Yvonne Atkinson Bodt


Yvonne Clarice Atkinson Bodt, age 87, of Havre de Grace passed away peacefully at home with her husband Milfred Andrew Bodt at her side on September 9th, 2012. Born on September 18th, 1924 in Spring Lake, NJ, she grew up in various Methodist Church communities in Maryland and Washington, DC as the daughter of the late Rev. Walter and Mrs. Rovilla Atkinson.

She began her career as a nurse cadet during WWII after graduating in 1945 from the Lucy Webb Hayes School of Nursing at Sibley Memorial Hospital and performed as a public health nurse in Washington, DC. Later she worked at both Harford Memorial Hospital and the Perry Point VA Hospital, specializing in medical surgery and psychiatric nursing until her retirement. Yvonne was a member of the United Methodist Church in Havre de Grace and was an extraordinary servant of the church and community. During various years within the local church, she chaired the United Methodist Women, Education Committee, and Missions Committee, served as Sunday School Teacher for the adult class, Youth Counselor, was Church Historian for 30 years, and sang in the choir. In the Baltimore Washington Conference and at the church district levels she served as lay member of the annual conference for 30 years, Director of Worship of the School of Christian Mission, was a certified lay speaker, and was a member or chair of numerous conference commissions. Yvonne was also a member of the Eastern Star. She loved sports of all kinds but especially baseball and served as the President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the HdG Little League. She also found time for various crafts, and particularly enjoyed crocheting and tatting.

Yvonne was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and made it a priority to celebrate family at every opportunity, especially through her trademark formal holiday meals and elaborate Thanksgivings and Christmases. In her later years, even while not being able to participate fully in graduations and other family events, she prided herself in keeping up with all the activities and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

Yvonne is survived by her husband of 67 years Milfred Andrew Bodt, their sons Bernard L. Bodt of Montana, Rev. Dr. Brian R. Bodt and wife Carol Galloway of Connecticut and his sons Daniel and Adam Schofield-Bodt, Dr. Barry A. Bodt and wife Pamela Bodt of Fallston and their children Kyle and Skylar Bodt, and Barton E. Bodt and wife Mary Towers of Bel Air and his children Matthew, Andrew, and Erica Bodt. She is also survived by her niece Lynne Grabill and husband Dr. Rod Grabill of Washington state, and was predeceased by her sister Ardis Cannon and brother Rev. Dr. Lowell Atkinson of Washington state.

Family and friends may call at Zellman Funeral Home P.A., 123 S. Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD on Thursday September 13, 2012 from 5-8 PM. A service will be held at Havre de Grace United Methodist Church on Friday, September 14 at 11:00 AM followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Yvonne’s name to Havre de Grace United Methodist Church, 101 S. Union Ave., Havre de Grace, MD 21078.

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