Joann Atkinson

JoAnn Coe Atkinson, age 93 of Johnston, RI and Melbourne Beach, FL passed peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on January 4, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family.

JoAnn was born on October 9, 1929 in Holbrook, MA to parents, Alfred and Jane Coe. She is predeceased by her six siblings. She grew up in Cranston, RI and was a graduate of Cranston East High School, class of 1943. In her adult years, she went on to obtain her associate's degree from CCRI. She worked at Providence Gas Company before opening her successful child care center, Pied Piper School, in 1963. JoAnn shared her musical talents with her family, generations of children at Pied Piper, her churches (Greystone Church in North Providence, RI, and The Chapel at ORA in Melbourne Beach, FL, and her Outdoor Resorts of America (ORA) Florida community.

JoAnn was married to her beloved husband, the late Alan Atkinson, Jr. for 60 years. She is survived by her loving daughters, Wendy Fagan (the late Robert Fagan, Sr.) of Narragansett, RI, and Cathy Atkinson (Steven Hickey) of South Kingstown, RI. She was predeceased by her sons, Alan Atkinson III, and Christopher Atkinson. JoAnn was the cherished grandmother of Heather Morris (Fagan), Robert Fagan, Jr., Alanna Atkinson, and Devon Atkinson. She was the adored great grandmother of Mia and Sammi Fagan and Ava and Sophie Morris. She is additionally survived by many treasured nieces and nephews.

JoAnn was known for her passion for life and adventure. She enjoyed summers on Rome Point, North Kingstown, boating and waterskiing with extended family. She spent her winters skiing the northeast and western U.S. with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren until the age of 84. She treasured traveling with family through Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and all 50 states (in their RV).

In her later years, she enjoyed her time in FL with her husband, performing in community plays, and participating in ORA activities. With her abundant kindness for those in need, she shared her many talents volunteering to give back to her communities.

As a woman of faith and spirituality, JoAnn would love to be remembered with celebration by the countless people who were precious and blessed in her life, as she inspired and touched so many. She maintained her positive attitude and grateful spirit until she crossed on, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11 am in the Way Ministries (formerly Greystone P.M. Church), 1 Oakleigh Ave., North Providence.