Joyce R. Atchinson, 84, of Bedford, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on April 6th in Burlington, Ma.

She was born and raised in Oneonta, New York and was the daughter of George and Helene (Bowen) Roberts. She was a graduate of Oneonta High School and continued her education in Buffalo where she trained as a dental hygienist. She was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Oneonta, where she volunteered for many years. Joyce was a fifty year member of the Oneonta Country Club and enjoyed golf and the many friendships and occasions celebrated there.

She married William K. Atchinson, Jr. in 1955 after dating throughout high school and college. They shared 51 years together until his death in 2006. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Karen Hart, and her brother, Richard Roberts.

She touched people with her kindness, and was happiest in the company of family and friends. With her beautiful smile and a warm hug, she opened her home to many. She created an atmosphere of great joy and frequent excitement, always ready to laugh along with the many wonderful characters in her life. In 2016, she moved to Bedford to be closer to her family and enjoyed making new friends at Carleton Willard Village.

Joyce is survived by her sons; William K. Atchinson III and his wife, Deborah of Los Angeles, CA and Robert and his wife Michelle of Boston, seven grandchildren; Daniel, Katie, Christine, Laura, Robert, Emily and Sarah, and four great grandchildren, William, Teddy, Bobby and Ainsley and her son in law, Ken Hart of New Hampshire. In addition, she leaves behind Jeff Tipping and Duncan Macdonald, who she happily "added" to the family as college students from England, and who have been like sons ever since.

Funeral services will be held in Oneonta at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Horizons for Homeless Children in Boston, or the American Cancer Society.