Maureen Heard Atkinson, 73, passed away peacefully on Friday July 26, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 28, 1951 to William and Loretta Heard in Wheaton, MD. She graduated from Wheaton High School in 1969.

Maureen worked for the Department of Navy for six years after graduating. During this time, she met the love of her life, Tom, on a blind date in 1970. Tom and Maureen were married October 16, 1971. The couple moved to Virginia Beach for Tom’s employment in the mid 70’s. Maureen and Tom welcomed two daughters, April Smith in 1974 and Heather Atkinson in 1976. Maureen was a stay-at-home Mom while her daughters were young. She started volunteering her time at Trantwood Elementary School for the PTA where her girls went to school. This brought her employment with the Public Schools for over 25 years, starting at Trantwood Elementary, then Windsor Oaks Elementary, and finally Seatack Elementary, where she retired. Throughout her years at each school, she would take on any job or task that was asked, big or small. Her energy, creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm never went unnoticed by each school.

Maureen was deeply loyal to her husband of 53 years. She cherished every moment she could spend with him, her daughters, and her grandchildren. She was a loving wife, a fun loving MiMi to her grandchildren, and an amazing Mom to her girls. Her laughter will live on in the hearts of those that knew and loved her. Those that knew her best would say she was a true warrior. She fought her battle with cancer till her last breath! Her greater passions were traveling with her family on vacations, holidays with her family, spending time with her friends, throwing theme parties, going to and having yard sales, and spending time on the beach.

Maureen is survived by her husband, Tom Atkinson; daughters, April Smith (Greg) and Heather Atkinson; grandchildren: Tyler, Noah, and Kylie Smith; sister, Suzanne Miller (H.J.); brother, Mike Heard (Beth); sister-in-law, Casey Carson; cousin, Cathy Barrington; and many nieces and nephews.

Maureen – daughter, sister, wife, sister-in-law, Mom/Mo, “M”, Aunt “M”, MiMi, friend, neighbor, co-worker – REST IN PEACE and continue to bring comfort to all that knew and loved this wonderful woman!

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 17, 2024 at Spring Branch Community Church located at 1500 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

Our family wishes to ask in lieu of flowers for you to do an act of kindness for someone in her memory.