Obituary of Loretta Mitchell

MITCHELL Loretta Eva (nee Williamson) Born: April 15, 1913 (Vancouver) Died: July 27, 2009 (Vancouver) Loretta Eva Mitchell (nee Williamson), of the pioneering Williamson family of Vancouver, passed away blessedly and peacefully into the hands of God. In her 96 grand years, Loretta was the ultimate caregiver to any and all who crossed her path. The impact she had on her large family is impossible to overstate. She was full of faith, love and prayers - a model for anyone to admire no matter your denomination. She worked hard her whole life but took time to appreciate and mold beauty like her garden and painting. She never stopped learning - played the piano and organ and later in life, the guitar. She took pleasure and interest in life - she read, knitted, loved crafts, and kept her mind sharp with bridge and just about any other game there is, told great stories, enjoyed wine, travel and shopping and always kept abreast of current events and her eye on all things political. Most importantly, she loved, cared for, and welcomed all her family at all times and her home was a sanctuary for any in need of a good conversation and hot cup of tea. She loved God very much and somehow managed to talk religion to us without preaching. Her kind guidance and support, in so many areas, to so many people, is the cornerstone of her life. A wonderful life she had. She is predeceased by her husband Joe as well as five sisters and a brother. Left to grieve her loss and cherish her memory and influence are her daughter Lorraine McKinnon, son John (Decima), grandchildren Derrick, Tracey (Peter), Ashley, Tanya (Kurt) and Joey, beloved sister Pat, great-grandchildren Keely, Tara, Bridget, Olivia, Elijah, Adlea and Asher and many cousins, neices and nephews whose lives she lovingly touched. We will miss her but take comfort in the knowledge that she is joyful in Heaven and her influence on those of us lucky enough to know her will not be forgotten. A funeral mass will take place at St. Patrick's at 2881 Main Street, Vancouver at 11:00am on July 31st. A reception will follow in the church hall.