Obituary of Pauline Margaret Mitchell

Pauline Margaret Mitchell

(nee Simmons)

August 31, 1936 - June 28, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the passing of Pauline Margaret Mitchell (nee Simmons), 89, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, Guider, and friend. She passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, June 28, 2026.  She will be remembered for her kindness, quick wit, family dedication, and adventurous spirit.

Pauline is lovingly survived by her daughters Janice, Kimberly, and Lynn; and her three grandchildren Hailley (Heath), Sean (Kiaya), and Nicholas (Jeremy). She is also survived by her extended family. Additionally, Pauline was predeceased by her parents Margaret and Lawrence Simmons, her son Dwayne, her son-in-law Gianni Gioseffini, and nephew Daniel Simmons.

Pauline’s adventures started as a young child growing up in London, England, with her family and cousins during WWII. After graduating from Ockbrook Moravian School near Derby, England, she set out for Canada as a teenager for a new beginning. Her fascination with her new country led to many trips across Canada with experiences ranging from whitewater rafting, canoeing on Lake Louise, exploring Vancouver Island, driving across the Prairies, seeing the Tall Ships in Quebec City, and camping throughout Ontario.  Pauline believed that you had to experience your country to share it with visitors, as well as being an ambassador while traveling.

Pauline was a teacher and worked in administration in the legal and educational systems.  She loved to impart her skills, experiences, and knowledge with her children, grandchildren, and through her years as a volunteer with Girl Guides of Canada. Pauline encouraged everyone to explore the world around them and to never be afraid to try new things, as she did owning her own computer company teaching basic office skills.

Being from an artistic family, Pauline’s medium was yarn.  She created some of the most beautifully cable knitted clothing and “umbuggery” (embroidery). When needles were not in her hands, she could always be caught in down time reading a good book, watching a good mystery or WWII movie, or doing sudoku. Always wanting to keep her mind engaged.

Ancestry and polar bears were two of Pauline’s passions. She was always eager to do research and solve a mystery regarding our family’s past. Her close ties with her cousins discussing memories brought her much joy. Amongst these memories was her visits to the London Zoo with her father to see the polar bears. Her love was evident to all who knew her. If there was an opportunity to see them, she would take it. Her home showed how deeply she cared for the majestic creatures.

Pauline’s family was everything to her.  To provide her daughters with the best life she could afford as a single parent, there were times when she held up to three jobs, yet always found the time, no matter how brief, to chat with each of them to find out how their day was.  She would go out of her way to help all three grandchildren with their many interests. “Look out for each other” and “many hands make light work” provided us with a strong work ethic, compassion, and many treasured family moments.

A Graveside Service will be held in Pauline’s honour at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Woodland Cemetery, 493 Springbank Drive, London, ON, N6J 1H3. A Celebration of Life to follow. Pauline requested no black attire, as she enjoyed a colourful world.

As Pauline loved camping and sharing the outdoors with others, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Kids In Camp, an organization to provide opportunities for children to enjoy summer camp.  

Website Kids in Camp Kids in Camp. Donations link Donate | Kids in Camp