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We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of May Mitchell, the strong minded and beloved wife of Keith Mitchell, on Sunday afternoon on March 2, 2025; known only to the bank, medical professionals, and the government as Murial. I would like it noted that she waited until a respectable time in the afternoon to pass because there is no way she would get up early for ANY appointment, let alone to die—with the exception of Christmas, which she loved.
Her extraordinary love story started when she married Keith in June 1958. Over the next 66 years, unless one was working, you would rarely see one without the other. While there were no bones made about the amount of perseverance and patience it took to keep love strong after so long, she also made it very clear that it was worth the effort. She was pragmatic about almost everything but enjoyed the magic of romance whenever it fluttered through.
Born May 30, 1941, to Alice and Earl Gunn, in Chatham, Quebec, she was the fourth of eight children. Growing up in a big family on a rural property lent itself to much mischief and responsibility, as you can imagine—a tradition that continued her whole life through. She felt strong about doing what was right but would get your hamster a mouse trap for Christmas. She absolutely embodied the saying “build a longer table, not a taller fence”—without ever saying it. You always knew you’d be welcome at May and Keith’s. The more people that were around, the more fun it was!
She took pride in herself, a job well done, a meal well cooked, and a punchline that landed just right—but most of all, she was proud of her family. She went the extra mile for us. Forever the creator of memories, she would always be up for any kind of adventure. From packing the camper every weekend after working all week to VHS recordings of Saturday morning cartoons because we didn’t have cable. Nothing was too big of a task if it made you happy. Her wanting to remain proud left her holding us all accountable. She would tell you what you needed to hear, even if you weren’t ready to hear it, “because” she loved you.
Although small adventures of boating, camping, and many vacations to places like Nashville or Niagara Falls with friends and family made her happy, she is not someone that I would consider much of a traveller. She liked creating memories, but her heart was at home.
She loved shopping, cheating at cards (allegedly), and debating politics passionately! Her little dogs brought her so much joy, but oh how she hated when we’d “get the dogs going.” (A task Papa mastered). It was hard to pull a fast one on her, and her sense of humor will forever remain legendary.
She was a master at curating and maintaining relationships. Proximity meant nothing to her, you were just as important to her if you lived two blocks away or if you moved 22 hours away. Her love language was worrying, even when she knew her worries were over the top. Counting her younger siblings, she helped to raise four generations of children that absolutely adored her. She was a fiercely proud Canadian, and I learned so much about service and community from her.
May, Mom, Aunt, Grandma, or Nana—whatever you called her, you were just lucky to have known her.
She leaves behind Keith, her husband of 66 years; her two daughters, Kathy Ziegler (Lary Janot) and Caroline Daly; son-in-law Mike Diemer; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Clarence (Joe) Gunn; brother-in-law, Gilles Larocque; sisters-in-law, Carol Gunn and Judy Ball; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She is now reunited with those who passed before her; her parents, Alice and Earl Gunn; daughter, Debbie Diemer; son-in-law, Jeff Daly; brothers, John, Allan, and Duncan Gunn; and sisters, Jean Mott, Margaret Larocque, and Dianne Gunn.
A private service will be held at Saamis Creekside Centre with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Memorial gifts in May’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com, subject heading May Mitchell.

March 2nd 2025

Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium

Death notice for the town of: Medicine-Hat, Province: Alberta

death notice May Mitchell March 2nd 2025

obituaries notice May Mitchell March 2nd 2025

We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of May Mitchell March 2nd 2025  and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.