Donna Mitchell

Our beloved mother, Donna Mitchell, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, February 19, 2026. She is reunited with her devoted husband and soul mate of over 50 years, Thomas Mitchell, in eternal rest.

Donna spent over 81 years improving the world around her. Born in West Philadelphia to Robert and Edith Taylor, she had a quintessential Irish Catholic upbringing with close ties to her family and neighborhood. Having spent her adult life in North Hills, Brookside and Shavertown, Pennsylvania, Donna retired with her husband to Sussex County, Delaware, and eventually settled in Rehoboth Beach.

Beyond a successful managerial career in telecommunications, Donna is best remembered for her enduring kindness. She served her community and was an active parishioner of St. Therese's church for many years. Every day Donna found ways to improve the lives of those around her. From grander acts of kindness, like bringing Thanksgiving dinner to the staff of the local CVS, to the routine self-sacrifice of domestic life, she always put others before herself.

An avid animal lover, Donna had a menagerie of pets. She often opened the family home to all manner of strays – usually at the behest of her children. Dozens of dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, and even a horse graced the doorstep (or barn) of the Mitchell household. Donna spent hours behind the house in Delaware attending the geese in the nearby pond. In her final days, she often waxed nostalgic about her beloved chocolate lab, Emma.

The Mitchell family's happiest place was Acadia National Park, Maine. Tom and Donna realized a lifelong dream of owning a cabin where they could read, fish and eat countless lobsters. Her children have the privilege of many memorable summers spent whale watching, go-kart racing, hiking and playing (albeit poorly) five card stud. Here's hoping that the afterlife looks a lot like Cadillac Mountain at sunrise.

Donna's most influential role was as a mother. Her favorite day was Christmas day. Donna was a "hide the best gift in the closet to bring out after all the Christmas presents were opened and you'd lost hope about the robot dog you'd asked for" kind of mom. She was a "text you your birth story on your birthday to remember the first time you'd held hands" kind of mom; a "let you buy an overpriced prom dress despite having skipped school to shop after a bad breakup" kind of mom. The day our father passed (Christmas Day) she insisted we get home afterwards and open presents because "it's Christmas, and that's what you do…" After our elder sister Michelle passed, she didn't hesitate to take in Michelle's two children to raise them as her own. Donna was the parent we all aspire to be.

Donna is survived by her children Tommy, John, Pat, Meggy and Catie. Her memory and legacy live on in her many grandchildren- Amanda, Michael, James, Daniel, Fiona, Declan and Mackenzie. Donna is also survived by her loving brother Gene and sister, Ronnie.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle, by her cherished sister Jacqui and brother Larry.

"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my mommy you'll be." - Munsch, 1986

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to your preferred local animal rescue.

Please sign the tribute wall at this site.