Obituary of Janet R. Atkins

CANISTEO: Janet R. Atkins, 90, of Chestnut St. passed away Monday afternoon, March 4, 2024 at her home due to declining health. Janet was born December 26, 1933 in the town of Canisteo to the late Raymond C. and Daysie D. (Birdsall) Atkins. She was a life-long resident of Canisteo where she grew up on the family farm on state route 248, was a graduate of Canisteo Central School class of 1951 and had attended Alfred State College. Her employment years included working for the former Hornell Evening Tribune from 1951-56, then working for the Canisteo Central School District as a clerk of the school board and treasurer from 1956-83. During her time at the school, she furthered her career by buying an H&R Block franchise in 1971, where she established a successful business helping with public income tax filing right up to the present time. Outside of work she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Canisteo and spent many a good time with family and friends on the family farm in the familiar hills of Hartsville. Survivors include two nephews, James (Diane) Seward and Jeffrey (Kim) Seward all of Canandaigua a niece Patricia (Douglas) Cochrane of Naples and long-time friend of the family, Kit Meck of Kansas City, MO. She was predeceased by two sisters, Marjorie Wilson and Dolores Seward. There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral and committal services will take place Friday, March 8th, at 11:00 am at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo. Memorial contributions in Janet’s name may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598.