Obituary of Alma H. Mitchell

Glenburn & Bangor - Alma Maerker Honsberger Mitchell passed away peacefully on December 21, 2018. She was the daughter of Harold Clifford and Alma Matilda Maerker Honsberger of Glenside PA. She is survived by her sister Patricia Carol and husband Reverend David Harris. She was born January 24, 1926 in Lansford PA. She is survived by her dear husband of 70 years , Robert Greene Mitchell, son Scott Craig and his wife Janice, daughter Donna Lynn and her husband Dean, and daughter Sandra Lee and her husband Roger, grandsons Alex, Bobby and his wife Ashley, Joe, Jack and his wife Stephanie, Scotty and great grandchildren Anthony, Annie, Ella, Connor and Devon. Alma loved them all dearly and was proud of all their wonderful accomplishments. Alma grew up in Glenside, PA graduating from Cheltenham High in June 1943. During her senior year, she won an academic scholarship to Wilson College from where she earned her BA degree in Foreign Languages with a French major and Spanish minor in 1947. A Dean's List student, she loved Wilson College. Alma and Bob went to different schools, but attended the same Lutheran church. Their mothers sang in the choir together. They were confirmed in the same class at age 14. They didn't know the other existed until WWII had the girls of the church correspond with the boys in the service. Their love was instant for both. They wed March 6, 1948. Alma devoted her life to supporting her husband and as a full time Mom to her three children .... Scott, Donna and Sandy. She had great taste in clothes and aesthetics so that the girls and she always looked lovely as they matured. Alma also was a painter in oils specializing in copying postcards of coastal scenes. She loved to dance and taught Bob all the steps of the Big Band era. She crafted many household items that became heirlooms for future generations. They were prominently displayed in every room of the house. When Alma and Bob purchased their H&R Block franchises in 1979, she took over the day to day management and did a superlative job in growing the business. With a language major background, she still became the highest ranking tax specialist. An avid bridge player, Alma joined the Newcomers group in each area she and Bob moved to as his career took them to various locations. Alma loved to travel far and wide and that is what she and Bob did. They visited 116 countries on six continents through many cruises, time share exchanges and month long stays with Saga Holidays Ltd. They made beautiful friends around the world. All the family are grateful to the staff at the Bangor Maine Veterans' Home for their loving care of Alma. A funeral service in the Orothodox Christian tradition will be held 10 AM Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer. Private interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Roslyn, PA.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember her can donate to the Alzheimer's Association. Blessings.