Norma Enid Mitchell

Norma Mitchell, known to everyone as Peggy, our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother left us on Monday October 25 in her 94th year. Born in her aunt’s home in Okotoks, Alberta in 1927, she was the child of American immigrants who left Nebraska to homestead in Canada. They were a large extended family so she was surrounded by Uncles, Aunts and cousins. Growing up in Turner Valley and Black Diamond, she swam and fished in the Sheep River and skated on it in winter. Wilf Carter was big in her life as he was on the radio yodelling and singing country. Dancing was a passion with her as a teen and she was always ready for a walz. She was staunchly Canadian and served in the CWACs for a period of time. Arriving in BC she trained as an LPN which was her occupation on and off for many years. She married a soldier, Ray Mitchell, at age 21 and they eventually had a family of six children. She is survived by her six children, Mary (John), Ryan (Susan), Randy Pauline), William (Grace), Geraldine and Lawrence (Rowena) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our family lived in various small towns but Prince Rupert held us captive for 30 years until a need for a drier climate had mom and dad move to Salmon Arm for retirement. They bought a little house on a half-acre with a lake view and a few fruit trees. They enjoyed living there with a steady stream of visitors from various parts of BC and Alberta. Mom loved the church picnics, lakeside retreats and potluck dinners. She travelled to many countries over the years but without her husband as ill health kept him at home until his death in 2008. As a mother she was firm and loving and instilled in her children a strong work ethic. We never said no to mom or there’d be serious repercussions. Her determination was legendary, if she decided something there was no other option. She was the matriarch in later years uniting us for birthday parties and anniversaries. Her Christian faith was a daily part of her life and she was an example to all of us. As she grew older she loved singing with a seniors Sing Along for many years, only stopped by Covid. Music was something she really loved. She bought an old piano and took lessons when she was in her 80’s. She was also the scrabble Queen, coming up with word combinations that destroyed most opposition. She was cared for by her son Ryan and wife Susan in their home for last year and a half which was a real blessing.

We love and miss her.