Catherine M. Atkins

Catherine Mary (Murphy) Atkins, 62, of Nashua, NH passed away on June 9, 2013 at the Community Hospice Home in Merrimack, NH surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Margaret Murphy and the wife of Patrick Atkins, to whom she was married to for 29 years.

Cathy grew up and spent her life in Nashua. A graduate of UNH, she worked at the Department of Health and Human Services for 40 years. As a dedicated child advocate she was instrumental in helping families throughout the state with adoption and foster care. She won many awards for her work with children during her career. Cathy truly believed in equal rights for all people and demonstrated that through her work. Cathy helped to make the lives of the people she touched more complete; her most rewarding accomplishments were bringing families together.

Cathy enjoyed spending time with her family at Drakes Island, Maine and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Family always came first; those were the relationships she cherished above all else. She always made special time for each of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephew. Each of them have many special memories of Cathy including lunches at Chen Yang Li, “presents behind the chair” or her made up “Feather” stories. She was an avid reader of women’s mystery novels and was part of a book club for many years. Cathy will be most remembered for the love of her family and the time she shared with them

Cathy was a very strong, loving and caring wife, sister, aunt and friend. She will truly be missed by so many.

Cathy’s wish was that anyone desiring to make a memorial donation please consider the Cornucopia Project. She spent many hours in the Hancock garden and believed in its message. The mailing address is: The Cornucopia Project, PO Box 379, Hancock, NH 03449 or visit the website at www.cornucopiaproject.org. There will be no calling hours or service.