Crystal Michele "Shelly" Atkins, 57, of Enfield, formerly of Hartford, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 while at Saint Francis Hospital. Crystal born in Hartford on July 12, 1959 and was the eldest child and beloved daughter of Rodena (Atkins) Ryan of Bloomfield. She grew up in Hartford and graduated from Weaver High School in 1977. During high school Crystal was a talented dancer who focused her performance art in the modern movement style. Her love of dancing continued throughout her life as she embraced every opportunity to move to the music.
Crystal was very young when she became a mother to her daughter, Tiffany, and her blessing forever changed her life in countless positive ways. Crystal and Tiffany blossomed together under the loving and watchful eye of another strong woman, Rodena, and in the midst of a loving and supportive family. Crystal became determined to complete her education and establish a rewarding career and most importantly become a role model for her daughter. She attended college majoring in business administration and went to work for Aetna Insurance Company where she was employed for over 10 years. She presently worked in the administrative offices of the East Hartford Board of Education where she was a well-liked colleague and valued professional for over 20 years.
Although strict at times and a believer in 'no-nonsense', Crystal was warm and affectionate, a genuine friend and confidant as well as counselor and soundboard for problems, advice, and support. She was balanced and managed to enjoy her life through her professional accomplishments and cultural and artistic experiences. As an avid cruise adventurer who was not afraid to travel alone if necessary, Crystal was eager to see the world and learn about new cultures. She loved going to the theatre, attending concerts, and visiting the local library where she and Tiffany would read for hours and plan adventures. Her love of dance ushered in another great love, her sweetheart and devoted companion of 12 years, Archie Norman. This whirlwind romance that began on a dance floor developed into a loving and joyful relationship filled with countless memories and future dreams.
With effortless grace and unyielding beauty, Crystal's family tearfully watched her take her final bow on Tuesday evening. Although gone for our sight, she remains in our hearts and is forever cherished. In addition to her mother Rodena, she leaves her daughter Tiffany "TJ" Atkins of Washington D.C., a loving partner Archie Norman of Enfield, and a goddaughter Shaniqua Hall. Crystal was a beloved sister and aunt to many and is also survived by her four brothers, Michael Atkins of Hartford, Preston Ryan of Hartford, Germaine Ryan of Atlanta, GA, Shawn Ryan of Orlando, FL; three sisters, Jodi Booth, Judith Booth, and Doreen Booth, all of Hartford; and twelve nieces and nephews, Ebony Booth, Ivory Booth, Michele Atkins, Desiray Brooks, LaToya Brooks, Shakayla Kirsey, Tyrone Mercer, Crystal Booth-Brown, David Booth, Chyna Ryan, Trinity Ryan, and Preston P. Ryan as well as a host of cousins and extended family and friends. Crystal was predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Emma Allison; maternal great-grandmother, Jane Howell; two sisters, Rhonda Booth and Jacqueline Booth; and a nephew, Chaz Booth.
A service honoring Crystal's life will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at The Lodge Community Chapel, 130 Deerfield Rd., Windsor with burial following in Mountain View Cemetery, Bloomfield. Visitation and viewing will be held prior to the service from 10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at The Lodge.
Crystal was very young when she became a mother to her daughter, Tiffany, and her blessing forever changed her life in countless positive ways. Crystal and Tiffany blossomed together under the loving and watchful eye of another strong woman, Rodena, and in the midst of a loving and supportive family. Crystal became determined to complete her education and establish a rewarding career and most importantly become a role model for her daughter. She attended college majoring in business administration and went to work for Aetna Insurance Company where she was employed for over 10 years. She presently worked in the administrative offices of the East Hartford Board of Education where she was a well-liked colleague and valued professional for over 20 years.
