Helen Mitchell

Helen Birkin Kennedy Mitchell, age 85, passed away on Tuesday April 4, 2017 in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. She was born on October 27, 1931 in New Rochelle, New York, to the late Solon and Katherine (Birkin) Kennedy. Helen was a Chagrin Falls High School graduate, Class of 1949.

For Helen, home was in Chagrin Falls, Ohio where she raised her three children with husband George "Bud", served as a social worker, and worked at the Fireside Bookstore. Here, in the Mitchell home, Helen passed her passions along to her children. Her love of gardening, cooking, reading, entertaining, crafting and making memories extends through the generations.

"Amo," as she was referred to by family and friends, is the Latin conjugation of the verb, "to love." True to this name, Amo taught and practiced kindness, strength and unconditional love - putting the needs of others before her own. All of those who knew Amo knew of her warm soul and selfless ways. She offered genuine curiosity and understanding to anyone who crossed her path.

Remember Amo in the color turquoise, the smell of hyacinth, the taste of root beer and the songs of cardinals, pileated woodpeckers, and other feathered creatures. Remember Amo for her quick wit, strong will and smiling "bullshit".

Helen is survived by her children; George Scott Mitchell (Rosalind Burwell), Katherine "Kaki" Kennedy Mitchell, and Lizbeth "Beth" Ann Mitchell-Ravel (Ronald Ravel); grandchildren Andrea Miriam Powell Wolfe (Michael Wolfe), Nicholas James Powell (Nikki Powell), Christopher George Powell, Emilie Catherine Mitchell, Katherine "McKenzie" Powell and Emma Helen Werntz; great-grandchildren Taegan Anne Carpenter and Wesley Michael Wolfe. She is further survived by her brother Donald Kennedy and joined in death by her sister-in-law Dee Kennedy two days following her own decease. Helen was preceded in death by her husband George "Bud" Plummer Mitchell, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the South Franklin Circle, 16575 South Franklin Street, Chagrin Falls, OH, 44023.

Donations in Helen's name are welcome and should be addressed to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406