Pamela Atkinson, a 93-year-old humanitarian and community advocate, died on Oct. 10. Atkinson was described as a long-time friend to Catholic Community Services and a dedicated servant to vulnerable populations in Utah.
Atkinson's community service work began with her and her children serving Christmas dinner at the Salvation Army, a path that led to extensive work with the homeless population. She served as the master of ceremonies for the annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner for Catholic Community Services for several years. Additionally, she worked with Christen Huntsman Durham to organize regular prayer services at the CCS Bishop Weigand Resource Center in downtown Salt Lake City, inviting outside speakers to provide motivational messages to clients.
Her professional and civic leadership included roles on the State Board of Regents, the State Board of Education, and the Utah College of Applied Technology Board. She also served on the State Homeless Coordinating Committee, Envision Utah, the State Refugee Advisory Board, and as the director for the Coalition Against Pornography. Atkinson eventually moved to Utah with her three children to work for Intermountain Health Care.
A native of England, Atkinson grew up in humble circumstances and was the first in her family to graduate high school, according to the Utah Women’s Walk. She earned a nursing degree and a master’s degree in sociology and business from the University of Washington.
Memorial services for Atkinson are scheduled for Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City, located at 12 East C St., Salt Lake City.
