Obituary of Winifred Mitchell

With sadness we announce the passing of Winifred (Winnie) Mitchell on Monday April 27, 2020.

Winnie’s favorite thing to do was spend time with her family and many friends, she was social and kind, right up to the very end. Winnie enjoyed her life. She was always happy and had a kind word for everyone as well as a jar of jelly bellies to share with visitors. She loved her family most of all and was proud of their many accomplishments, especially her grandchildren, Mark and Mike. She was without a doubt the best grandma!

Winnie Garside was born in Vancouver, B.C., on September 23rd, 1923. Winnie was one of three siblings (Clement, Mary and Winnie) raised by Frank and Lily Garside. Winnie Garside married Harry Fiske Mitchell on October 12, 1946. In 1959 Winnie and Harry had their first and only child, James Harry Mitchell. One was enough. 

Winnie and Harry lived a simple life in the B.C. lower mainland, travelling and recreating extensively through B.C.  One of the favorite destinations for years was a place on the Sunshine Coast where family, fishing and socializing were the order of the days.

In her early years Winnie loved to sew. She always had a sewing project on the go for family, friends, grandkids or herself.  Later in life, as she struggled with her vision, Winnie enjoyed shopping, travelling with family, maybe even tried her hand at gambling occasionally, and socializing with the odd happy hour. Never sitting idle, Winnie would always be doing something.

Winnie lived the first 89 years of her life in Vancouver, surrounded by friends and family. A medical condition required Winnie to relocate to Kimberley, B.C., to be with immediate family and excellent health care. Winnie resided at Garden View Village in Kimberley, and then briefly at the Kimberley Special Care Home "The Pines" where she made many new friends and was afforded the most amazing care by the staff of both facilities until her peaceful passing. We cannot thank them enough for their thoughtfulness, care and understanding of our dear mom and grandma. They loved her as we do, and as anyone who ever had the opportunity to meet and spend time with her. Winnie will be missed by all.

Winnie is survived by James Harry and wife Lori Mitchell, her two grandchildren, Mark and Mike Mitchell, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Winnie was predeceased by her spouse of nearly 60 years, Harry Fiske Mitchell, her brother Clem and sister Mary.  Winnie was the last “senior” survivor in extended Garside and Mitchell families.

“After a long, very full, healthy life it is time for Winnie to rest.”

At Winnie’s request there will be no service or celebration. Feel free to have your own to toast to Winnie’s life and her memory.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Winnie’s honour to your local animal rescue establishment. 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.