Barbara A Mitchell

A creative, thoughtful and sensitive soul, Barbara Mitchell passed away on Christmas Day, 2023 with family by her side. She departed this world, leaving her loved ones with feelings of great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude for having been a part of her precious life. Barb lived for 72 active and colorful years, filled with meaningful experiences and relationships. She was intelligent and curious; always learning, mentoring and giving to those around her. As a retired dental hygienist, she spent many years helping people to take care of their teeth, having pride in her work and making lasting friendships along the way. She shared her artistic nature and thoughtfulness with family and friends, generously gifting handmade items including her personalized books, paintings, jewelry and drawings. Her light hearted doodles were also treasured keepsakes for fortunate recipients. Barb loved to garden, often sharing products of her labor. Her most recent project was growing and drying her own lavender. She was disciplined when it came to her own health and wellness and shared this interest with others later in life through activities such as teaching yoga, facilitating senior exercise groups and specialized practices such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Barb found serenity in landscapes of the Adirondacks and was enchanted by regions in the southwestern united states. She enjoyed biking, hiking and traveling adventures with her husband, Gary. Poetry, philosophy and mindfulness provided solace and refuge. Barb was a bright light with a keen awareness, curiosity and spirit of adventure, tempered by a great sense of humor. She could be serious, introspective and profound in one moment and in the next moment she was light hearted and found humor in so many situations. She could brighten a room with her smile and contagious laughter. You could easily feel like you were living your best life in her presence, simply browsing through a shop (especially a secondhand store), sitting in quiet meditation or sharing a conversation. She was such a good listener and made the simplest daily tasks pleasurable and meaningful. Barb was incredibly sensitive, quietly powerful and strong willed. She approached adversity in life with resilience and had an ability to find a silver lining in most situations, an aspiring attitude to others. Barb was kind and caring, putting others first, offering support when needed. As a mother, Barb showed unconditional support, interest and love for her two children. She also conveyed true devotion and loyalty to her mother who, passed away several months prior to Barb’s passing. She was deeply loved, admired and inspired by those close to her. She will be remembered as a treasured friend, a supportive teacher and a beloved family member. All who entered her sphere were indeed fortunate. Barb is survived by her husband, Gary Phifer; daughter, Sarah Benis (Jason); son, Dan Zimmerman; brother, Bill Mitchell (Jane); nieces Renee Bates (Bill) and Tina Mitchell; cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael Mullen; mother, Rosette “Bunny”; father, Dan; and her brother, Joe Mitchell. A celebration of life to honor Barb will be held in the future with a date to be announced. Donations in her name can be made to the Eddy Foundation, the Sierra Club or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). You can additionally honor Barb by thinking of her when appreciating a sunset, laughing deeply or catching a hint of lavender on a warm summer day. “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with the heart and soul there is no such thing as separation”- Rumi