Mary Ann Mitchell, 98, of Danbury died at home surrounded by her loving family on March 18. She born in New Milford on April 5, 1918, a daughter of the late Ernesta and Thomas Travaglini. She was the wife of the late Norbert E. Mitchell, Sr.

Her children and their spouses, Janet Mitchell Hoyt of Newtown, Donald D. and Nancy Mitchell of Brookfield,and Kathleen M. and William R. Durgy of Brookfield; her eight grandchildren and their spouses, Norbert III and Samantha Mitchell, Robert Mitchell, Michael Mitchell, Matthew and Jessica Mitchell, William Durgy Jr and fiance Ann Belardinelli, Danielle Durgy, Nicholas Mitchell, and Kathryn and Nanda Moscovitch; and her nine great-grandchildren survive her. In addition to her husband, her son Norbert E. Mitchell, Jr, and her five siblings predeceased Mrs Mitchell.

After graduating from New Milford High School, she continued her education at Danbury Teachers College ( now WCSU) earning a BS in education. While living in New Milford she met Norbert, the love of her life. As a young woman, she taught elementary school in Plymouth, Conn.; then went on to work at Helena Rubenstein in New York City.

She married Norbert and they made their first home in Danbury, then moved to Brookfield where they raised their four children. Mrs Mitchell volunteered in local charities and many of her children's activities: Cub Scouts, Girls Scouts, dance and piano lessons, and sports. Her family was most important to her.

Birds, flowers, and a good book were some of Mrs Mitchell's favorite things. She was a long time member of Ridgewood Country Club. She was an accomplished pianist, and she enjoyed cooking using the "secret family recipes." She was an active parishioner of St Joseph Church in Brookfield until she moved to Danbury several years ago and became a parishioner of St Gregory the Great Church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mrs Mitchell's caregiver of over three years, Desreen Butler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 21, at 10:30 am at St Gregory the Great Church, 85 Great Plain Road, Danbury. Entombment will follow in St Peter Mausoleum.

There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury CT 06810; or to Danbury Hospital Development Fund, 24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury CT 06810; or to a charity of one's choice.

To light a candle of hope and remembrance, visit cornellmemorial.com.