Anna C. Mitchell

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Anna C Mitchell announce her peaceful passing at the Airdrie Care Community Centre on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the age of 94.

Anna leaves behind to cherish her memory: sisters Elsie Medynski, Grace Dunphy (Larry), sister-in-law Vivian Shutter, nephews: Ken Medynski, Larry (Jean) Medynski, Cal Dunphy, Walt (Joanne) Shutter, Wade (Sherry) Shutter, Danny Rosenthal, nieces Julie Dunphy (Terry) and Helen Loring, great nephews: Trent (Sharalee) Medynski, Derek (Heather) Medynski, Mason Medynski, Seth Shutter, Bodie Medynski, great nieces: Morgan Young, Sydney Young, Paige Shutter, Camille Shutter, Cortney Shutter, step-niece Susie Kwasnica and Jaden Medynski. She was predeceased by her parents William and Polly Shutter, brothers Morris Shutter and Walter Shutter and nephews Curtis Shutter and Christopher Shutter, Terry Kwasnica.

Anna was born to parents William and Polly Shutter (nee Bunka) on December 8th, 1928, in St. Julien, Sask. Her early years were spent on the farm in St. Julien. She began her elementary school education in St. Benedict, Sask. living with her Aunt Mary and Uncle Alex Shutter. At this time, she was only the size of a 2 year old and required a custom-made desk to fit her. She continued her junior education in Eston, Sask. attending school with her cousin Nettie. Living with her sister Elsie, she completed her high school studies in Prince Albert, Sask.

Soon a door of opportunity opened for Anna. Her Uncle George Bunka introduced her to Henry and Dolly Kramer and his group of midgets in Vancouver. Anna learned to sing and dance and joined the group of “little people” touring the United States and parts of Canada with the circus, known as The Royal American Show. It was during this time, she met her future husband, Frank Cucksey and they married in 1950 in Prince Albert, Sask. Anna continued her career in show business for many years, also appearing in several movies, one of which was titled “It's a Small World”. In 1958, she performed in Chicago, Illinois, appearing on Stars on Ice for the entire season. Her custom-made skates were size 1.

Early in the 70's, Anna embarked on a career as a beautician and trained in Huntsville, Alabama. She became a member of the Alabama Hair Fashion committee. Soon, Anna developed a large clientele and before long she purchased her own beauty shop along-side her second husband, Jim Mitchell. Her artistic talent was outstanding and she won several hairstyling awards.

Anna enjoyed attending The Wizard of Oz festivals in Chesterton, Indiana, and Wichita, Kansas, contributing to the “Oz” celebration, as an ongoing legacy to her late husband, Frank, who starred in the movie. She became a member of Show Folks of America and made several guest appearances speaking about her life with the Circus.

Anna had numerous hobbies and talents, excelling at all her endeavors. She mastered the Art of painting Ukrainian Easter Eggs and her work was exquisite. Anna enjoyed creating numerous works of art, including designing and sewing her own clothing, knitting, crocheting and needlepoint. She was an enthusiastic baseball fan, and took every opportunity to watch the baseball teams train in Sarasota, Florida. It was at this time that she often got a team player to autograph a baseball for her. Anna cheered for the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays with great delight. She also loved the sport of fishing and always looked forward to her trips to Canada to fish with her brother Morris at Candle Lake, Sask. Anna loved the prairies and the farmland in Choiceland, Sask. She fondly kept a small jar of Canola seeds collected from her father's last harvest before he retired from farming.

Anna lived her life passionately. She was very dedicated to her family and friends. She made special efforts to attend numerous important family occasions. Anna was a proud Auntie to her nephews and nieces. She adored them all and took a great interest in their lives. Anna lived her life unselfishly thinking of others. She made the world a better place by showering everyone with kindness, abundant love and generosity. Anna was all "heart" and strongly believed that it is better to give than receive. Although she was tiny in stature, this did not prevent her from living a big life that impacted everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. We are comforted to know that she is at peace with the Lord.

The Funeral Service for Anna will be held at Fosters Garden Chapel Funeral Home, located 3220 4th Street NW. Calgary Alberta on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. Interment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers; those wishing to remember Anna may do so with donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/