Hazel Mae Ireland Mitchell, state retiree

Hazel Mae Ireland Mitchell, 88, of Dover, passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.  Born March 12, 1934, in Atlantic City, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Daniel Leeds Ireland and Eva Madara Ireland.

Hazel was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, donating to her many causes, and keeping up to date with current events and politics.

In addition to raising her children, she worked for the State of Delaware and retired from Delaware Home for the Chronically Ill, where she lovingly cared for her patients. She will be remembered for her kind, caring and generous heart.  Always willing to help someone in their time of need. She was a lover of animals and not one who turned her back on a stray.  She took in, cared for and fed many stray cats over the years.  

In addition to her parents, Hazel is predeceased by her husband of 64 years (2013) James Willard Mitchell, her baby twins, and brothers Daniel and John Ireland.  

She is survived by her children, James Mitchell (Marilyn), Linda Hite (Gene), Wayne Mitchell (Donna), Diane Lockwood (Ron), Pat Darlin (Al) and Renee Wilczopolski (Kevin); 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and brother and sisters-in-law, Joan Young, Frances Fisher, Wilma Graham, Arthur Truitt, Judy Purks and Sara Lee Mitchell; as well as her nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Hazel has also left behind her fur babies, Baby Boy and Baby Girl, who were her loyal and faithful companions. 

She will be greatly missed and forever loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Maranatha Fellowship Church, 60 Deer Track Lane, Dover.  A time of visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be at Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in her honor be sent to Forgotten Cats Inc., 4023 Kennett Pike, Ste. 422, Greenville, DE 19807, or Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947. 

Arrangements in the care of Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro. 

Electronic condolences at watsonfh.com.