Lois Mitchell

Poland ? Services will be at 11:00 at Poland Presbyterian Church on Monday, April 3rd for Lois Jean Mitchell, 79, of James Place, 7007 Clingan Road #13, Poland, formerly of Crimson Trail and Buchanan Drive, Boardman.
In December, Lois decided to enjoy the winter in Florida. It was through Hospice of the Valley that her family found the remarkable Joanne?s House in Bonita Springs, and most recently Hope Hospice in Ft. Myers. Lois?s daughters decorated her hospice suite for each holiday and season along with family photographs, lighted pink flamingos, and fresh flowers. The lanai offered a constant view of the Florida sun, a relaxing lake, and palm trees. During the past 3 months, her daughter, Janet and husband, Moe Vari, were loving caregivers. Their condominium became the Ft. Myer?s hotel and taxi service as the family came to say goodbye to their Mother and Grandmother.
Lois was born on December 1, 1926, in New Castle, PA, the only child of the late Archibald and Edna Neff McCanuel. In 1929, the family moved from Aliquippa, PA to Mt. Vernon Avenue in Youngstown. She graduated in 1945 from Woodrow Wilson High School.
On May 18, 1946 she married Kenneth H. Mitchell. While raising their eight children they lived at 30 Circle Drive in Poland. There was constant activity in the rambling split level home situated on a hillside above Yellow Creek. Neighborhood children could always be found at the Mitchell?s --playing baseball, swimming in the pool, sled riding, fishing in Lake Hamilton, or ice skating on the creek. In 1958, the house was in the Parade of Homes. It had the areas first microwave oven, and featured wool carpet that was the same as the carpet in the White House.
Lois worked with her husband, Ken, in their land development, and new home construction business-- Holiday Realty and the Frontier Land Company. They built over 500 homes in Poland, Boardman, and Campbell. They operated the Holiday Bowl, Holiday Health Spa, the Embassy, the Rip Room, and the Wildlife Night Club. Her husband died of cancer in 1980 before the completion of the Tanglewood Heath Spa. Mrs. Mitchell continued to manage the family businesses through the 1980?s.
Lois will be greatly missed by her children: Boardman Trustee, Kathy John Miller, Alan Sandy Mitchell, Boardman; Janet Joseph Vari, Youngstown; Poland Councilwoman, Christine Rich Yash, Jim Mitchell, Boardman; Jeff Mitchell, Youngstown; Beth Dr. Michael Mathis, Delphi, Indiana. Her daughter, Linda Joseph Janeczko died on August 17, 2001 from breast cancer. Lois and Linda were active participants in the Race for the Cure. Linda was the 1998 winner of the relay ?Spirit Award?.
Lois was always ready to travel, attend school events, real estate conventions, or shop with her grandchildren: Kristina Vari, and her fiancée Tad Stanford, Orlando, FL; Joe Vari, Virginia,; Laura Janeczko Forrest Pruett, Littleton, CO; Joseph Janeczko, Las Vegas, NV; Nathan Miller, Boardman; Zachary and Tyler Miller, Texas; Kendra Mitchell Ben Stevens, Dana Point, CA; Heather Mitchell, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Casey Yash, Lake Mary, FL; Christa Yash, Poland; Michael Mathis, Delphi, IN. Great grandchildren, Cameron and Sydney Pruett, Littleton, CO.
Eight years ago Lois was diagnosed with breast cancer that metastasized to her lung, and liver. She courageously lived her life as she wanted, just ask Dr. William Reeves. She enjoyed the ladies she played cards with from Circle Drive, and most recently her new neighbors at James Place. Lois belonged to the Boardman Chapter of AARP. She was recently recognized as a fifty year member of the Poland Presbyterian Church. For many years Lois attended Youngstown Day in Florida.
Friends can celebrate Lois?s life with her family from 3:00 to 8:00pm on Sunday, April 2nd at the Higgins Reardon Chapel in Poland, and from 10:00am to 11:00am on Monday, April 3rd at the Poland Presbyterian Church with services at 11:00am.
The family requests tributes to Hospice of the Valley; Hope Hospice of Ft. Myers, 9470 Health Park Circle, Ft Myers, FL 33908. The Susan Koman Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society, or the Focus Group of Forum Health.

The Butterfly: A symbol of hope and renewal.