Kathryn A. Mitchell

On Monday, January 2, 2023, Kathryn Adair Mitchell passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. She was 82 years old. Kathryn was born in Brooklyn, NY, the first of five siblings, four girls and one boy. Upon graduating high school, Kathryn worked at Broadway Mutual of New York on 57th and Broadway in New York City. Kathryn operated the billing machine, became very proficient at it, and advanced to a lead position in her department. While working at Broadway Mutual, Kathryn lived in New Jersey and commuted to the city daily. She particularly loved the days that her grandmother would bring her little brother, Mickey, to the city so that the three of them could go to dinner and a movie together. After leaving Broadway Mutual of New York, Kathryn began working for Trissi, Inc., a clothing company also located in New York City. She loved her job with Trissi, Inc., in which she was responsible for department store order fulfillment. After work, she enjoyed spending time with girlfriends eating dinner in the city and seeing plays.

Kathryn met her husband, Leonard “Mitch” Mitchell, in December of 1971 on a blind date arranged by her best friend, Maryanne. Mitch was a military man from the coal country in Ohio. Despite his difficult childhood, he was a loving family man. Plus, as Kathryn put it, “He was good looking with blue eyes.” Mitch had two children from a previous marriage, Sue and Jim, whom Kathryn immediately adored. Mitch and Kathryn married October 21, 1972. In 1975, Kimberly was born, and in 1976, Pamela completed their family. Kathryn was a stay-at-home mother after the birth of her children.

In 1985, the family relocated to Vero Beach, Florida. Once her girls were older, Kathryn began work as manager of a local family-owned home décor business. She continued in this position until she retired. She was particularly proud of both of her daughters graduating from college. She often said that she and Mitch could not provide the funds for college, but they could make frozen dinners and do laundry, both of which her daughters took full advantage.

After she was widowed, Kathryn spent a lot of her time volunteering with her church. She also enjoyed participating in a few women’s groups. She loved crocheting and crafting. She often handcrafted greeting cards (she never forgot a birthday!), and she made beautiful holiday ornaments for her grandchildren’s elementary school classmates. Kathryn also enjoyed showing her granddaughter, Isabella, how to make her signature holiday recipes: deviled eggs, cheesecake, red cabbage, sweet potatoes and apples, and creamed onions. And she also thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and board games with her friends and family. Honestly, she just loved any excuse to spend time with family and friends. She especially looked forward to spending time with her siblings Patty, Rita, and Mickey and their families whenever possible. She was always ready, always present for those she loved.

The greatest role she played in her life was that of doting grandmother to her grandchildren. She has played an instrumental role in each of their childhoods, and her pride in their achievements has always been evident. She was often a chauffeur to and from school; a pinch hitter babysitter when a grandchild woke up with a fever and parents could not call out of work; a surprise lunch guest at her grandchildren’s elementary school; and an attendee at absolutely any school, sport, or extracurricular activity in which they participated. Anything her grandchildren wanted to achieve in their lives, she was supportive, no question. They are the treasure she leaves behind to carry on her legacy of love and faith.

Kathryn is preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Mitch; her sister, Carol; and her brother-in-law, Ray. Kathryn is survived by her daughter, Kimberly and spouse William; daughter Pamela and spouse Neal; step-daughter Sue and spouse Stan; step-son Jim and spouse Janie Emme; brother Mickey and spouse Phyllis; sister Patty and spouse Jim; sister Rita; grandchildren Isabella, Aidan, Casey, Caleb, Jenny, Craig, Will, and Charlotte; and many, many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Kathryn will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A reception will occur Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Aycock Funeral Home, 6026 North US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946. A committal service will occur Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 6026 North Us Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycock-hillcrest.com for the Mitchell family.