston and a brother, Max “Pete” Brokaw of Biloxi, MS. Be was preceded in death by her parents Winifred and Ralph Divall, and a sister Mary Jean Daines. A Memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2015, with the Reverend Heather Hayward presiding. Burial will be in Middleton Junction Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:30 AM until the 10:30 AM service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Be’s name to the Middleton Senior Center. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at UW Hospital, and Agrace HospiceCare for the loving care she received. A big thank you also to Edna Healy, classmate and lifelong friend, for calling mom each day, reading her the paper and keeping her updated. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761