Obituary of Geraldine Carol Atchison

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Geraldine Carol Atchison (Gerri) on January 15, 2025.

A loving and supportive wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother (GG), Aunt, cousin and dear friend to so many.

Gerri was a strong capable woman with a fierce need for independence.  Her early years on the prairies were formative in these qualities.  After the loss of her parents Gerri attended boarding school in Calgary where she met Steph Atchison. 

Gerri and Steph were married and moved to Cranbrook where they raised their 3 daughters Barbara, Christie-Ann and Jennifer.

Gerri was a woman of many capabilities, and she excelled in numerous efforts.  Artist, florist, businesswoman, dairy farmer/farmer, livestock midwife and bootlegger were just a few of her incarnations.

Born with dirt under her fingernails we believe that Gerri was her most true self once the family moved rural and she merged into the farming lifestyle.

Gerri was deeply connected to the natural world.  Her spirituality was nurtured by living close to the land.  

As she aged and her body’s strength began to wane, her spirituality deepened.  As an elder she would pride herself on being a mentor and advocating for what was vulnerable in our modern world.

Many of her family and close friends will remember her as a hard worker who did everything with all of her heart.  We will remember Gerri when we come across a heart rock and when hawks and eagles sore over.  She always remembered the little things.  Gerri had an amazing memory and could definitely carry on a conversation.

Gerri is survived by her daughters Barbra Lynn Campbell, Christie-Ann Hurley (Bill Hurley), Jennifer Jill Cunningham (Brad Cunningham), grandchildren Ian Scott Hurley, Rachael Ann Campbell, Sydney June Campbell, Kaitlynn Dean Campbell, great grandchildren Stella Marie Hurley, Allie Jayne Hurley, Liam Bryden Hurley, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Gerri was predeceased by her father Gerald Charles Bryden, mother Hilda M. Penner, husband Stephan John Atchison, sister Ruth Taylor, and grandson Denis Craig Hurley.

A Celebration of Gerri’s Life will take place on Tuesday April 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook with a reception/gathering to follow at the Wycliffe farm.

In leu of flowers donations can be made in Gerri honor to the Cranbrook/Kimberley Hospice Society or to Street Angels.

Blessed travels mom.  May you rest in peace.