ATKINSON, Andrea Mary (née Zimmerman)
November 24, 1971 – December 16, 2022
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Andrea Mary Atkinson at 51 years of age. Andrea was born in Edmonton, Alberta on November 24, 1971 and passed away peacefully, at home, on December 16, 2022. Andrea is survived by her husband of 27 years, Jason Atkinson and her parents, Ruth and Brandon Zimmerman, and three sisters, Connie (Kevin) Sheppard, Donna (Darren) Zimmerman, Georgia (Kayo) Meyers and seven nieces and nephews.
Andrea was a kind gentle-hearted private soul. She had a passion for art, and shared special pieces with those she loved. The meaning behind her paintings was abundantly vivid, as her ideas came to life on canvas. Andrea cared above and beyond for those she loved and most certainly, her animals.
Over the last 20 years with full support from her husband Jason, Andrea began to pursue the dedicated sport of cutting. Through her own self-discipline, and sheer determination, and never giving up on her goal, she was able to fulfill her dream. And with the encouragement from family, and the continued support from her friends Darlene and Carl, and her coach John, aka “99”, Andrea earned official placing with the Central Alberta Cutting Club. It was a thrill of a lifetime, and she loved it more than anything.
Andrea and Jason spent their years together traveling to warm sunny places. They enjoyed the warm sun, snorkeling, kayaking, collecting seashells, and doing the famous handstands in the ocean. Privately they shared scooby snacks as they watched Seinfeld, Bridget Jones’s diary, Shark Week and many more enjoyable shows.
Andrea and Jason spent countless hours camping and quadding. She would double her nieces on many adventures as hundreds of miles were ridden throughout the mountains laughing and joking all the way.
Andrea was diagnosed with cancer in October, and soon after she traveled to see the ocean one more time, to be warm, and go to a place she had always loved and felt very safe. Her health declined rapidly. She spent precious moments with family leading up to her death and on Friday December 16th, Andrea died peacefully, as she hoped she would.
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca
Arrangements entrusted to Emily Champ, Funeral Director
Dear Brandon and Ruth and family, I was shocked to hear of Andrea’s death and to be taken so young . My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Sending love and Hugs. Lorrie and family
My deepest condolences to Georgia and family.
So sorry for your loss.
May Andrea rest in eternal peace.
May God bless the family with comfort and strength.
I will never forget the years spent riding together with Georgia and Andrea at Scenic Acres in the 80’s. Andrea and her pony, Dusty, had more than enough courage and determination to keep up with the big horses. It seems Andrea never lost that spirit and I’m sure she’s out riding just as fearlessly in heaven today. My deepest condolences go out to her family as they cope with this terrble loss.
Dear Ruth, Brandon and family,
Carman and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family, during this very difficult time. Our hearts go out to you all.
We send lots of love and hugs to all of you.
Jason , So sorry to hear of Andrea’s passing. We enjoyed seeing and visiting her when she
shopped for her horses feed. our thoughts are with. She was a wonderful and fun person
Allan,Carole,Tim, & Andy Hall
Ver, very sad to hear of Andrea’s passing. My condolences go out to the family. Jason loved Andrea very much and gave her an exceptional life. Andrea was not just a daughter in law she was a very dear friend to me (Lynda). We shared our love for horses and had many long talks about her riding events. Andrea was so excited to get Murphy, unfortunately, she had little time with him. I will truly miss Andrea I loved her dearly. Hope Cyndi (Jason’s sister) and Andrea are beautiful angels together. She was a beautiful girl may she rest in peace.
Rick & Lynda Atkinson & Tristan (Her Nephew)
Jason, we are saddened for you and your family hearing of the sudden passing of your wife. You are a dear friend and we are here to support you. You are always welcome to visit, even if that means hanging out with us for long days in a boardroom or standing in the middle of a solar farm.
Andrea was blessed to have you all these years, may she rest in peace. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Trevor & Christine Lewington
It is with a very heavy heart that I write this to sweet Andrea and her family.I had the absolute pleasure of meeting and living with Andrea and the beautiful Zimmerman family in 1987 . She welcomed , the new found friend of her big sis Georgia so effortlessly I felt . I was for all purposes a stranger to her in their home but never once did I feel that way. Andrea was just so lovely in every way and the Zimmerman family a blessing to me at that time . I’ll forever appreciate my time shared with you Andrea, your sweet smile , laughter and quirkiness I’ll remember always as some of the “ Best memories of my life . Rest In Peace sweet Angel Andrea, I’m thankful that I can say I now have another blessed soul watching over myself and all of those that I hold dear to my heart. ♥️
It is with deepest thoughts I offer my condolences to Andrea’s sisters and parents. From our time on the island and in Cochrane I’ve always considered Andrea a wonder person and close friend. She is deeply missed. Jason, no words necessary, I love you both. Mark Medd
So sorry about your loss Jason, my thoughts and prayers are with you ❤️
To Georgia, Ruth, Brandon, Connie, Donna, and all of your family, I struggle to find words, as I know none will make this loss feel any better. I am so sorry. I keep thinking of all the times we went riding as kids, all the fun we had, and am glad that Andrea got to follow her dreams with horses and painting! Love to you all! <3
To my buddy Jason,
Thinking of you today and always my friend. Thank you for friendship and mentorship.
Together, we will help you get thru this difficult time.
To my dear sister who passes away last week, you set eternity in my heart. You are loved more than you’ll ever know – Romans 5:8
My deepest sympathies to the entire Zimmerman family. Andrea was my best friend growing up and your entire family was a big part of my childhood as we made the short walk across the alley and spent many hours at each other’s homes. We shared a silly, quirky sense of humor and a love of horses among other things. I remember in our very early teens how excited we were to be able to horseshow as a team together with our horses Star & Foxy…and win a red ribbon! We had a lot of laughs over the years, and I know she’ll still be laughing about the time we went to Stampede Wrestling live – what a ring a ding dong dandy! We lost and gained touch several times over the past 30 years, but every time we connected it was like no time had passed at all. We shared a special bond I will never forget and my heart breaks for the loss of such a talented, beautiful, and fiercely loyal woman. I love you Andrea. I wish you so much peace and happiness riding in the sky with your horses.
Jason, my condolences for your loss. You will have 27 years of memories to cherish.
My condolences to all of Andrea’s family and friends. We shared many fun times growing up and getting into regular teenage trouble. Over the decades, I was asked many times, “hey whatever happened to Andrea Zimmerman”? I too wondered how you were living your life and am happy to know it was filled with horses and continuing your art. I wish we had been able to continue our friendship, to be able to tell you what a talented artist you were and that you were missed, and that you had more friends than you ever knew!! RIP Andrea! XOXO
Jason
My condolences for your loss of Andrea. You both built a beautiful life together. When I would pop by I was always welcomed & both of you were always so happy! I hold you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during your time of bereavement.
Iris