Barbara Edwina Mitchell
Barbara Edwina Mitchell, age 97, passed away peacefully January 20, 2021. She was born July 12, 1923 in Springer, NM to Edward and Mabel Verbeck, who both preceded her in death. Barbara grew up in Springer and graduated from Springer High School. In August of 1942 Barbara married her husband of 49 years, James B. Mitchell, who preceded her in death in 1991. “Life is a journey we choose” was Barbara’s favorite quotation, even printing it on her checks. Living in Albuquerque with her husband, Barbara was busy with the activities of her two young sons, James and Douglas. She chose to be a stay-at-home mom for many years. She then went to work at the University of New Mexico culminating her career at UNM serving as Associate Business Manager for the UNM Athletics Department before she retired. She was an avid supporter of UNM Lobo basketball and football.
Barbara’s faith was central to her life. She was an active member of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters. She chose to volunteer at Palo Duro Senior Center and also at Carrie Tingley Hospital.
As a skilled crocheter, Barbara crocheted many tablecloths, placemats and other home décor. She crocheted holiday gifts and stylishly outfitted her granddaughter’s Barbie dolls. She also crocheted stuffed animals for all her grandchildren, and baby blankets and caps for newborns at local hospitals.
Barbara enjoyed gathering the family for weekend dinners and holidays. Barbara was a talented oil painter delighting family and friends with beautiful and coveted painting treasures for their homes. She was an enthusiastic card player and an avid reader. Especially after her retirement from UNM, she would read two and sometimes three books a week! Failing eyesight did not stop her, she just switched to audio books!
Barbara was preceded in death by her four sisters:
Mary Ellen Verbeck, Helen Hoskins, Eugenia Scheier and Charlene Baldwin.
Barbara is survived by her two sons and their spouses: James and Anita Mitchell, and Douglas and Shirley Mitchell; grandchildren: Eric Mitchell and spouse Cindy, Bryan Mitchell and spouse Kyle Perrone; JJ Mitchell and spouse Elizabeth, and Rebecca Luedemann and spouse Thom; six great grandchildren and an extended family of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Queen of Heaven Church on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Services Chapel, 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE. Due to Covid-19 guidelines, only 5 people will be allowed in the chapel at one time. However, the service will be live streamed so family and friends can be a part of prayers and farewell to Barbara. Burial will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:15 p. m. Five people will be allowed at the gravesite itself, but others may attend from their vehicles. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Barbara’s name to Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5311 Phoenix Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM.
Barbara’s family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Sugar Hollow Assisted Living for their loving care of Barbara while she was a resident.
To access the live stream link, view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com