Ann M. Mitchell passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 28th, 2026.

She was born in a house on Common Corners Rd. in Mooers Forks, NY on September 23, 1949, the first daughter of Arthur J. and Irene M. (Nephew) Brassard. She was married to Gerald (Jerry) A. Mitchell on August 9, 1975, by Rev. Igo at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mineville, NY.

Ann is survived by her children Marie (Matt) Bamberger of Rome, NY and Simon of Westport, NY; grandchildren Annie and Dax Bamberger, siblings Gene (Donna) of Springwater, Dale (Mary) of Mineville, Sue Driskell of Shreveport, Carol Schaefer of Mineville; sisters-in-law Judy Brassard of Port Henry, Rosanna Brassard of Savannah, Georgia, Ginny Mitchell of Keeseville; several nieces and nephews; cousins; and friend Mary Brassard of Ellenburg.

Ann is predeceased by her parents; husband Jerry; son Lucas; brothers Gilbert, Jerome and Bruce; one nephew Johnny; several uncles, cousins, and dear aunts, especially Aunt Bea, her Godmother.

Ann was a devoted and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. Together, Ann and Jerry raised two children. Ann's family and faith were most important to her, evident by the way she kept both at the center of her daily life. She was most proud of her husband and children, and her joy was her grandchildren. Ann had a steady, strong, nurturing, and joyful presence. Everyone who knew her will remember her infectious laugh and signature smile. She loved cooking, tirelessly perfecting her infamous pie crusts, canning recipes, and holiday dinners. She was a constant and consummate caretaker, giving freely of herself to create a home full of warmth.

Ann's passion was teaching. She taught elementary school, primarily first grade, for 39 years, the first five years at Holy Family in Watertown, Holy Name in Tupper Lake, and Holy Name in Au Sable Forks. The next eight years were at Au Sable Valley Central School in Au Sable Forks. She then moved to Westport Central School where she taught for 26 years and served for a time as co-president of the teacher's union. Each place of employment had its own strengths: the children, families, co-workers, communities, and boards of education. Highly regarded by her colleagues and students, Ann always felt fortunate as she never looked at teaching as a job, but something she deeply loved for all 39 years.

Her love of teaching remained paramount even after her retirement, especially evident in the precious time she spent with her grandchildren. On holidays, birthdays, and visits, Annie and Dax could be found perched on the arm of her favorite chair, practicing writing, spelling, or math, and reading books. She had the gift of endless patience that made her loved ones feel truly cared for. Her lessons will live on in the generations of students and family members fortunate enough to have learned from her.

Ann's family would like to extend a special thank you to Tabitha Bradley, RN, Amber Weld-Lamonda, RN, Vesta Bill, Cindy Stevens, and Nicole Crouse for providing compassionate care during her illness.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name Church in Au Sable Forks, NY. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery. Donations in Ann's name may be made to Holy Name Catholic Church.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, PO Box 127, 3 College St., Au Sable Forks, NY 12912.