IRENE MITCHELL

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IRENE MITCHELL Irene Mitchell, widow of the late Rev. Ecklin C. Mitchell, passed away at her residence, Central Park Lodge, Brandon, on Saturday, December 14, 2002. Irene was born in Riding Mountain on June 7, 1917, the daughter of Norman and Pearl Tyler. She was raised and went to school in Riding Mountain, where she met Ecklin Mitchell and married him on August 24, 1938. The church in Riding Mountain was the first church that Ecklin pastored. After they were married they moved to Kinosota to continue in the ministry. They moved to Fort Francis, ON, and back to Riding Mountain, where Ecklin was employed in other types of work. They then moved to Rossburn where they farmed. Four of their children were born in Rossburn. After farming for 10 years they moved back to Kinosota where they continued to pastor. They then moved to Belmont to pastor, and to Manhatten Beach Camp where they did the caretaking and pastoring for about 10 years. After leaving there they went to Manitou and then to Brandon where they retired. Ecklin passed away in 1984. Irene then spent much of her time on several trips to Israel, which she enjoyed immensely. She also loved to knit and crochet and she enjoyed her summers at Manhattan Beach Camp where she rented a cabin each summer for many years. Irene worked hard over the years, raising seven children. She always made sure that they had their Sunday best on each week for going to church. The spiritual values she instilled in her children will last for generations to come as they pass them on to their children. She enjoyed her grandchildren and would ask how each one was doing. Irene is survived by her children, Norman (Joyce), Irvin (Diane), Clarence (Clara), Lloyd (Sandra), Arnold (Marilyn) Mitchell, Lavina (Dennis) Schram and Linda (Donald) Olmstead; 24 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by her brothers, Duane (Doreen) Tyler, Jim (Doris) Tyler; and sister May Grawberger. Irene was predeceased by her husband Ecklin (Cliff) parents Norman and Pearl; and stepmother Reba Tyler; infant daughter Valetta; and stillborn great-grandson Irvin Franklin. As a family we will miss Mom, but we know that she is with the Lord, in Heaven. The funeral service will be held at Bethel Christian Assembly, 440 Richmond Ave., on Friday, December 20 at 2:00 p.m. A time of viewing will be held at the church prior to the service. Pastor Mike Davis will officiate. Interment will follow at the Brandon Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Irene to the Manhattan Beach Retreat Centre, P.O. Box 62, Ninette, MB R0K 1R0. Special thanks to the Central Park Lodge staff for the care and love they gave to Mom. It is with peace in our hearts that we lay Mom to rest, knowing that she has gone to her Heavenly reward. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 18, 2002