Harriet J. Mitchell (Poolos)

Age 93, of Scottsdale, AZ, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Beloved wife of the late John N. Mitchell; loving mother of Georgiann Gibson (Donald), Denise Schmittlein (Marc), and Jacqueline Mitchell Howle (James); cherished grandmother of Alexis (her fiancé, Rex), Jack, Cole, and Dede; step grandmother of Ryley (Amanda) and Reece; step great-grandmother of Maddie, Elouise, and Henry; and sister of Dr. Constantine Poolos (Barbara) and Magdalene Yeotis (Thomas). She was also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews and friends who are family.

Happening Harriet, as we affectionately called her, loved the Lord, her family, and a good piece of chocolate. Her ministry was her family and she cherished her Greek heritage.

Harriet grew up in Greenville, PA and worked at her family’s business, the Poolos Candy Company. She attended the College of Mary Washington and graduated from The Pennsylvania State University. Harriet used her home economics and teaching degree with the East Ohio Gas Company doing cooking demonstrations in person and on television. She later taught school in Library, PA. Harriet and Jack Mitchell were married and made Mt. Lebanon, PA their home where they raised their 3 daughters.

Harriet loved music and was a board member of the Pittsburgh Wind Symphony, Music for Mt. Lebanon, and supporter of the Duquesne University Tamburitzians.

She obtained her insurance license to work at the Mitchell Insurance Agency. After raising her family, she worked at Kirkpatrick and Lockhart Law Firm until retirement in 1995. She was adventurous and moved to be near her growing family. This included relocating at age 68 years to Northern VA, and later Baltimore, MD, West Hartford, CT, Queenstown, MD, and Scottsdale, AZ.

She loved Jesus, was filled with joy and always had an encouraging word for anyone she met. We celebrate her life and carry on her legacy in our hearts.

All are welcome for a viewing on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 5-7 PM, WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 412-563-2800. Join the family for her Celebration of Life Service, Tuesday, September 17 at 10 AM at the funeral home. Interment to follow in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) in honor of Harriet Mitchell, www.breakthrought1d.org or to the Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, www.bvrspittsburgh.org. The best way to honor her memory is to live like Harriet and pay her kindness forward.

www.slaterfuneral.com