Obituary: Ermina Mae 'Mina' Atkinson

Ermina Mae “Mina” Atkinson, 87, of Grand Island, passed away on April 17, 2024, in Buffalo.

She was born Aug. 1, 1936, in Niagara Falls. A lifelong nurse, Mina excelled in her profession, working at Niagara Geriatric Center from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s. She was a dedicated caregiver who touched the lives of many through her compassionate work.

Mina was a kind-hearted person who cherished her family above all else. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as with friends from her church group at Trinity Church in Grand Island. Mina had a love for the outdoors, especially spending time on the water, and she was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. Her passion for traveling took her across the country and to various parts of the world while her husband served in the Army.

She is survived by her children: James (Caryn) Atkinson III, Timothy (Paula) Atkinson, Brian (Jill) Atkinson, Mary Atkinson and Karen (Nicholas) Mercorella; by her sister, Donna Jeanne Bruning; by her brother, George “Eddie” (Kathy) Blank; and by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mina was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Atkinson Jr.; by her mother, Margaret Ermina Blank; by her father, Stanley Blank; by her sister, Betty Greco; and by her stepbrother, Robert Blank.

Contributions in Mina’s memory can be made to Trinity Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, where memorial services were held on Saturday April 20.

Mina’s warm smile and caring nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

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