Ardelle Esther Mandell

Ardelle Esther Mandell, 96 years young passed quietly in her Austin home on Monday, February 26 2024. Ardelle was the daughter of Raymond and Erna Pett and is survived by her caring sister Barbara, her favorite daughter Lee, her loving daughters Beth, Kathleen, and Ela, her devoted sons-in-law Giovanni and Alfonso, her adoring grandchildren Alexa, Mercedes, Kinsey, Robert and Stephanie, her great grandchildren Luke and Olivia, her great, great grandchild Laila and several nieces; and nephews.

Ardelle was born in Detroit, Michigan where she met the love of her life Robert Mandell - they were married in 1958 and enjoyed an amazing life together with their four daughters and their extended families until Robert's untimely death in 1979.

Ardelle was an avid bowler, expert snow skier and for many years shared her love of reading by teaching adults to read through the Barbara Bush Literacy program. Ardelle was a kind, loving, gracious and caring wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Family was one of the most important things to Ardelle beginning with raising her brothers and sisters and caring for her father, to always ensuring that family stay connected whether through trips to Cedar Point and Perch Lake or hosting holiday gatherings. Ardelle loved her family a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.

A celebration of life will be held at the Ottawa Hills Memorial Park in Toledo, Ohio at a later date. Ardelle requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Meals on Wheels Central Texas or to your local Meals on Wheels.

A heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you were loved by others.

-The Wizard of Oz.