Obituaries

Marilyn Judith Mitchell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died peacefully on May 30, 2026. Born September 21, 1940, in Chicago, IL, to Samuel and Maryann Anzelone, Marilyn grew up in a close-knit family alongside her sister Gloria, with whom she shared a close friendship throughout her life.

As the first in her family to earn a college degree, she graduated with a B.A. in Education from Northern Illinois University where she met her college sweetheart, John Mitchell. Together they embarked on a journey of love that spanned 45 years until John's passing. Their marriage was a partnership rooted in mutual respect and a shared sense of adventure.

In 1963, Marilyn and John married, moved to Texas and had their first baby. Between November 1963 and November 1967, they had four children. She was a busy and devoted mother, reading favorite stories, sewing Halloween costumes and encouraging participation in activities as diverse as debate camp and summer swim league. Marilyn and John built a family cabin on Horseshoe Lake, a major project that brought many years of enjoyment and satisfaction.

After her children reached school age, Marilyn resumed her own education, earning an M.A. in Library Science from the University of Houston/Clear Lake. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, but it was her role as school librarian at Mae Smythe Elementary in Pasadena, TX, where she truly found her calling. For over 20 years she was a beacon of inspiration, nurturing a love of reading and learning in countless children and embracing new processes and technology along the way.

As a founding member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Clear Lake City, Marilyn participated in numerous charitable and community activities for more than 30 years. She was an avid gardener, enjoying cut flowers in her kitchen and celebrating the gifts of her vegetable patch. She and John discovered a shared passion in ballroom dancing and sought out dances locally and on their travels to South America. Their adventures also took them to Europe, China, Egypt, and even on an African safari.

She is survived by her four children: Kathleen (Dan Finkelstein), Andrew, Margaret Subealdea (Frank), and Jean; her three grandchildren: Nicholas, Timothy, and Zachary (Keely); and her sister Gloria Bush (Bill).

Marilyn was a woman of integrity and intelligence who placed a high value on kindness and fairness. She also played a mean game of bingo. Her legacy of love and learning will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Services will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062. Rosary at 10:00 a.m., service at 10:30, reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages charitable donations in promotion of literacy.