Patricia Ann Mitchell

Patricia A. Mitchell (Sorensen), 92, passed away peacefully in New Hampshire, where she spent her final years surrounded by the birds, butterflies, and with the family she cherished.

Born in Albany, NY and raised in Westwood, Massachusetts, Pat was the daughter of a Danish immigrant who served in WWI. Growing up during World War II, she developed a resilience and fortitude that would serve her throughout life's joys and profound sorrows.

Though small in stature, she was mighty in presence – a wonderful and loving mother who guided seven children through life's ups and downs with equal measures of discipline and tenderness. Her life was marked by the heartbreaking loss of two children – a son who died very young, and a daughter more recently. These profound losses shaped her deeply, yet with remarkable strength, she continued to embrace life and care for her family, carrying that wartime generation's spirit of accepting hardship and moving forward with grace.

Her home was a place where scraped knees were expertly bandaged, problems were solved with practical wisdom, and hugs were always available. She managed her bustling household with remarkable efficiency no matter what, all while making each child feel individually loved and cared for.

An award-winning basketball player in her youth, her competitive spirit showed itself throughout life, particularly during baseball, basketball, and hockey seasons when she became an enthusiastic armchair coach to the Boston Bruins, and Red Sox and Celtics. This same spirit helped her navigate the challenges of raising a large family with determination.

Pat was an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity about the world. The local librarians came to know her well, not just for her love of books, but for the five-pound bags of chocolate she would share with them – gifts from her husband that she typically gave away with characteristic generosity.

During her years in New Hampshire, she delighted in taking drives around the state with her caregivers, enjoying new scenery and small adventures. Her 20 grandchildren were a source of great happiness and pride. Her daughter Nancy and son-in-law Al provided exceptional care that filled these years with comfort and joy, ensuring her mother could enjoy all of life's simple pleasures.

As part of the Greatest Generation, she was passionate about her country holding firm to the values that guided her remarkable life. She frequently shook her head at today's leaders, probably because none of them could handle seven kids while simultaneously cooking dinner and bandaging a scraped knee.

She leaves behind a family who will deeply miss her warm humor, her sweet tooth, and her special ability to notice beauty in the everyday world around us.

Perhaps no one will miss her quite as much as her tiny companion, Joey, who appointed himself her faithful protector. This small dog with an enormous heart stood vigilant watch over her, always at attention for the treats she lovingly dispensed, and providing her with adorable companionship.

Pat is pre-deceased by her husband Charles E. Mitchell and her devoted children: Kevin (Cheryl) of South Dartmouth, Brian of Westwood, Thomas (Mary) of Medfield, Mary Ellen (Derek) of Petaluma, CA, and Nancy (Alan) of Newmarket, NH. She was predeceased by her children Paul Mitchell and Kathleen Mitchell.

She is also survived by her 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We love you, Mom.

There will be no visitation services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Margaret Mary Church, 845 High St., Westwood at 11am on Wednesday March 19th. Interment at New Westwood Cemetery.