Dorothy June Mitchell

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our earth angel, Dorothy June Mitchell (nee Cooper), who passed away on December 8, 2024 at the age of 98 and a half.

June was born to Marjorie and Edward Cooper on June 16, 1926 in Brandon, Manitoba. She was educated in Regina and Saskatoon achieving her Bachelor’s Degree in 1947.

She married Grant Mitchell on September 4, 1948. Together, they built a life that was rich with the love of 7 children and many friends.

When she wasn’t dedicating her life to teaching children with disabilities, she was a social warrior and advocate. A founding member of the Intercultural Grandmothers Uniting, June was actively involved with the Seniors University Group at the University of Regina Lifelong Learning Centre.

An accomplished writer of poetry and prose, June looked forward to every writers group meeting at Nicky’s.

She was a beacon of quiet strength, breaking barriers with grace and independence, while never losing her gentle kindness. She showed us all a better way of being in the world.

Sunday family dinners were a constant, though sometimes it was served with a slightly burnt meatloaf but her cheesecake always made up for it. She taught her family to sing through happy times, grief, triumph and despair. She was a fierce advocate for world peace, and a living testament to the power of courage and compassion in the face of life’s challenges.

Her driving also had a consistent outcome of keeping every passenger on high alert.

To all who had the privilege of knowing her she was a source of inspiration. She loved like no other and no matter the circumstance.

In her last years, her failing cognition shrank her world. She continued to sing when she could, and delighted in receiving visitors, both two legged and four legged. Thank you to those who took the time to sit with her, talk to her, and listen to her. A special thanks to her caregivers and to the staff at Pasqua Palliative Care Unit for allowing June love and dignity.

June was predeceased by her husband Grant, her parents, step father Wilfred Hunt, sister Elaine, step brother John, Aunt Luella, her son in law Harold, four of her children (Teddy, Billy, Leslie, and Owen), and 7 pets (Clarence, Scrowler, Lady, Freddy, Joey, Pepper, and Rudy).

She is survived by her three children, Grant (Karlee), Norma, and Jim (Bernadette), her daughter in law Deb, and her son in law Rod (Ella). She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Dan, Jeremy, Amy, Paul, Scott, Kate, John, and Truman as well as 9 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

June believed that our loved ones walk among the stars when they pass into the next world. May June too, walk among them and may the night sky always remind all those she touched of her life, her many gifts, and wisdom during her time here on earth.

A private family interment (respecting her wishes to be as environmentally friendly as possible) will be followed by a celebration of life at a later date.