Obituary of Doris Winnifred Mitchell

Mitchell, It is with sadness we announced the passing of Doris Winnifred Mitchell of Big River, Sask. Doris passed away in Shellbrook, June 26, 2010 at the age of 75 Years. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 55 years, Raymond Mitchell of Big River, Sask.; Her children: Steve (Yvonne) Mitchell of Caronport, Sask., and their children Aimee Mitchell (Fiance Chris), Yvette Mitchell, Stephanie Mitchell; Laurie (Mark) Oldfield of Big River, Sask. and her children Gavin (Samaya) Millikin, Lyndsey (Cassie) Millikin; Christine Mitchell of Saskatoon, Sask. and her children Jason (Terri) Bell & children Danika & Gabriael, Melissa Bell, Caleb Mitchell; Carol Mitchell of Meadow Lake, Sask. and daughter Leila Mitchell; Julie Mitchell of Regina, Sask.; Her sister in law Mary Johnson of Big River, Sask.; Her brother Alan (Lynne) Johnson of Napean, Ont.; Numerous nieces, nephews & friends. Doris was predeceased by: Her parents Jalmer and Dorothy Johnson and Her brother William "Bill" Johnson. The funeral service was held June 30, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Big River community Center with Rev. Rob Stringer officiating. The organist was Arlene deVlaming, soloist was Wendy Meyers, the tributes were given by her children Steve and Carol, the urn bearer was Laurie Oldfield. All of the relatives and friends who shared in Doris' life were the honorary pallbearers. Doris was born in Canwood in 1934 to Jalmer and Dorothy Johnson. She was the eldest of three children. She lived on a farm in Park Valley with her parents and brothers until 1947, when they then moved to Big River. Doris worked in the office at O.P. Godin's store after completing her grade 10 in Big River. Doris later completed her GED and then volunteered as a literacy and GED tutor. She valued education and continued learning throughout her life. Doris met Raymond Mitchell when she was 17 and knew instantly that she would marry him. They married when she was 19; they would be celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary this August. Doris and Ray had 5 children in 11 years and she was kept busy raising a family and providing a loving home. As her children matured, married, and had children Doris made room to love all the New additions to her family. Doris taught all her children that the acceptance of others was important, through both her actions and her words. Although Doris experienced health problems most of her life, she didn't let it stop her from being actively involved with her family, friends, community and church. She was engaged in life and enjoyed spending time visiting with others. She was generous with both her time and her heart. Doris had an adventurous spirit, moving across Western Canada, once traveling by bus with 5 children to meet up with Raymond at their new home. Despite the many moves, Big River was always home, and in 1980 Doris and Ray settled there to stay. Along the way Doris had met many people and made life-long friends in the communities she lived in. She kept in touch with these old friends by letter and phone and many will miss her presence in their lives. Doris was rarely idle and worked part-time while raising her children. Her favorite job was as a librarian. She was also gifted as a seamstress and did custom sewing and alterations. Her quilts were famous among her family and friends. She also had an entrepreneurial streak and had opened and operated more than one small business during her life, the last being a small fabric store that she operated for 3 years. While she supported the hopes and dreams of all her children she lived a life very much her own. Doris was a remarkable woman who will be missed dearly by her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and by numerous family members and friends. Donations in Doris's memory can be made to the Arthritis Society of Canada or to Camp Okema. Beau"Lac" Funeral Home of Big River have been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. E-Mail condolences may be sent to www.beaulacfuneralhome.com