Mrs. Marian N. Atkinson

September 10, 1931 - February 8, 2016

Mrs. Marian Atkinson, 84, of Cortland, passed away, Monday February 8, 2016 at Cortland Regional Medical Center Nursing Facility. Born, September 10, 1931 in Cortland, Marian was the daughter of Antonio and Catherine Cortese Natoli and was a lifelong Cortland resident. She was a graduate of S.U.N.Y. Cortland and was employed for many years as a 2nd grade teacher at Homer Elementary School. An iconic educator, Marian formed lasting relationships with her students that lasted over 40 years. She constantly received letters from former students because of the impact she had made in their lives. Marian was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church and a member of their Altar Society. She is survived by her son, Harold Atkinson of Cortland, a grandson, Jeffory (Lisa) Atkinson and great granddaughter Jemma Atkinson both of Cortland., and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Marian was predeceased by her husband, Harold Atkinson in 1983 and by her brother, Joseph A. "Pitts" Natoli in March 2015. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:45 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Zareski serving as celebrant. The Rite of committal and burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends on Friday from 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. in St. Anthony's Church prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions in Marian's memory be made to the Library at St. Mary's Parochial School 61 N. Main St. Cortland, N.Y. 13045 Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home 69 N. Main St, Cortland.