Warren - Donna L. Mitchell, a loving mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and best friend, died on February 22nd at her home in Warren, MA, surrounded by family and friends. She was 74, and won’t soon be forgotten.
Born on May, 17th, 1946 in Ware, MA to the late Charles J. and Lina C. Bleau, she grew up in Gilbertville, MA as the youngest of 6 children; the late Richard Forte, Robert Forte, Earl Forte, and Alice Amerio, and is survived by her sister Gloria Euvrard of Athol, MA. She was a graduate of Hardwick H.S., and was a majorette in the St. Mary’s Drum and Bugle Corps in Ware, MA, where she performed in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC. After high school, she attended cosmetology school to study hairdressing, where she received her certification and top awards for her craft. She then married her late former husband, Robert W. Mitchell of Warren, MA, where they had 2 children together, Bob and Brenda.
Hairdressing and caring for others were her passion. In 1980, she also became a Mental Health Worker at Monson Developmental Center, where she eventually retired after 23 years of service, as a Supervisor for a group home in Spencer, MA. She was a very compassionate and kind soul, who cared deeply for her patients and clients. Whether you were having your hair done or were a patient of hers, you always knew she would take great care of you. This is who she was.
Donna was a fiercely devoted and loving mother, who made significant lifelong sacrifices to ensure her kids went to college, and had the best life they could. She spent most of her free time attending Brenda’s athletic events and supporting Bob’s cultural and educational aspirations. She also loved all kinds of animals, especially dogs like the late “Lulu” or Lucy, and her backyard birds like the beautiful red cardinals she adored. She was a big sports fan, who especially loved watching the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. She will be remembered as an amazing woman and mother, and for her witty sense of humor, kindness towards others, and her generous and loving spirit, to all those who were blessed to know her.
She is survived by her son Robert A. Mitchell, and his 2 standard poodles Wil & Grace, whom Donna affectionately called her “Grand-Doggers”, of Houston, TX and daughter Brenda J. Mitchell, and her partner Kara V. Smith, of Boston, MA. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Ruth J. Lizak of West Brookfield, MA and her best friend Paula DiPallo, of Warren, MA, whom she loved dearly. And many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who brought joy and many blessings to her life.
In lieu of services, we will be celebrating her life and infectious spirit on her upcoming 75th birthday in May, as this was her wish. If you would like to honor her memory, consider donating in her name to MSPCA-Angell at www.mspca.org/donate-now/ and choose Tribute/Memorial Giving to donate online or submit a check.
Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting her family with arrangements.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Donna L. Mitchell, please visit our floral store.