EDITH MITCHELL

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EDITH MITCHELL It is with great sadness but with grateful thanksgiving that we announce the passing of Edith Mitchell. Rejoicing at a life well lived, we say good-bye. Mom passed away peacefully at Dinsdale Care Home on October 27, 2006. She died the way she lived, with grace, strength, and great beauty. Mom leaves a legacy as a devoted wife, mother, nana, sister, and friend. Mom was born in Morris on March 10, 1917, the daughter of Gertie and Gottlieb Schwark. Step-daughter to Maria Schwark. Morris was home to her until December 1999. With failing health , mom moved to Brandon to live with her daughter Judy and family. With the need for greater care mom moved into Dinsdale November 2003. There she was embraced by a loving and caring community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the compassionate staff and residents. Mom married Clifford Mitchell on November 24, 1945, her constant companion for 48 years. Together they worked long hard hours in their IGA store until their retirement in 1969. Here they earned a fine reputation, with countless loyal customers who respected their integrity, their fair and gentle business practice. In their retirement they were able to spend more time at their cottage at Nutimik Lake. During many of their winters they visited various exotic destinations. Mom delighted in spending time with family. Inspired and enriched by her life are her daughters, Judy and husband Carlson Onischuk of Brandon, Wendy and husband Willie Friesen of Grunthal. Also left to treasure her memory forever are her grandsons Matthew (friend Ashley Ford) and Nicholas Onischuk. Also remembered by sisters Lena Stevenson, Greta Lohr, Irene Schwark , and brother Hartley Schwark; also brother-in-law Sam Taetz and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her husband Clifford on October 10, 1993, her mother (when she was only 4 years old), her father and her step-mother, a sister Marlene in infancy and sister Evelyn Taetz. Mom enjoyed long walks. Sleet nor snow, heat nor rain, could keep her from her appointed rounds. She took great pride in her home and enjoyed preparing favorite foods for her family. Her awesome strawberry pie and fried chicken were our favorites. Gardening was mom's passion. No one could grow dahlias quite like she could. Mom and dads' park-like backyard was an oasis of beauty. Mom taught us the principles and benefits of hard work, self-discipline, honesty, and simplicity. As a nana she was so gentle, so kind, so giving, and always playful. As a community member she was a hard worker contributing to various organizations. She was a member of the United Church Women's' group. Every July for many years she prepared early morning breakfasts at the Stampede. Mom was also a member of the Eastern Star Sheba Chapter 51 and her love of flowers was evidenced in her participation in the Horticultural Society. Mom was a woman of enormous strength, silent faith, and intense loyalty. When mom's spirit left her body it entered our hearts where it will remain forever. We will always treasure the memory of the woman we are proud to call our MOM. A celebration of mom's life will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. at the Morris United Church. Donations in mom's memory may be made to the Morris United Church Memorial Fund, Box 216, Morris, MB, ROG IKO or to a charity of your choice. In our garden of remembrance There's a sheltered little spot, Fragrant with the bloom and beauty Of the sweet forget-me-not. And no flower in our garden Fairer, brighter ever grew, Than the little flower that whispers We will always remember you Morris Funeral Home 746-2451 Toll Free 1-866-746-2451

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 30, 2006