Leah M. Mitchell

Leah M. (Gammons) Mitchell succumbed to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma peacefully after carrying her burden silently and courageously for six years. Formerly of Wakefield, Ipswich, and most recently Reading, she is survived by her adoring husband, Richard Mitchell, and her sons Christopher, Jonathan and his wife Lauren, and Jacob. Born May 4, 1958, she was predeceased by her parents Mildred T. and Calvin E. Gammons. She leaves her loving sister and best friend, Martha Jones and her husband, Leroy, of Dover, NH, and the best big brother in the world, Stephen Gammons and his wife, Betsy, of Essex. She is survived by five nieces, Daryl, Leah, Kate, Stephanie, and Cally, and her nephew, Ian. She also leaves behind her dear friends and source of endless support, Neil and Maureen Burgess and family of Wakefield.

After graduating from Wakefield High School in 1976, she graduated from Fitchburg State College in 1980. She worked as a teacher's aide for the Wakefield Public School system, Franklin and Woodville Schools, and in later years as a special needs aide in Hamilton-Wenham at the Buker Elementary School. Her endless compassion and love for children allowed her to work until only recently and sustained her during her illness.

She loved the beach and the sun and had fond memories of her summer days growing up in Essex. She loved the mountains of New Hampshire, North Conway, and Tamworth. Leah was talented at baking (more snacks than any party could eat at any sitting), knitting, crochet, and also in needlework and created many thoughtful works of art for her relatives and friends over the years. She loved animals and leaves behind her faithful dog, Abby, and her cats Lucy and Stella. She was predeceased by dozens of loving pets, too numerous to mention. She also leaves 10, 000 true friends. She made and kept friends everywhere she went. She was truly the salt of the earth.

A period of Visitation will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave, Wakefield on Monday from 5-8pm.
There will be a private family service to commit her to the ocean she loved so much. A celebration of her life is being planned for a date to be determined. If you would like to attend, please email marthajonesnh@gmail.com and details will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, www.capeannanimalaid.com.


Read Leah Mitchell's Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdonaldfs.com.

Visitation

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave.
Wakefield, MA US 01880
Monday, June 18, 2012, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Service

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave.
Wakefield, MA US 01880
Monday, June 18, 2012, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM