Doris A. (Malcolm) Atkinson

Doris A. (Malcolm) Atkinson, 76, of Natrona Heights, Harrison Township, Allegheny County, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, in West Haven Manor, Washington Township. She was born June 9, 1939, in Natrona Heights, to the late George E. and Doris M. (Miller) Malcolm. Dori resided her entire life in Natrona Heights. Mrs. Atkinson was a graduate of Har-Brack High School and Westminster College, New Wilmington. She began her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher for one year in the Birdville Elementary School in 1961. Dori then moved to the Highlands Junior High, where she taught for 34 years until her retirement in 1997. She loved teaching and it was obvious that both students and parents appreciating her every effort to go above and beyond her duties. Students and parents alike referred to her as Mrs. A. Mrs. Atkinson was a lifelong member of United Presbyterian Church of Freeport, where her strong alto voice could be heard in the choir for many years. She was also the beloved and dedicated youth group director for a number of years. She led the group on several mission projects, including trips to Canada and Cape Hatteras, N.C. Dori also enjoyed being a counselor at the New Wilmington Missionary Conference at Westminster for many summers. Dori had season tickets to the Pirates and was an avid Steelers fan. She truly enjoyed her nieces and nephews, whether it was vacations at the Jersey Shore or having her nephew spending summers riding go-carts and bicycles. Dori was a great listener, always willing to help friends with her time, talent and hugs, putting her own priorities on hold for others. She is survived by her sister, Beth Hutton; her niece, Dorothy Norris; and nephew, George Hutton, all of Pennington, N.J. In addition to her parents mentioned above, she was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas K. Atkinson, May 1, 1980. 
At Mrs. Atkinson's request, there will be no public visitation. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at United Presbyterian Church of Freeport, with her cousin, the Rev. R. Cameron Malcolm IV officiating. The family respectively asks that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the United Presbyterian Church of Freeport, 411 High Street, Freeport. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 324 Fourth St., Freeport, 724-295-3100.

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