Obituary of Elizabeth K. Mitchell

Elizabeth K. “Liz” Mitchell, 55, of Clifton Park NY passed away at home on Tuesday November 20, 2018 after a long illness and physical decline.

Born Elizabeth Mary Kowalski in Topeka Kansas, she was raised in Topeka and Oklahoma City and graduated from Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Wheaton College in Norton Massachusetts and a Master’s of Arts degree (Teaching) from Washington University in St. Louis. While at Washington University, she met Brian Mitchell, her husband of 29 years, and she enjoyed telling folks that she found chemistry in a chemistry class.

Liz was active in the Shenendehowa United Methodist Church in Clifton Park where she oversaw many church dinners, participated in the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission program, and was a member of the Chancel choir. Liz worked as a caterer for a number of years before health struggles forced her to hang up her apron. Her loves included cooking, geology, star gazing, studying ancient history & archaeology, and summer trips to the beach.

Liz enjoyed travelling and had many fond memories of family camping trips and European adventures growing up. In recent years, she enjoyed trips to Peru, the Mediterranean, Switzerland, and Greece as well as to many destinations in the US.

Liz will be remembered for her optimism, her smile, her hearty laugh, and her warmth to everyone she encountered.

She is survived by her husband, Brian Mitchell, and their Shetland Sheep dog, Strider; her father, Anthony Kowalski (Jan Morgan) of Oklahoma City, her brothers, Steve Kowalski (Judy) of Birmingham Alabama, Mark Kowalski (Paula) of Oklahoma City, Peter Kowalski (Christina) also of Oklahoma City, and three nephews and two nieces. She was predeceased by her mother, Beverly Kowalski and her brother, Paul Kowalski.

Liz was very grateful for the support of many friends and family during her long illness.

Services will be at the Shenendehowa United Methodist Church located at 971 Route 146 in Clifton Park, NY starting with a visitation from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. There will be a gathering in the church’s Fellowship Hall following the service. She will be interred in Oklahoma City at a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made to The United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR).

Please express your condolences or send flowers by using the tabs below.