Although strict at times and a believer in 'no-nonsense', Crystal was warm and affectionate, a genuine friend and confidant as well as counselor and soundboard for problems, advice, and support. She was balanced and managed to enjoy her life through her professional accomplishments and cultural and artistic experiences. As an avid cruise adventurer who was not afraid to travel alone if necessary, Crystal was eager to see the world and learn about new cultures. She loved going to the theatre, attending concerts, and visiting the local library where she and Tiffany would read for hours and plan adventures. Her love of dance ushered in another great love, her sweetheart and devoted companion of 12 years, Archie Norman. This whirlwind romance that began on a dance floor developed into a loving and joyful relationship filled with countless memories and future dreams.
With effortless grace and unyielding beauty, Crystal's family tearfully watched her take her final bow on Tuesday evening. Although gone for our sight, she remains in our hearts and is forever cherished. In addition to her mother Rodena, she leaves her daughter Tiffany "TJ" Atkins of Washington D.C., a loving partner Archie Norman of Enfield, and a goddaughter Shaniqua Hall. Crystal was a beloved sister and aunt to many and is also survived by her four brothers, Michael Atkins of Hartford, Preston Ryan of Hartford, Germaine Ryan of Atlanta, GA, Shawn Ryan of Orlando, FL; three sisters, Jodi Booth, Judith Booth, and Doreen Booth, all of Hartford; and twelve nieces and nephews, Ebony Booth, Ivory Booth, Michele Atkins, Desiray Brooks, LaToya Brooks, Shakayla Kirsey, Tyrone Mercer, Crystal Booth-Brown, David Booth, Chyna Ryan, Trinity Ryan, and Preston P. Ryan as well as a host of cousins and extended family and friends. Crystal was predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Emma Allison; maternal great-grandmother, Jane Howell; two sisters, Rhonda Booth and Jacqueline Booth; and a nephew, Chaz Booth.
A service honoring Crystal's life will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at The Lodge Community Chapel, 130 Deerfield Rd., Windsor with burial following in Mountain View Cemetery, Bloomfield. Visitation and viewing will be held prior to the service from 10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at The Lodge.
Crystal Michele "Shelly" Atkins, 57, of Enfield, formerly of Hartford, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 while at Saint Francis Hospital. Crystal born in Hartford on July 12, 1959 and was the eldest child and beloved daughter of Rodena (Atkins) Ryan of Bloomfield. She grew up in Hartford and graduated from Weaver High School in 1977. During high school Crystal was a talented dancer who focused her performance art in the modern movement style. Her love of dancing continued throughout her life as she embraced every opportunity to move to the music.
Crystal was very young when she became a mother to her daughter, Tiffany, and her blessing forever changed her life in countless positive ways. Crystal and Tiffany blossomed together under the loving and watchful eye of another strong woman, Rodena, and in the midst of a loving and supportive family. Crystal became determined to complete her education and establish a rewarding career and most importantly become a role model for her daughter. She attended college majoring in business administration and went to work for Aetna Insurance Company where she was employed for over 10 years. She presently worked in the administrative offices of the East Hartford Board of Education where she was a well-liked colleague and valued professional for over 20 years.
Although strict at times and a believer in 'no-nonsense', Crystal was warm and affectionate, a genuine friend and confidant as well as counselor and soundboard for problems, advice, and support. She was balanced and managed to enjoy her life through her professional accomplishments and cultural and artistic experiences. As an avid cruise adventurer who was not afraid to travel alone if necessary, Crystal was eager to see the world and learn about new cultures. She loved going to the theatre, attending concerts, and visiting the local library where she and Tiffany would read for hours and plan adventures. Her love of dance ushered in another great love, her sweetheart and devoted companion of 12 years, Archie Norman. This whirlwind romance that began on a dance floor developed into a loving and joyful relationship filled with countless memories and future dreams.
