Marisa Mitchell
On April 24, 2017 Marisa Diana Mitchell (Ferrau) passed away in Healdsburg, California after a long and brave battle with cancer. She left this world in the same manner in which she inhabited it; with strength, grace and humor, surrounded by those she loved and who loved her. She was predeceased by her beloved younger sister and closest confidante, Adrienne Moeller (Ferrau).
Born in San Francisco on August 13, 1944 to Aurelio (“Reo”) Ferrau and Rena Ferrau (Rossetti), Marisa was raised in an extremely close-knit Italian-American family with several generations under the same roof. Her grandparents and older relatives spoke only Italian, a language Marisa and Adrienne would lapse into over their lives, particularly when they didn’t want anyone to understand what they were saying to each other!
A proud San Franciscan, Marisa developed the foundation for her dearest friends as a child in the City and later at Washington High School. The City is also where she met Kent Mitchell, whom she married in 1966, and with whom she had the two things in her life of which she was most proud – her daughter Nicole Mitchell and son Jonah Mitchell.
Part of her childhood was also spent at the Russian River on Fitch Mountain in Healdsburg. She enjoyed summers and weekends there at her family’s cabin near Camp Rose, along with many other San Franciscobased, Italian-American families in a kind of “Little Italy.” Marisa later continued that legacy, sharing summers at the family cabin with her own family and her sister Adrienne’s family, and eventually watching her grandchildren swim in the same river she had so many years before. The families that spent summers on Fitch Mountain became a close-knit community with friendships that spanned both decades and generations.
In 1981, Marisa made Healdsburg her family’s permanent residence. And, in 1987, she fulfilled her dream of having her full-time home on Fitch Mountain, where she lived until her passing. Marisa’s home reflected her personality – comfortable, warm and welcoming. There was always something delicious simmering on the stove and her door was always open. Not surprisingly, her home was always the “hub” for her extended family, her friends (new and old) and Nicole and Jonah’s friends.
A true and proud Italian, one of Marisa’s greatest passions, besides her family and friends, was cooking. She developed her zeal and skill in the kitchen early in her childhood as she and Adrienne learned from their mother and grandmother. From there, her ability and enthusiasm for feeding the stomachs and souls of others only grew. A meal at Marisa’s became an experience to remember. Her family and friends enjoyed countless of those around her dining room table drifting long into the night on holidays, birthday celebrations, summer evenings, impromptu get-togethers and the like. People marveled at her ability to whip together a feast “fit for a king” out of nothing, and without prior planning, while the size of the party continued to swell with more and more people. Under all circumstances, everyone felt welcome and left nourished, as Marisa truly poured her love into her food and those who consumed it.
To her four granchildren, she was “Nonni.” Her adoration for them was unmistakable and she loved each one for their individuality. They similarly adored her in return. They would stand on chairs hovering over her kitchen counter as she made them custom “candy” pancakes for breakfast or helped her with dinner preparations. Marisa loved to spoil her grandkids with fun and thoughtful gifts every chance she got. In her eyes, they could do no wrong and her home was a haven to them of unconditional love and laughter.
With her lifelong friends from the City, she enjoyed so many memories. Summer vacations, the Russian River, annual Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, Camp Mather, the Evergreen Lodge, Tahoe and trips abroad. Together, they enjoyed cards (Pedro), trivial pursuit, a lot of laughs, and of course, good food, with Marisa usually at the helm on the meals.
Marisa was active in the Healdsburg community, including with the Healdsburg Boys & Girls Club and as a founding and lifetime member of the Healdsburg High School Boosters. Fittingly, she brought her cooking talent to bear there as well, spearheading the meals for many auctions and local fundraisers.
She was an avid reader and had a thirst to learn. She loved to explore culture, music, history and the arts. She enjoyed crafts; her Christmas ornaments continue to adorn many friends and family’s trees each year. Her trips to Italy, with both family and friends, were among her favorites. Marisa loved the sights, the museums, and the people. With her friends and family dependent upon her, she was at ease conversing with the locals in her native Italian, shopping for groceries and so on.
She was a loving Mom, Nonni, Auntie, friend and “second” mother to many kids. She always made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. It was a gift to have her and she will be dearly missed.
Marisa is survived by her daughter Nicole Mitchell, grandson Reo Mitchell and their family Robyn, Trey and Ty West; son Jonah Mitchell, daughter-in-law Beth Mitchell and granddaughters Francesca, Valentina and Natalia Mitchell; brotherin-law Joel Moeller; sister and brother-in-law Nicki and Johnny Nikula; sister-inlaw Melanie Mitchell; and nieces and nephews Dan, Andrew and Nick Moeller, Sara and Jake Nikula, Molly Barrett and Nic Mitchell and their respective families. A memorial service is planned for Friday, May 19, 2017 at 11:00 am (reception to immediately follow) at the Gardens outside at the Villa Chanticleer, 900 Chanticleer Way, Healdsburg, CA 95448. In lieu of flowers, please direct any contributions to the Healdsburg High School Boosters at P.O. Box 401, Healdsburg, CA 95448.