Brenda Ruth Atkinson

Brenda Ruth Atkinson, age 65, of Elgin, Illinois, passed away Monday, December 28th, 2020. She was born in Ipswich, MA on October 13, 1955. Brenda lived her first 10 years of life between the cities of Ipswich and Londonderry, MA; Punxsutawney, PA; and Detroit, MI. In 1965, the Atkinson family moved to Monroe, MI, where Brenda spent the rest of her childhood and graduated from Monroe High School in 1973. After high school, Brenda attended Judson College in Elgin, IL, and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor's degree in Human Relations. She also obtained a Master’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech, and a PhD (all but dissertation) in Child Development from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Throughout the years, Brenda remained very well-connected to her community at Judson College through the Alumni Association. She was also the Registrar at Judson for several years. Brenda created and implemented a child development program at Summit School in Elgin. She accomplished all of these things while raising two bright and loving sons.

Brenda will be remembered for her great love of family, and deeply valued time spent together. She could be described as caring, bold, passionate, bright, and very detail-oriented. She was an encourager and had a unique knack for seeing the best in people, even those with whom she disagreed. She knew how to laugh at herself and had a contagious smile. She also had a passion for music, and always enjoyed playing her guitar and singing. Brenda was marked by her faith in Jesus and a love for children, especially her three grandkids who brought her abundant joy. A cozy fire, hot coffee, brunch, apple pie, trying to speak Spanish, and giving thoughtful gifts were some of Brenda’s other favorite things.

Brenda is survived by her two sons: Christopher (Caeli) Santa Maria, and Eric Santa Maria; her three grandchildren: Gavin, Shae, and Eliana Santa Maria; her parents: F. Joseph and Ruthanne Atkinson; her siblings: Brent (Lisa) Atkinson, Kent (Pam) Atkinson, Kimberly (Steve) Washburn, and Kerry (Mark) Holmberg; and her many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, January 9th, but will be limited to family only.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity that Brenda herself took great pride in supporting this holiday season, Thumbuddy Special: thumbuddyspecial.org.