Arlene Joyce Mitchell

Arlene J. (Erickson) Mitchell entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. She lived in North Palm Beach for nearly 30 years, following her retirement from the U.S. Government. Arlene was born on the family farm in Maryfield, Saskatchewan, Canada, where they raised cattle and grew wheat. She was the daughter of Lenora Olson Erickson and Lewis E. Erickson, a Minister of the Gospel. After her graduation from Maryfield High School in Saskatchewan, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where she attended business school and worked as a stenographer.

In 1966, Arlene began an exciting career for the United States Foreign Service as an Executive Secretary for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Over the span of three decades, her service included assignments around the world, including postings in Liberia, Ethiopia, Korea, Thailand, Pakistan, Syria, Niger and Egypt. During her career, she received the distinguished Meritorious Honor Award from the United States Department of State for her devotion to duty under extremely hazardous and difficult circumstances in Islamabad, Pakistan. She married the love of her life, Stanley D. Mitchell, in 1982.

Her passion for music and natural ability to play the piano began as a child, and continued throughout her life. She enjoyed adventurous fishing trips with her husband, both overseas and with the West Palm Beach Fishing Club. Arlene loved to garden, and she loved to grow broccoli, hot peppers, tomatoes and flowers. One of her true passions in life was cooking, and she prepared many gourmet meals for friends and family. She would often spend hours poring over recipes to choose the best ingredients and cooking methods. She was always gracious, especially when welcoming people into her home. Throughout her years in the Foreign Service, she loved entertaining and hosting parties, enjoying the company of other expatriates and local community members. Parties often involved piano playing, singing and delicious meals. Her spunky, adventurous spirit and wry sense of humor brought laughter and joy to those around her.

Arlene is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years, Stanley D. Mitchell, as well as her two sisters Shirley (Bernie) Terhaar, and Phyllis Gehring of Minnesota. She was predeceased by both of her parents, and by her brother Lowell Erickson of British Columbia. Her nieces and nephews include Brett (Rachel) Terhaar, Amy (Kevin) Terhaar, Mark Gehring, Jody Gehring and Paula (Jim) Kluch, Craig (Kaylynn), Susan (Adrien) and Lisel (Rob). She is also survived by her stepchildren, John Mitchell of Texas, Kai Mitchell of California and Ruth Mitchell of Maryland. She is also survived by her step granddaughter, Eva Halasz of California.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Hospice staff at Trustbridge, Good Samaritan Hospital for their kindness and care of Arlene. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arlene’s name for the study and research of osteoarthritis at The Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF), 5354 E. 2nd Street, Suite 201, Long Beach, CA 90803 or at curearthritis.org.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 24 at 10am at First Presbyterian Church, 717 Prosperity Farms Rd., North Palm Beach, FL 33408. Interment to take place at 1pm at Riverside Memorial Park in Tequesta, FL.