Donna Powell MITCHELL
Obituary

Donna M. Craig, a lifelong resident of Easthampton, died Sunday August 24, at Overlook at Northampton. She was born in Northampton on Oct. 23, 1938 the daughter of the late Edmund B. and Eileen (Brouilette) Mitchell. She attended Easthampton Schools and graduated from Easthampton High School Class of 1956. Donna earned her BA degree from, UMASS and her Masters degree from Westfield State. She was a longtime Math teacher in the Easthampton School System, retiring from Easthampton High School
in 1996. Donna was active in the community, serving on the White Brook Middle School Building Committee. She was a member of Massachusetts Teachers Association, and a member of the Easthampton Congregational Church. Shortly after her retirement from EHS, Donna embarked on what she coined her "second career". Donna established an ad-hoc committee with the goal of having the city fund a percentage of health insurance benefits for its municipal retirees. As the driving force behind this ambitious endeavor, Donna worked tirelessly crunching budgetary figures, reassuring union heads, and persuading members of the Select board to this noble cause. Amid much wrangling, deliberation, and compromise, the city eventually adopted the new benefit package for its retirees. Her success highlights the fact that a small group of dedicated and organized individuals can effect change and singlehandedly raise the dignity and respect for a large group of often forgotten retired public servants.

Donna had a brief but exciting foray into the world of baseball trading cards as co-owner of K and D Cards in Florence. Seeking out rare and vintage cards at trade shows brought her much joy, and she enjoyed dealing with a steady clientele as baseball card trading was in its heyday.

A knowledgeable and lifelong fan of professional sports, Donna enjoyed watching our beloved Red Sox, both on TV and in attendance at Fenway. Above and beyond team sports, Donna was enthralled with professional tennis. She would devote long hours watching early round coverage of not just the majors, but the lesser tournaments as well. She took great pride in being able to stay up with the early morning telecast of the Australian Open.

Donna was an avid and shrewd card player, especially at the game of Pitch. For over ten years, she coordinated the VFW Auxiliary Pitch League. Monday nights at Legion Post 224 were a source of inspiration as she carefully fostered a delicate blend of competition and camaraderie among a diverse group of players. Utilizing all her skills as a former teacher, Donna created and atmosphere where old and young alike could feel comfortable playing the complex and often frustrating game of Pitch.

Donna is survived by her son Jeffrey D. Craig of Easthampton, her niece Kendra Marks, her sister-in-law Anne Parks Mitchell, two
grandnephews Austin and Connor all of Coral Springs, Florida, as well as her longtime companion Sigmond Wernik of Easthampton.
She was predeceased by her brother David E. Mitchell, who died in 1983.

Visiting hours will be Friday August 29, from 4-8 pm in the Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Park Street, Easthampton.

Burial will be private in Brookside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Gifts may be given to Easthampton Parks and Recreation Dept.,
1 Daley Field Road, Easthampton,MA0l027, c/ o Tennis Court Fund.
www.mitchellcofuneralhome.com

www.mitchellcofuneralhome.com/ obits/ obituary.php?id=493388



Learn more about the life of     Donna Powell MITCHELL.

Visit Northampton, Massachusetts, USA (Florence)
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.