Joan Catherine Mitchell

Joan Lundin Mitchell died peacefully at home at the age of 81 surrounded by her family on April 23rd, 2016. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 1st, 1935 to her parents Arthur Gustav Lundin and Grace Wallen Lundin. She attended Louis Pasteur grammar school, Lindblom high school, and Chicago Teacher’s College. While at Lindblom she sang in the high school Choir for all four years and in the Madrigal Choir, an elite group of eight singers representing the voice parts of the Choir. She also served as the Choir music librarian. Following high school she earned her cap in a nurse’s training program through the Evangelical Hospital in Chicago, graduating first in her class. Deciding she didn’t want to pursue a nursing career, she subsequently worked for the Illinois Bell Telephone Co., as a customer service representative as well as with the New York Bell Telephone Co., in Staten Island New York. She married her Husband Bill Mitchell in 1956 in Chicago and moved to Staten Island New York to be with her Army husband who was stationed there. After his service ended they moved back to Chicago where they raised their family of three sons, moving to Tempe Arizona in 1972 and then to San Antonio in 1976 when her Husband took a teaching position with UTSA, which had just opened its new north side campus. She was a long-time member of Coker United Methodist Church, serving as a volunteer for many years. She helped create a weekly newsletter, served in the Altar Guild taking care of the Sanctuary Altar Paraments, trimming candles and polishing brass; assisted all of the Music Directors over a thirty year period; sang in the Chancel Choir and was the music librarian. The Coker Players, a core of actors, singers, and dancers founded at Coker in the early 1980’s presented many Broadway musicals in Coker’s Sanctuary. Joan was involved in the early days as the “Prop Master” transitioning into leadership roles producing and coordinating many of the show functions.

She was preceded in death by her Parents and her Sister, Norma Gehlsen. She is survived by her Husband of 60 years, Bill Mitchell, her Sons, Steven, Dirk and Adam and their Wives, eight Grandchildren and one Great Grandson.

A devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend, she will be long remembered for her love and compassion for others. She made a difference in many lives.

A memorial service will be held at Coker United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coker UMC Music Fund, 231 North East Loop Road, San Antonio, Texas 78249

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset North Funeral Home, San Antonio, TX.