Obituary of Olive Mitchell

Olive Mitchell (nee Holtby) Sept 30, 1917 - June 11, 2010 Olive is survived by her husband of more than 72 years, Lou, and their six children - Wayne & Ruth Mitchell (Surrey, BC), Bob & Marj Mitchell (Red Deer), Glen & Fiona Mitchell (Edmonton), Reta Shudra (Red Deer), Lynne & Peter Macklon (Calgary), and Faye Mitchell (Edmonton), as well as 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Her daughter June, sons-in-law Daryl Shudra and Murray Mackenzie, her brothers Bert and Jack, and sister Mildred Beamish predeceased her. Olive was born in Lloydminster and spent her entire life in this area, with the exception of the war years when Lou was in the Air Force. She grew up on her parents’ homestead near Marshall. Her father, Robert, was a Barr Colonist, and her mother, Ethel May, joined him from England five years later. When she was young, she enjoyed playing softball and riding horses. She married Lou in December of 1937, and they spent many happy years together on their farm south of Blackfoot. Olive spent many hours tending her garden and canning and freezing what she harvested from it. She loved sewing, knitting and crocheting – patiently teaching these skills to her extended family. Given the range in age of her children, she had kids in school, and made school lunches, for 35 years! She always enjoyed her friends, family get-togethers and the joking and banter that entailed. Olive loved holding her new grandchildren and spending time with them as they grew up. She was quiet and unassuming - usually putting the needs of others before her own. Olive liked music, and could frequently be heard singing or whistling cheerfully to pass the time while she was doing housework. After Lou stopped farming, they enjoyed traveling together, visiting the US, Canada, Scandinavian countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand. Olive was a strong person whose dignity was never challenged in her struggle with Alzheimer’s. She was much loved and is missed. Olive's family would like to acknowledge the staff at the Jubilee Home for the absolutely outstanding care that she received. We really appreciate the kindness and compassion they have shown. We welcome family and friends to join us in celebrating Olive's life on June 27 from 2-4 pm at the Hearthstone residence. (4200-54 Ave, Lloydminster) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Olive’s name to: Jubilee Home c/o Lloydminster Region Health Foundation #218 5704 - 44 St. Lloydminster AB T9V 0B6 OR Alzheimer's Society of Alberta 10531 Kingsway Ave. Edmonton T5H 4K1