WESTFIELD – Elaine C. (LaBelle) Atkinson, 77, (1947-2025) of Westfield, MA, died at Baystate Medical Center on Saturday, October 18th, 2025. She was born in Northampton, MA, on December 30th, 1947, to Francis R. LaBelle and Phyllis S. LaBelle, and attended public schools in Easthampton, MA. Elaine graduated from Easthampton High School in 1966 before attending Northampton Commercial College.
Elaine worked as a computer programmer/analyst at several companies in Hartford, CT, and Leominster, MA before moving to San Diego, CA, where she met her husband, Jack. They married in 1984 before moving to Washington State where she worked at The Boeing Company in Seattle until her retirement in 2003 and moved back to Massachusetts.
Those who knew her well knew of her deep love for elephants—a passion that inspired her to travel to Africa three times to experience its wildlife and rich culture. She also enjoyed traveling across the country with Jack, visiting family and friends, and exploring new places along the way.
Elaine was preceded in death by both of her parents as well as her sister, Marlene Frennier, and brother, Larry Gene. She is survived by her husband, Jackson C. Atkinson, III, her sister, brother-in-law and nephew, Roberta, Peter, and Jason Goddu, as well as several cousins and friends.
Calling hours are scheduled for Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield; a Funeral Home Service will be held on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, at 12:45 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. Donations in Elaine’s memory can be made to your favorite charity. www.firtionadams.com
