BARBARA D’UNGER MITCHELL 1917-2021
Barbara D’unger Mitchell, PH. D, passed from this life to be with her Lord on January 25, 2021. The only child of Alfred and Laura Leif, she was born on August 17, 1917 in Wadena, Minnesota. After graduating from Central High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Barbara attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in English. She was a life member of the Michigan Alumni Association. Always career minded, she taught school and studied for five summers to achieve her Master of Science degree in Home Economics Education from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. During those years she was active in several national organizations, serving as President of the Recent Graduate Group of the College Club (AAUW). She joined Delta Kappa Gamma, a teaching honorary, and became a life member. In 1950, she was awarded a summer fellowship to the Wharton School of Finance (of PA). As a result of the experience, her class in money management was one of the first to be produced on local television which showcased the Fort Wayne City School System.
Barbara Leif and Victor Crone D’Unger were married in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne and relocated to
Monterrey, Mexico, where he become an executive with the Monterrey Life Insurance Company. After only a few years together, Victor contracted a fatal case of hepatitis during an epidemic. Barbara considered staying in Mexico as she was a legal “immigrant”. However, being career-oriented, she crossed the border and settled in Denton, Texas, where she accepted a fellowship at Texas Woman’s University. Later, she was awarded the Berneta Minkwitz graduate fellowship by the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. 1964 was an eventful year. She received her Ph.D. in Nutrition, accepted a position at the University of Houston, and married Woodard R. Mitchell.
During her tenure at UH she completed two terms as Chair of the Departments of HDCS, served in the Facility Senate, and taught numerous classes. She was active in local and state home economics and dietetic associations, serving as President of the Texas State Nutrition Council (1972-1974). As a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron Society (home economics honorary) she was faculty advisor. In 1988, the Society honored her with the Florence Fallgatter award for outstanding service. She retired in 1984 as Professor Emerita. As a tribute to her leadership, Houston home economics groups set up the Barbara
D. Mitchell Scholarship, awarded to an undergraduate studying at a Texas University.
In retirement, Barbara and Mitch spent many active years together traveling to all continents except Antarctica. She continued her economics activities and served for several years as treasurer of the UH Retired Association. She and Mitch also were active in church and civic groups as well as participating in his annual Air Force Group reunion. After Mitch died in 1999, she established the Mitchell Scholarship for a graduating senior in the Shidler Oklahoma High School that he and his siblings had attended. In 2003, Barbara move to University Place, a senior community. She continued to enjoy her friends, former students and visiting relatives as well as making dear, new friends. Survivors include close relatives, Barbara Peterson R.N., and Margie von KleinSmid of California, and niece Linda K. Piro and nephew Joe Bill Wright of Oklahoma City.
She also leaves long-time friends and first cousin, many out of state.
A Catholic Graveside Service will be held on February 11, 2021 at Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Houston, Texas 77038 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Texas Children’s Hospital (Greatest Need) 6621 Fannin St, Houston, Texas 77030 or to one’s charity of Choice. Condolences may be offered at www.millerfuneral.com