Obituary of Diane Marita Atkinson

Diane Marita Atkinson passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on March 19, 2016 at the age of 53. She was born on August 9, 1962 to Wayne and Marita Lingenbrink, in Bellingham, Washington. She graduated from Sehome High School in 1980, received her Bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University, going on to receive her Master’s degree in Education from City University. She spent her career working as an educator. She was a resident of Camas for the past 19 years. Diane enjoyed boating, crabbing, camping, travelling, reading and hiking. A special place to her was the San Juan Islands. One of her favorite times of the year was the Fourth of July spent in Bellingham at her parents’ house with family and friends. Diane faced her battle with cancer with the same courage, strength and feistiness she faced life. She left a beautiful influence on us all that we will carry with us forever. She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Mikel Atkinson, her sons Tyler and Derek, her parents Wayne and Marita (Longstreth) Lingenbrink, her brother Doug (Kelly Keith) Lingenbrink, her sister Karen (Harry) Klages , her sister-in-laws Marisa (Cliff) Morgan, Wendy Murphy, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A celebration of Diane’s life will take place on April 2nd at 2:00 pm at Brown’s Funeral home in Camas, WA, followed by a reception at the Atkinson’s family home. Those who wish may make a contribution in Diane’s name to Image Elementary, 4400 NE 122nd Ave, Vancouver, WA 98682. To sign the online guest book, or to leave a condolence, please visit ww.brownsfh.com