Collection ID: RG 103.ATK.001

Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Atkinson family.
Abstract:
Cross stitch created for Judith Bernstein Atkinson and William Gary Atkinson, two victims killed in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103
Extent:
2 linear feet
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Atkinson Family Cross Stitch Sampler,

Background

Scope and Content:

The Atkinson Family Cross Stitch Sampler is a cross stitch made by Martha L. Atkinson, William Gary Atkinson's sister. It was given to the couple as a gift to celebrate their marriage.

Biographical / Historical:

William Garretson "Gary" Atkinson III (1955-1988) and Judith "Judy" Bernstein Atkinson (1951-1988) were among the 270 victims of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland on December 21, 1988.

Gary's family described him as a "born leader" and he was voted Most Likely to Succeed and Most Intellectual by his high school classmates. He graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis and earned a master's degree in construction management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After working in Boston on projects like the Meridien Hotel, One Post Office Square, and the Boston Harbor Hotel, he was hired as a project executive for Olympia and York in London. Gary enjoyed cycling, skiing, and sailing, and was said to have a true zest for life.

Judy was described as a gifted woman who excelled in all dimensions from a young age. She attended the University of Michigan for two years. As a junior, she studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland for the fall semester and taught on the Isle of Skye. In the spring semester, she attended an archeology course in Jerusalem hosted by Brandeis University. Following her time abroad, she transferred to Brandeis University and graduated with honors the following year. She completed two master's degrees: one in art history at University of California at Berkeley and one in public and private management at Yale University. After working as a curator at the Whitney Museum and the Jewish Museum in New York City, she changed paths and worked as a business consultant. Judy enjoyed cycling, hiking, and giving back to her community.

Gary and Judy were married on May 28, 1988 and lived and worked in London. They both enjoyed travelling and were described as soulmates by their family and friends. The couple had been returning to the United States to visit relatives.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Sandra Bernstein Clarren in 2018.
Processing information:

The cross stitch was rolled and placed in an acid-free box.

Arrangement:

Original order was maintained.

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

There are no access restrictions for this collection.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Written permission must be obtained from the Pan Am Flight 103 Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

PREFERRED CITATION:

Atkinson Family Cross Stitch Sampler,

LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Bird Library, Room 600
Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
CONTACT:
315.443.2697
scrc@syr.edu