Denise Marie (Cranwell) Mitchell

In Loving Memory of

Denise Marie Mitchell

1961 - 2015

Denise Marie Mitchell, age 54 years of Roblin, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the Russell District Hospital in Russell, Manitoba.

Denise Marie (nee Cranwell) Mitchell was born January 6, 1961 at Roblin. She was the third of five children born to Bill and Mabel (nee Roe) Cranwell.

Denise grew up on the family dairy farm near Tummel, Manitoba and attended school at Tummel and Roblin. An avid participant in the farm, Denise was also a 4-Her who travelled in Canada and the United States on Exchange trips.  From an early age her heart was for the outdoors. She enjoyed being busy and was not one to sit around. She loved walking in the back pasture of the Cranwell home quarter, summer or winter.

After graduating from high school, Denise headed west working at various jobs in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. She particularly enjoyed her time at MacKenzie Seeds in Brandon and as a radio station ad writer in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.

In 1988, Denise married Blaine Mitchell and returned to Roblin. For the next twenty-seven years Denise and Blaine farmed together and raised their two children, Dan and Julie.

Denise was a great mother, who encouraged her children’s creativity, their interest in books and travel and motivated them to reach their aspiring goals. She led by example in persistence. She nurtured their hard work ethic and always lent a listening ear, becoming not only a loving mom, but also their closest friend. Dan and Julie were her pride and joy.

Denise was a full partner in the farm– raising pigs, cattle and growing grain right beside Blaine. Under her care, the calves were better nurtured and the fences were better mended. Her many acts of kindness and her persistence in the job at hand were done without fanfare and yet left great impact.

Blaine will remember most of all having a partner to work with. Feeding, cleaning, chasing cattle, really anything else that needed to be done, they worked together.

Gardening was Denise’s love and passion. The large variety of flowers, vegetables and other plants she grew was impressive. In the wintertime or on rainy days, she spent her spare time in her sewing room, cup of tea at her side and project in hand. She was able to turn a house into a home with her creative skills on a thrifty budget. A walk across the pasture with the dogs at her side was a peaceful way she found to see the beauty of nature. She truly loved animals, finding great companions in them; first with dogs Spot and Coco, and in recent years Tip and Tuffy, and cat Mittens.

When her children were older, Denise returned to the workforce in Roblin.  She worked at the IGA, the Roblin Bakery, and finally at the Bargain Shop. Her friendly, helpful manner shall long be remembered.

Denise’s faith has always got her through difficult times. She and the family were humbled and so grateful for the kind words and gestures of family, friends and the community; also to the staff of the Russell Hospital who cared so well for her.

Denise was predeceased by her mother and dearest friend Mabel Cranwell; kind parents-in-law Walter and Elsie Mitchell; brother David Cranwell; sister Danette Cranwell; nephew Dallas Pearton; and special cousin Rodene Zimmer.

Surviving to mourn Denise’s death and cherish many fond memories are her loving husband Blaine Mitchell of Roblin; son Dan Mitchell of Winnipeg; daughter Julie Mitchell of Olds, Alberta; father Bill Cranwell of Roblin; sister Donna (Mac) Fletcher of Three Hills, AB; brother Doug (Karen) Cranwell of Roblin; sister-in-law Daphne (Murray) Pearton of Roblin, sister-in-law Cathy Cranwell of Esterhazy, SK; twelve well-loved nieces and nephews and their families, as well as extended family and a host of friends.

Denise’s Funeral Service was held Friday, March 13, 2015 at 2:00 PM from the Evangelical Mission Church in Roblin with Pastor Randy Moffit officiating. The Pianist, Mrs. Laurie Moffit, led the congregation in singing the hymns “ In the Garden” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. The Recessional was the “Theme from Man from Snowy River”.

Following the Funeral Service, a reception was held in the church hall and was hosted by the Evangelical Ladies.

A Family Interment Service will be held at a later date.

NAIRN-CHYZ FUNERAL HOME

Entrusted with Arrangements

Roblin’s Only Locally Owned

and Family Operated Funeral Home

(204) 937-2111

nairn-chyzfuneralhome.com