Margaret MITCHELL

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MITCHELL: The death of Margaret Ina Mitchell (nee McConnell) of Brandon occurred at the Valley View Care Centre on Thursday, October 14, 2010. Ina was born, raised and received her education near Brock, Saskatchewan. Her formative years coincided with the hard years in southern Saskatchewan of the Great Depression. From those years she liked to recall riding her horse to school, the dust clouds that turned the sky around Brock black, and her victories in speech and singing contests. Ina left home as a teenager to move to Arrow River, Manitoba. During World War II she worked as a waitress in the Officer's Mess at the RCAF Commonwealth Air Training base in Virden. She fondly recalled her experiences from those days and friends made. In 1946, Ina married Tommy Mitchell, just returned from five years overseas. They settled in Brandon. Two children, Lynda and Tom, followed. There were family visits to Arrow River and fishing trips to Sandy Lake. She loved coaching Tom on his poem, and Lynda on her song for the Police Departments' annual Christmas concert. Ina combined the challenges of raising a family with an award winning career as an Avon representative. In 1965, she returned to work as a dining room waitress. Following the death of her husband in 1973, Ina enjoyed three decades of companionship, mutual supportand shared interest in music and travel, with Jim Beedie. In those years, she also became an accomplished quilt maker and embroiderer. She won many red ribbons for her work. She will be remembered for her sly wit and good humour. Ina Mitchell is survived by her daughter Lynda Haroldson (Graham) of Medicine Hat, son Tom (Bonnie) of Brandon, sisters Maude Lelond of Miniota and Jean Brotzell (Art) of Redcliff, granddaughter Jennifer Marchant (Edward), grandson Drew Mitchell (Cynthia), two great grandchildren, Rhett and Brody Marchant all of Winnipeg, as well as many nieces and nephews: She was predeceased by her husband Thomas Mitchell, parents Duncan and Margaret McConnell, a sister Elsie Oakley and a brother Sid McConnell. The family would like to express appreciation for the care provided Ina by staff at the Valley View Care Centre. Friends who wish to make a donation in memory of Ina may do so to the charity of their choice. The Ceremony to Celebrate Ina's Life was held at Memories Chapel on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Rev. Shannon McCarthy officiated. Honourary Pallbearers were all those in attendance. Interment followed in Brandon Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 23, 2010