Berdene Jeppsen Atkin, beloved Daughter, Mom, Grandma, and “GiGi,” passed away peacefully on January 20, 2024, at St. Marks Hospital surrounded by family and friends.
Berdene was born August 23, 1941 in Logan Utah to Howard W. and Mattie Burrell Jeppsen. She married Thomas R. Atkin and later divorced. She was survived by her sons and daughters Steven (Jessica), Shane (Michelle), and Garret (Kristy), eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Berdene was also survived by and so thankful for her cousin, Alona Jones, and her many, many friends.
Berdene graduated from Murray High School and LDS Business College. She held numerous jobs in her life, often several at the same time in order to support her three sons, but she was most passionate about the successful market research firm she started and ran for many years.
Berdene’s sons and their families filled her life with laughter and wonderful memories. She loved each member of her family very much and left indelible impressions, memories, and life lessons with each of them.
Berdene loved to read, especially David Baldacci and Michael Connelly but was always open to new authors. She also developed a love of playing Canasta with her friends in her retirement community. She loved to go to lunch or dinner with her many friends, several of whom she has been friends with for 40-50 years. Once Berdene entered your life, you never wanted her to leave.
Berdene’s real passion and where she loved to spend her time was with her family. She was there for every significant event in everyone’s life. She never missed a game, graduation, wedding, birth, or whatever event she was asked to be at. She loved to host “spook alleys” with her grandchildren and organized summer and Christmas parties with her growing family.
She was the sweetest, most loving, most fun, most thoughtful, and most organized person we knew. She wanted the best for us, thought the best of us, and brought out the best in us.
Berdene was preceded in death by her parents, twin daughters (Heidi and Denise), two great-grandchildren, and many cherished friends. Berdene’s last words were focused on how happy she was to see her parents and daughters again. She was ready to go home.
Her family would like to thank the staff at St. Mark’s Hospital and the staff and her friends at Highland Cove Retirement Community for their care and friendship.
A gathering of family and friends will be on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 am followed by a graveside dedication at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made in her name to the St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital or the American Red Cross.
My condolences to the family. My mom spoke of her dearly and considered her a cherished friend.
I’m so thankful our paths crossed in this life! I loved working with you at Foothill Family Clinic! You are such a beautiful child of God Berdine! You have had a wonderful life & have been such a blessing to so many people! I won’t say goodbye, just tell ya “see ya later” my beautiful friend!
Sorry to hear about your mother. SHe sounds like a great lady who touched many lives. Was also sad to read about the twin daughters deaths as I'm sure they would have been much joy to your lives as well.
Dear Family We were sorry to hear of Berdenes' passing. Although we hadn't kept in touch with her we did keep in touch with Alona as to how Berdene was doing. She is at peace now. May you feel God's loving arms around all of you and be able to have peace in your hearts. Uncle Wells and Aunt Beth Rawlins and family
Dear Steven, Shane and Garett,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear mom.
She was a wonderful and thoughtful woman. She made me feel so special when entrusting me to care for you boys when you were young!
I admired her strength when she became a single mom! She held her head high and did what she had to do.
I thought of her and you boys often after we had all grown older and moved away from Sorrentino Drive. She influenced my life more than she ever knew. I’ll continue to think of her often.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tina Oliver Amthor
This is Mike Louise son mom said she talked to berdine every nite and she misses her phone calls we were talking other nite mom shared some very memorable moments with me mom was upset but says in a better life now
This is Mike Louise son mom said she talked to berdine every nite and she misses her phone calls we were talking other nite mom shared some very memorable moments with me mom was upset but says in a better life now
Berdene was one who contributed to everyone here at Highland Cove by fostering self-preparedness classes and helping individuals with specific problems She was always going the second mile to help her neighbors. She was a example of a perfect ministering sister to our Highland Cove Branch. She will Certainly be missed.
Berdene was my very special friend, but first she was the best friend to my mom. Before my mom passed she asked Berdene to look out for me and she did just that. We went to lunch several times and she always remembered special events in my life. I will cherish her friendship forever. She was a very amazing lady and I am so blessed to know her.
We are very grateful and blessed to have known Berdene!! We have enjoyed fun memorable times and events with her!! In all the years we've known Berdene we saw how she always put forth so much time, effort, and love in all she did and accomplished!! She was a wonderful loving Mother to her family, and was a true friend!! Our condolences to all of the Atkin family members on your loss.
We are very grateful and blessed to have known Berdene!! We have enjoyed fun memorable times and events with her!! In all the years we've known Berdene we saw how she always put forth so much time, effort, and love in all she did and accomplished!! She was a wonderful loving Mother to her family, and was a true friend!! Our condolences to all of the Atkin family members on your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss, she was my dear friend! She was such a Beautiful Special Women! She will be deeply be missed by all of us! My love to all of her Family.
We are very grateful and blessed to have known Berdene!! We have enjoyed fun memorable times and events with her!! In all the years we've known Berdene we saw how she always put forth so much time, effort, and love in all she did and accomplished!! She was a wonderful loving Mother to her family, and was a true friend!! Our condolences to all of the Atkin family members on your loss.