The family of Marilyn Mitchell grieve her sudden passing on Saturday December 20, 2025 at the Kirkland Lake Hospital following a short iliness, at the age of 91 and 11/12ths.
Born on January 27, 1934 at home in Chaput Hughes, she was the happy and shy middle child of six siblings. After many years of tom-boy gallivanting in her small village, and a memorable teen summer at Farmerette Camp in Southern Ontario, she began work life as a telephone operator in Kirkland Lake before her 1953 marriage to handsome, hard-working sweetheart Mitch, and together they toiled to raised five active kids. She was a master homemaker who bowled when young, with trophies to prove it; she later played baseball, and later still, cheered her kids as they played baseball, and then she cheered for & jeered at her Toronto Blue Jays! She crocheted tablecloths & afghans and knit mittens galore, until she had to give it up with fingers too stiff & sore. She enjoyed her later years volunteering at the Sir Harry Oakes Museum and the Encore Club, and adamantly remained in her own home until June of this year, when she finally conceded that her body could no longer keep up with her fierce will, and moved to Teck Pioneer Residence.
A cherished daughter and sister, wife, mother and mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother, friend, and Trinity United Church congregant, Marilyn leaves us with many happy memories, and a wake of condolences from those whose lives she touched, attesting to her big smile, her friendliness, and her love of joking banter; all of which helps to lessen the grief of her passing, especially during this Christmas season.
At 91, Marilyn had outlived most of her contemporaries, and although her heart was lightened by visits and outings with family and her dwindling circle of friends, she was ever more frequently saddened with the passing of many dear family and friends. Her most grievous losses included her beloved husband Clair Mitchell (1997), parents Mayme (Donaldson) Barkell (1972) and Harry Barkell (1996), brother-in-law Malcolm Doyle (1987), brothers Ross Barkell (2013) and Don Barkell (2018), brother-in-law Frank Laframboise (2019), and sister Doreen Doyle (2023).
She is survived by her loving family: Children: Dennis Mitchell & Linda Wilks, Don & Lynn Ahern Mitchell, Diana & Peter McNamara, Catherine Mitchell & Phil Manaigre, Steven & Doreen Mitchell; Grandchildren: Tina Girard, Josh Mitchell, Dustin Mitchell (Corinne Gill), Brittany Mitchell Eady (Nicholas), Carlyn McNamara (Cody Webber), Holly McNamara (Jeff Selbie), Kelly McNamara (Travis Desormeaux), Michelle Anikeev (Alexi), Carlyle Manaigre, Erika Bergeron (Rob), Gabriel Munoz Mitchell, Camille Manaigre Mitchell (TJ Boyko), Nahanni Manaigre Mitchell, Kyle Mitchell (Lindsay), and James Mitchell (Tara); Great-Grandchildren: Charlie; Maverick, Madilynn, Jesse & Joseph; Jakob, Calleigh & Heidi; Leo, Romeo, Mattix, Maisyn, Ellis, Jack, Ben & Thomas; Jack & Max; Parker, Hannah, Quinn & Jude. Sister, sisters-in-law & brother: Patricia Laframboise, Brian & Harmonie Barkell, Shirley Barkell and Marilyn Barkell. As well as numerous nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Marilyn.
The family acknowledges and is most grateful for the kind and proficient care Mom received from our community health supports in the past few years, including the Family Health Team, most especially now-retired NP Darlene Rogers; the Kirkland Lake Hospital; and Timiskaming Home Support, as well as the helpful and incredibly friendly staff at Teck Pioneer Residence during her short stay in your care. Mom truly appreciated you all during these final years and months of her long and rewarding life.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative: Visitation on Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 2-4pm, Kirkland Lake & District Funeral Home, 111 Burnside Dr, Kirkland Lake; and Funeral Service on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 11am, Trinity United Church, 51 Duncan Ave, Kirkland Lake, with a Luncheon to immediately follow the service at Trinity United Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted at one of Marilyn's favoured charities: Blanche River Health Foundation, Canadian Lung Association, Parkinson Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of choice.
Sympathy Messages
So sorry to hear of the passing of our dear sweet neighbor, “Mitchell”. My boys were young when we lived next door and Mitchell watched them closely, in good times and bad. Loved meeting up with her over years and updating her on their progress and reminiscing. My condolences to you all. Goodbye, Mitchell. Till we meet again
- Maureen Widdifield, on
December 24, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs Mitchell’s passing. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She will be missed by so many. Loved her dearly
May my support warm your heart
- Noella Regimbal , on
December 24, 2025
Diana and families, we are so very sorry for the loss of your Mom. We are thinking of all of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
- Paul and Marjorie Harvey, on
December 24, 2025
Dennis & family sending my condolences at this time. Have some great memories of times at your parents home .