With effortless grace and unyielding beauty, Crystal's family tearfully watched her take her final bow on Tuesday evening. Although gone for our sight, she remains in our hearts and is forever cherished. In addition to her mother Rodena, she leaves her daughter Tiffany "TJ" Atkins of Washington D.C., a loving partner Archie Norman of Enfield, and a goddaughter Shaniqua Hall. Crystal was a beloved sister and aunt to many and is also survived by her four brothers, Michael Atkins of Hartford, Preston Ryan of Hartford, Germaine Ryan of Atlanta, GA, Shawn Ryan of Orlando, FL; three sisters, Jodi Booth, Judith Booth, and Doreen Booth, all of Hartford; and twelve nieces and nephews, Ebony Booth, Ivory Booth, Michele Atkins, Desiray Brooks, LaToya Brooks, Shakayla Kirsey, Tyrone Mercer, Crystal Booth-Brown, David Booth, Chyna Ryan, Trinity Ryan, and Preston P. Ryan as well as a host of cousins and extended family and friends. Crystal was predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Emma Allison; maternal great-grandmother, Jane Howell; two sisters, Rhonda Booth and Jacqueline Booth; and a nephew, Chaz Booth.
A service honoring Crystal's life will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at The Lodge Community Chapel, 130 Deerfield Rd., Windsor with burial following in Mountain View Cemetery, Bloomfield. Visitation and viewing will be held prior to the service from 10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at The Lodge.
Crystal was very young when she became a mother to her daughter, Tiffany, and her blessing forever changed her life in countless positive ways. Crystal and Tiffany blossomed together under the loving and watchful eye of another strong woman, Rodena, and in the midst of a loving and supportive family. Crystal became determined to complete her education and establish a rewarding career and most importantly become a role model for her daughter. She attended college majoring in business administration and went to work for Aetna Insurance Company where she was employed for over 10 years. She presently worked in the administrative offices of the East Hartford Board of Education where she was a well-liked colleague and valued professional for over 20 years.
Although strict at times and a believer in 'no-nonsense', Crystal was warm and affectionate, a genuine friend and confidant as well as counselor and soundboard for problems, advice, and support. She was balanced and managed to enjoy her life through her professional accomplishments and cultural and artistic experiences. As an avid cruise adventurer who was not afraid to travel alone if necessary, Crystal was eager to see the world and learn about new cultures. She loved going to the theatre, attending concerts, and visiting the local library where she and Tiffany would read for hours and plan adventures. Her love of dance ushered in another great love, her sweetheart and devoted companion of 12 years, Archie Norman. This whirlwind romance that began on a dance floor developed into a loving and joyful relationship filled with countless memories and future dreams.
With effortless grace and unyielding beauty, Crystal's family tearfully watched her take her final bow on Tuesday evening. Although gone for our sight, she remains in our hearts and is forever cherished. In addition to her mother Rodena, she leaves her daughter Tiffany "TJ" Atkins of Washington D.C., a loving partner Archie Norman of Enfield, and a goddaughter Shaniqua Hall. Crystal was a beloved sister and aunt to many and is also survived by her four brothers, Michael Atkins of Hartford, Preston Ryan of Hartford, Germaine Ryan of Atlanta, GA, Shawn Ryan of Orlando, FL; three sisters, Jodi Booth, Judith Booth, and Doreen Booth, all of Hartford; and twelve nieces and nephews, Ebony Booth, Ivory Booth, Michele Atkins, Desiray Brooks, LaToya Brooks, Shakayla Kirsey, Tyrone Mercer, Crystal Booth-Brown, David Booth, Chyna Ryan, Trinity Ryan, and Preston P. Ryan as well as a host of cousins and extended family and friends. Crystal was predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Emma Allison; maternal great-grandmother, Jane Howell; two sisters, Rhonda Booth and Jacqueline Booth; and a nephew, Chaz Booth.
A service honoring Crystal's life will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at The Lodge Community Chapel, 130 Deerfield Rd., Windsor with burial following in Mountain View Cemetery, Bloomfield. Visitation and viewing will be held prior to the service from 10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at The Lodge.
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