Gianna Marie Mitchell

Gianna Marie Mitchell Gianna Marie Mitchell, 31, Artist, Charger of Dreams, Lover of Life, joined her Heavenly Father on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, in Maui, Hawaii. Born June 5, 1978, in Tallahassee, Florida, she displayed at an early age a real talent for art which always played an important role in her life. During her early years in Tallahassee, she took art lessons, enjoyed cooking, gardening, and was involved in numerous sports during her middle and high school years. She was a member of the Soccer and Volleyball teams at Maclay School and Leon High School. She graduated from Leon High School in 1996. She went on to receive a Bachelors degree in English and Communications from Florida State University. Upon graduation she went to Hawaii with her dear friend and fellow adventurer Caroline Brewster, for what was to be a short visit prior to entering law school. Inspired by the immense beauty of that tropical paradise her passion for art was rekindled, and Hawaii became her home where she committed her life to the pursuit of her passion, painting. She built a reputation on the Island of Maui as a "Painter of Waves". Her Maui friends say of her "Gianna was a free spirit that touched the hearts of many through her beautiful paintings and her kind and loving nature". Gianna leaves to cherish her memories her father, Steve Mitchell; her mother, Barbara Mitchell (stepfather, Edward Babcock); brother, Jay Mitchell; and stepbrothers, Jake Babcock and Nat Babcock; her grandparents, Earl and Gill Mitchell; uncles, Russell Sepielli (Dianne), Ronald Sepielli (Francesco); aunts, Patricia Barnum (Tom), Barbara Mitchell, Pamela Mitchell, Sylvia Sepielli, Vicki Sepielli and Christine Sepielli. She is also survived by her first cousins, Robbie (Ali) and J.T. (Sarina) Sepielli, Michael (Michelle) and Victor Manocchio, Christopher and Tommy Barnum, Tyler Mitchell Harris; her Godparents, Gene and Judy Buzzi, and numerous loving cousins, relatives, and friends. Gianna was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Beatrice Sepielli; her grandmother, Doris Mitchell; and her uncle, Jimmy Sepielli. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 14, at 4:30 p.m. EST at St. John's Episcopal Church, 211 North Monroe Street. A reception will be held at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lahaina Arts Society, Children's Art Outreach Program, 648 Wharf Street, Lahaina, Hawaii 96761 or Children's Home Society of Florida, 1801 Miccosukee Commons Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Gianna possessed a laugh that came from the deepest of depths and enough love in her heart to stay with us for the rest of our lives.