MIDDLEBURY — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Avis Joan (Delong) Atkins. Avis was also known as Meme to her family and many friends. Meme passed away on April 12, 2021, at the age of 89.
Avis was born in Shoreham, Vt., on April 30, 1931, to Fred and Florence Delong; she was the youngest of six children. Avis attended school in Shoreham and Middlebury. She met the love of her life, Erwin Atkins, in 1947 and they married soon after in the fall of 1948. Together they started a family, raising three wonderful children in Middlebury. Avis and Erwin enjoyed almost 58 years together, Erwin passed away in 2005.
Meme worked for many years as a cook for the Middlebury Union High School lunch service. In the late 1970’s Avis went to work for Middlebury College, working for 20 years in multiple departments.
Avis was a private person; her devotion to family was her number one priority. Those who knew her knew to be ready for her quick wit and great sense of humor. Avis enjoyed watching her children and eventually grandchildren compete in sports over the years, traveling anywhere to watch them play. She was proud of all their accomplishments. Meme had a passion for gardening and watching the wide variety of birds that visited her feeders. She especially enjoyed having great-grandchildren around later in her life.
Avis is survived by her daughter, Becky (Ralph) Brown; her son Harold “Butch” (Xavieria) Atkins; and son Jerry (Cindy) Atkins. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Tracey Smith, Shawn (Melissa) Smith, Morgan Brown (partner Jared Malzac), Skylar Atkins, Lily (Ryan) Hunt, Holly Atkins (partner Ethan Kizzia) as well as Megan (Matthew) Curran and Jacqueline Atkins. Meme also leaves six great-grandchildren, Theodore Curran, Timothy Curran, Bella Smith, Brynley Malzac, Willow Hunt, and Lincoln Hunt. Avis is also survived by her brother Harry and his wife, Pat Delong, as well as her dear nephew Roger and his wife Debbie Bagley; close family friend Laura Smith; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Shard Villa and Home Health for the wonderful care that Meme received in her final months of life. The family plans to have a private burial at a later date.◊