Noreen Rae Mitchell

Noreen Rae Mitchell, 81, peacefully left her human body December 26, 2023, surrounded by family, at her home in Ogden Dunes, Indiana.

She is survived by her daughter, Karyn Tatham (Steven Schwartz); her son, Ryan Tatham; her siblings, Michael Mitchell (Joan Mitchell), Bruce Mitchell (Shelly Mitchell), Tobin Mitchell, Karen Mitchell, her granddaughter, Eden Schwartz, many nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Noreen was pre-deceased by her sister Libby (Mitchell) Lambert, who passed away in June 2023; she was Noreen's best and most loyal friend.

Noreen Mitchell was born in Chicago, Illinois, and is the daughter of Thomas Bruce and Loretta Mitchell. Ms. Mitchell attended Quincy College in Quincy, Illinois before moving back to Chicago to work in banking. Eventually, she moved to Ogden Dunes to raise her children as a single mother.

Whether it was banking, accounting, business owner, or Realtor, she found success in everything she threw herself into, despite the odds against her. Her greatest accomplishment, and her legacy, was the love and generosity she showed everyone. Even during the times when her family had little, her generosity remained unabated based on her belief that there were still others in more difficult circumstances. She maintained this attitude even during times of abundance. She always gave more than she received in life.

She volunteered all her life, in countless ways. She was an avid and active member of both church and community.

Noreen loved good food and traveled a good part of the world. She always enjoyed learning new traditions and cultures and meeting new people. She was fun-loving, quick with a joke, and had an amazing sense of humor. She will never be forgotten and will live in our hearts forever.

Most believe they had the best mother in the world, and, for a variety of reasons, there could be some truth to the claims. There are great people who happen to be mothers. There are others who are just great mothers. Then there are those, like Noreen, who are both great people and outstanding mothers. Every day, she brought a little magic into the lives of her children. Noreen was that kind of person, sister, friend, daughter, mother, and grandmother.

An endowment has been set up in honor of her life of bravery, unconditional love and love for life, as well as for her sister, Libby, who selflessly took care of Noreen for over a year before her own cancer diagnosis. In lieu of flowers and gifts, consider donating to The Noreen Mitchell and Libby Mitchell Endowment for the Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Institute at Northwestern Medicine, in Chicago, IL.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lily Cremation & Burial. No memorial service has been planned.