Linda Mitchell, resident of Grande Prairie, Alberta, formerly of Fort St. John, BC, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, in Grande Prairie at the age of 78 years.

Linda was born in Morden, Manitoba, to Marion and Ken Mitchell and was the second of seven children. Her early years were spent on the farm in Manitou before the family moved into Morden. Throughout her schooling, she was known affectionately as "Mitch," a spirited petite basketball player who built friendships that would last a lifetime.

At 18, Linda moved to Winnipeg to begin what would become a long career with the Royal Bank. Life soon took her on a global journey. After marrying Bob in 1966, they spent five years in Fort St. John. This is where Linda first began to cultivate her talent for art before they embarked on several years of international living. Packing up Lindsay at three months of age, they lived in England and Dubai, later moving on to Singapore, where their son Brian was born. Linda embraced every culture, food, and experience the world had to offer.

Returning to Canada, Linda settled into farm life in Rose Prairie and later, North Pine, BC. Her days were full: raising sheep and chickens, tending to a massive garden, as well as supporting her children through 4H, hockey, gymkhanas, and broomball. Despite the busyness of farm life and her banking career, her passion for art never waned. She continued to develop her artistry skills, taught painting classes, and volunteered with the FSJ Art Society.

Linda was a woman of immense courage and curiosity. Following her retirement and a significant chapter of life with Bob, with whom she had found a meaningful sense of peace and reconnection prior to his passing, she moved to Prague for a year to teach English as a second language. This final international adventure allowed her to explore Europe once more, reigniting the wanderlust she had carried since her youth.

In her later years, Linda moved to Grande Prairie to be with her daughter, Lindsay, and son-in-law, Bruce. Though Alzheimer’s began to shadow her journey, it could not dim her love for beauty or nature. Some of her happiest moments were spent at the cabin. She was often found sitting by the picture window with a camera in hand, watching the wildlife and narrating how she would capture the scenery on canvas.

Linda’s heart was also defined by her love for animals. No matter where she lived in the world, she was a sanctuary for those in need. Someone, her included, was always bringing home a cat or dog that needed a family. In her final years, she found peace watching the geese and ducks on the pond outside her window, still finding joy in the simple movement of the world.

Linda’s life was a masterpiece of adventure, resilience, and compassion. She taught us that the world is wide, animals are kin, and a perfect landscape is always worthy of being captured on canvas.

She will be sadly missed by her children: Douglas Panting (with whom she shared a special reconnection later in life) and Lindsay (Bruce) Hillbom, and her sisters: Vivian (Warner) Buck, Valerie (Ernie) Pauls, Carol (Brian) Lamarre, and Gloria Konecki.

She was predeceased by Robert “Bob” Neufeld; son Brian Neufeld; grandchildren Mitchell and Bree Hillbom; parents Ken and Marion Mitchell; and brothers Ross and David Mitchell.

Linda’s memorial service will be held in Morden, Manitoba, in the summer of 2026.

Memorial donations may be made to Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association (bandagedpaws.org/donate) or a local charity of one’s choice.