Nancy Austin Atkins

Nancy was born on July 31, 1925 in Rising Sun, Maryland the second child of Virginia M. and Karl J. Austin. As with many families during the economic turmoil and the bank failures of the Great Depression, the Austin family lost their business and their savings. As a consequence, Nancy spent time living with relatives. By the time Nancy entered high school, however, she was again living with her parents. Nancy attended and was graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1942. During World War II, Nancy worked in Washington, D.C. After the war, Nancy married her high school sweetheart Robert Atkins and started their family. During her years as a wife and mother, Nancy continued to work outside the home. She worked for a dozen years at what was then the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. She concluded her career life in 1993 when she retired from the American Postal Workers Union Health Plan. Nancy's interests and hobbies were wide-ranging. Her flower garden reflected her interest in nature and conservation. Her love of travel reflected both her love of nature and her interest in history. Her reading included the daily newspaper, as well as contemporary and classic novels. Pen in hand, she tackled the crossword puzzle each day. She was fascinated by the scientific progress she had seen during her lifetime and even had a facebook account. She kept up with public affairs and politics. She loved theater, especially musical theater. Her radio was tuned to one of two classical music stations all day. And she followed the University of Maryland men's and women's basketball teams. Nancy's interests prompted her to support a wide range of conservation, health, and political causes. Locally, she volunteered as a tutor at Seabrook Elementary School and with the Literacy Council of Prince George's County. None of these interests, however, eclipsed her interest in and love for her family. Nancy kept up to date with the activities and adventures of her family, especially those of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nancy is survived by her sister, Hilda; her children and their spouses, Jim (Ginny), Kathy, Ken (Judy), Sue (Jim), and Ginny (Don); her grandchildren, Jason (Krissy), Lauren, Greg, Alyssa, and Anna; her great-grandchildren, Hewett and Gray; nephews, Bruce and Craig (Patti).