Edna Bauer Mitch

EDNA BAUER MITCH died peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 1, 2024 . She was born on February 25, 1927, in La Feria, Texas, to Albert Liberat Bauer and Mary Elizabeth Bauer. She was a dedicated wife to Francis Mitch, who passed away on November 1, 2016. She is survived by her three daughters Michelle Poole Groomer (Dave), Susie West (Harvey), Melissa Berninzoni (Jon), and grandchildren Joshua Poole (Vince), Callie West Davidson (Brock), Kristen West, Lucas Berninzoni, and Bella Berninzoni.

Edna left her family farm at the tender age of 17 and moved to Houston to pursue her dreams after graduating from Villa Maria of the Incarnate Word in Brownsville, TX. She quickly found employment and eventually worked at Gulf Oil, where she would create friendships that lasted the rest of her life. After raising her family, Edna rejoined the workforce, and was employed by Jodi Bell Interior Design for many years, finally retiring in the late 1980’s.

Edna met a handsome Navy veteran, Frank Mitch, from Ft. Madison, IA. They were married on November 16th, 1957 at St. Anne Catholic Church, in Houston, TX. Soon after, they moved to the Meyerland area and remained in the same house for the rest of their lives. Edna was the epitome of a past era. She enjoyed being a homemaker, devoted wife and a selfless stay at home mother. Edna and Frank were both known for their unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith, and sacrificed so much to send their three girls to Catholic schools. Her fidelity to her family was unparalleled. Above all of her pursuits, she put others above herself.

Edna was a devout Catholic and an active member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church for 64 years. She not only worked in the CCD office registering kids for Sunday school, she also volunteered at the Fall Bazaar in the check cashing booth and was always one to donate baked goods to the dessert booth.

Edna was the definition of resilience, hard-work, and “plain ole horse sense.” Edna’s pride and joy was her immaculate garden. Her backyard sanctuary demonstrated her creativity and amazing work ethic in keeping all her plants flourishing in the Texas heat. When not at home, Edna and Frank enjoyed traveling to see their grandkids, attending family reunions, and taking longer excursions to Europe, Hong Kong, Alaska, and South America.

Known for her sharp wit and remarkable storytelling, Edna possessed an amazing memory that brought to life the richness of her experiences. From her stories about the Depression and World War II, we grew to understand how frugal and simple living was a blessing, not a curse - a lesson well taught. Listening to her reminisce about her large German family and life on the farm, we learned to value our relatives and cherish our time with them. Her accounts of speaking German until school age, going to USO dances, winning bowling tournaments, and playing a mean game of bridge, demonstrated just how special it was to have a mom like Edna. All of her daughters knew from the beginning, there is no cutting corners in this life and you have to make your own way in this world.

Edna took great fulfillment in the achievements of her daughters and grandchildren and was always a solid and reassuring rock to lean on when the going got tough. She had a pragmatic way of putting all of life’s challenges into perspective. She will be remembered not only as the last surviving member of her family and in-laws, but also as the Queen of our hearts, and the heart of our home. She will be dearly missed and will live forever in the spirit and minds of the many lives she touched.

Pallbearers are Joshua Poole, Joshua Groomer, Callie West Davidson, Kristen West, Lucas Berninzoni and Bella Berninzoni.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to be made to the charity of your choice. Edna wanted to thank Drs. Bhojani and Raizen and their teams for their extended care and empathy through her treatment. We want to thank the nurses and staff of Anchor Hospice for their selfless assistance and kindness. The entire Mitch family wishes to express their gratitude to Nicki Hutchins and Debra Cardwell for their unwavering support, generous love and benevolent compassion throughout the years.

The Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM, Friday, July 5, 2024, at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, TX. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 6, 2024, at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th St., Houston, TX.