Your mom was always welcoming to us boys .
May her memory keep you in this time of loss .
Your friend always Bob Turcotte.
- Robert Turcotte, on
December 24, 2025
Steve, Doreen and family, thoughts and prayers to you all. We are very sorry Steve for the loss of your mom. God bless you all. RIP Mrs Mitchell
- RL Shelley, on
December 25, 2025
Dennis, Don, Diana and Families,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Your Mother.
She was a very special Lady,
I always loved chatting with Her!
💔 Karen
- Karen Hansen Larocque , on
December 25, 2025
Dennis,Donnie ,Diana,and families. Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I don’t remember her not laughing or smiling at just about anything. It was always a pleasure to be around her.
Doug and Leslie Biggs
- Doug Biggs, on
December 25, 2025
We are so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.
Lorna and Shaun
- Lorna Phillips, on
December 25, 2025
Haven’t seen your mom in years but have such great memories of this lady. So sorry for your loss ❤️
May my support warm your heart
- andrea mann, on
December 25, 2025
Was so sorry to hear of your dear Mom's passing. Rest in peace Mrs Mitchell...
- Helene and Don Studholme , on
December 25, 2025
To all the Mitchells and Barkells
My deepest condolences.
Met Marilyn bowling with the Adam’s mine crew, then went on to work together with Adam’s Auxiliary, later reconnected with volunteering at the Encore Club. She was always such a nice and fun person.
- Doris Uhrayn, on
December 25, 2025
Diana and Family…so sorry to hear about Marilyn’s passing…..we hadn’t talked in a while, but remember her always smiling. Thoughts and prayers to you and Family
- Linda Wilson, on
December 25, 2025
Diana and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Such a difficult time of year to lose anyone. May your memories bring you comfort.
- Sandra Dal Pai, on
December 25, 2025
Diana and family we are thinking of you and sending hugs at this difficult time. Memories are precious and ours to cherish💕
- Bob and Jan Jacko, on
December 26, 2025
To the Mitchell’s and Barkell family. So sorry for your loss but do take comfort that she didn’t suffer for too long.Marilyn and I go back for a long time at least 64 years it has been a privilege to have known her all those years .I was going to make you apple sauce and give you a puzzle for Xmas little do we know how much time we have.Too bad we slow down as we age, but I’m sure the weather has to be better up there for you to enjoy.
- Pauline Lessard, on
December 26, 2025
Catherine, Diana, the Mitchell, Barkell families, and the MacNamara family, it is the warmth that radiated from her smile that I will never forget. May you find comfort in knowing that your mom was so loved by so many of us. Laurie
- Laurie Bassett , on
December 26, 2025
Our family send you all our sincere sympathy. The memories growing up, skidooing behind your house. Our parents would have a drink while us kids were able to drive the machines on the JMR Slimes. Thank you for such memories & now our Mother's will be celebrating their Birthday together again ❤️ HUGS
- Brook Family, on
December 27, 2025
Catherine we were so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Always difficult to loose a loved one but even more so at this time of year. Thinking of all of you.
Cindy and Jim MacKinnon
- Cindy MacKinnon, on
December 27, 2025
Marilyn was a wonderful friend and neighbour and we loved her very much. We will truly miss her. May her family know that they are all in our thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.
- Lisa and John Ingram, on
December 29, 2025
To the Mitchell, Barkell, and McNamara Family and Friends, thinking of you all at this very sad and difficult time. Mrs. Mitchell was a Special Lady, so nice and always friendly. So sorry for you loss.
May my support warm your heart
- Judy (Cale) Gervais, on
December 31, 2025
Diana and family, our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Mother,, thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time!
- Judy & Andy McKnight , on
December 31, 2025
Heartfelt condolences to Catherine and family
May my support warm your heart
- Linda Cantelon , on
January 3, 2026
To : The Mitchell Family
We would like to send our sympathies for the passing of Aunt Min.
She will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Scott/Heather/Andrew/Alexander Barkell
- scott barkell, on
January 9, 2026
Diana and family, please accept our sympathies on the loss of your mother, a life well lived.
- Bill Glover & family, on
January 16, 2026
My apologies for this later response:
I remember Mrs. Mitchell well from the days the Family lived @ 68 Tower Street in the 60s. I lived down the Street @ 82.
I have fond memories of her & Mr. Mitchell, as well as fun times playing with their Children.
My Maiden Name was ‘Quevillon’ & my nickname was ‘Terry’.
Heartfelt Condolences to Dustin & Corrine, as well as all of Mrs. Mitchell’s Loved Ones.
- Therese (& Daren) Allaire, on
February 23, 2026
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