Barbara Mitchell
Barbara Mitchell, age 89, of Quincy passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. She was born on December 20, 1934 in Quincy the daughter of Edward Leland and Estella Carmel (Hering) Mason. She married Richard ‘Dick’ Mitchell, Sr., on June 21, 1952 in Quincy’s St. Boniface Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on November 1, 2020.
Barb was welcomed into heaven by her loving husband and family on her youngest son’s birthday with her children at her side. Barb was the matriarch and glue to her family, raising 17 children. In her early years Barb was raised on the same block where she later raised her children. The youngest of 9, she had a love for God early on in life, her faith never wavered. She was a devout catholic at St. John the Baptist Church, raising all of her children in the catholic schools, St. John’s and QND, giving a speech at her youngest son’s graduation due to her commitment to a catholic education. She was involved in Quest, TEC, cursillo, REC and marriage encounter. Barb was always giving of herself, volunteering in scouts and the community.
Barb was so full of life, never had a bad bone in her body, and never said an ill word about anyone. Her laughter and smile were so contagious and always made your day better. She had a love for nature and the biggest green thumb, but the proudest moments in Barb’s life were when she was talking about her family. You could instantly see her face light up. Her family will always remember her silliness as well as, the unconditional love and guidance she gave them, along with her unwavering faith. The legacy she leaves behind will go on for generations to come through her children and grandchildren . Barb instilled her work ethics early on in her children by working at the Herald Whig for thirty-five years.
The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Quincy Healthcare and Senior Living, especially William Blackford, RN for the care that was provided to Barb in the last years of their life . They would also like to thank Blessing Hospice staff, especially Joannie Finnigan for the care and compassion they showed her during the last couple of months.
Survivors include her sons, Dick (Vicky) Mitchell; John (Lori) Mitchell; Ed Mitchell; Robert (Becky) Mitchell; Pat (Georgia) Mitchell; Paul (Kelly) Mitchell and Ryan (Jessica) Mitchell. Daughters, Mary Fitzsimmons; Telly Crowder; Ann Mitchell; Barbie (Greg) Hebert; Susie (Tony) Bowles; Theresa (Rick) Canup; Flossie (Nik) Foukas; Chrissy Carter; Molly (Ross) Schulte and Linda (Kyle) England.
68 grandchildren; 84 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.
In addition to her husband, Barb was also preceded in death by her parents, two great-grandchildren Niall Clark and Scarlett White, sons-in-law: Gary “Poncho” Clark; Harvey Fitzsimmons, Larry Crowder and Telly’s significant other Chris Majors, and siblings: John, Charles and E.L. Mason, Helen Doellman, Mary Lee Pederson, Sister Mary Edward Mason, Edward Mason in infancy and Frances Mason in infancy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, March 11, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to Quincy Healthcare and Senior Living, St. Francis Catholic Church, the Adams County Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or to Blessing Hospital Foundation for Hospice. Service arrangements are in the care of the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memories can be expressed at www.dukerandhaugh.com
Dear Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
Barb was a such a wonderful and joyful person, a wonderful coworker. Condolences to her family.
So sorry for your loss. May all your memories get you through this difficult time.
Thinking of all of you, sending my prayers and love. Blessed to have you all in my family especially Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Dick… miss and love you all! RIP Aunt Bobbie 💕🌺
Dear Family: Barb was a highly Respected and Godly Person. So sorry for your loss… God Bless !
My condolences to all of you. What a wonderful woman!
My mother and Mrs. Mitchell worked together many years ago with the St. John’s PTA. Even with a busy schedule, she found the time to serve.
I was on a Cursillo weekend with her a few years ago. After she learned that salt water taffy was my favorite, she made sure there was some there for me. It wasn’t the candy that was as important as the fact that she thought of me.
She was always one of my favorite ladies.
Dear Family, Sorry for your loss. She will be missed. Sending prayers for your family. RIP.Barb.
What a full life she lived!
What a wonderful lady.
Thank you Ruby!
Sorry for your loss went to school with Mary and Dick
Dear Mitchell family.
Your mother had great children and took care of you all. So many good memories of all of you over 50 yrs.
God grant you peace and strength and remember your parents together as they were here. Her journey will be smooth for sure.
Sincerely.
Paul
I’m so sorry about the loss of your mother. We were always amazed at the calmness of your parents with all those children. They were such a good example of family. They welcomed us into St. John’s as members & were pleased to work on many committees with them. Our son Scott was a friend of Paul’s & would come over to eat or spend the night. She truly is enjoying the glory of Heaven with Dick. The matriarch is always a great loss to the family. But she’s at peace now & your special angel. God bless all of you.
Prayers for you and yours Susie during this time of loss. May God’s love surround you with comfort and peace.
Dear Family of Barb,
On behalf of all the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ here in the US, I extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to you, Barb’s family. Barb was a truly incredible woman who’s faith in Christ directed her entire life. She was such a devoted Associate of our PHJC community as well, sharing her leadership and joy with so many people. Both Barb and Dick made a lasting impression on others, and we enjoyed every time they could come to Donaldson. Our prayers are with each of you as you navigate the journey of loss and grieving and hold to the many joys and memories in the future.
May St. Katharina, our foundress, intercede for your entire family in all your needs.
God’s peace and blessings be yours,
Sr. Shirley Bell, PHJC, Provincial
I worked with Barb in the Circulation Dept at the Whig for years. She and Hope “Mama” Winking taught me a lot about work ethic and kindness.
I have many good memories of working with Barb at the Herald-Whig. I enjoyed every day I was able to work with her. Truly a wonderful lady who was liked by all. May your memories help you thru the hard days to come.
Thank you so much! I have many memories with you.
One of the nicest ladies and a lady of God. She is loved and will be missed.
Barb was a remarkable faith filled woman. I lived with Sr. Edward for many years, and Barb and Dick would gather all the kids and come up to East Chicago to visit. We always had fun when they came. Her energy was boundless, and her smile contagious. Please know of my prayers for each of you during this time. Upon entering heaven I am sure that God said ” Enter good and faithful servant”.
Barb Mitchell was one of the dearest women I have ever known. She was always so kind and had a smile I will never forget. I count my self truly blessed to have had her as a mother-in-law and as a grandmother to my children. So many wonderful memories. Sending all my love and saying prayers for comfort for the entire Mitchell family.
Susie and family. I am so sorry for your loss! I remember Barb from the Herald Whig. I delivered papers and she was such a pleasure to work with. I always enjoyed seeing her and talking to her. I will miss her and treasure the memories i have. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers!! Rest in peace Barb!! I’m sure that my mom has already welcomed you into Heaven!!
Prayers for all of you! Barb was always caring and loved her family. God bless you all.
It was great being neighbors with the Mitchell Clan! Barb was always such a nice lady. I remember running into her and Dick at different functions later after I moved. It was always nice to talk to them. God Bless all of you! Thanks for all the fun memories & being great neighbors.
To the Mitchell Family .I’m sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing .I could never thank your parents enough for opening their doors to me when I needed it without hesitation.Great parents deserve Great appreciation.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My sincerest condolences to the Mitchell Family. Barb and Dick were two of the very best. What a beautiful life and legacy they created with their wonderful family.
To the entire Mitchelll family, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. May she rest in peace. Jeff & Joanne (Powers) Bergman 🙏
My prayers go out to the entire Mitchell family. Your Mother was a beautiful person in every way possible! My family was fortunate to be your neighbor for many years! She will be missed but we will all meet up again in the kingdom of heaven!