October 25, 2021
Norma Mitchell, known to everyone as Peggy, our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, left us on Monday. October 25 in her 94th year. Born in her aunt's home in Okotoks, Alberta in 1927, she was the child of American immigrants who left Nebraska to homestead in Canada. They were a large extended family so she was surrounded by uncles, aunts and cousins.
Growing up in Turner Valley and Black Diamond, she swam and fished in the Sheep River and skated on it in winter. Will Carter was big in her life as he was on the radio yodelling and singing country. Dancing was a passion with her as a teen and she was always ready for a waltz.
She was staunchly Canadian and served in the CWACss for a period of time. Arriving in B.C. she trained as a LPN which was her occupation on and off for many years. She married a soldier, Ray Mitchell, at age 21 and they eventually had a family of six children.
She is survived by her six children, Mary (John), Ryan (Susan), Randy (Pauline), William (Grace), Geraldine, and Lawrence (Rowena) and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Our family lived in various small towns but Prince Rupert held us captive for 30 years until a need for a drier climate had Mom and Dad move to Salmon Arm for retirement. They bought a little house on a half-acre with a lake view and a few fruit trees. They enjoyed living there with a steady stream of visitors from various parts of B.C. and Alberta. Mom loved the church picnics, lakeside retreats and potlucks.
She travelled to many countries over the years but without Dad as ill health kept him at home until his death in 2008.
As a mother, she was firm and loving and instilled in her children a strong work ethic. We never said no to Mom or there'd be serious repercussions. Her determination was legendary, if she decided something there was no other option. She was the matriarch in later years uniting us for birthday parties and anniversaries. Her Christian faith was a daily part of her life and she was an example to us all.
As she grew older, she loved singing with a seniors Sing-Along for many years, only stopped by covid. Music was something she really loved. She bought an old piano and took lessons when she was in her 80s. She was also the scrabble Queen, coming up with word combinations that destroyed most opposition.
She was cared for by her son Ryan and his wife Susan in their home for the last year and a half which was a real blessing.
We love and miss her.