Iris Mitchell (19 May 1936 - 20 Jan 2016)

Iris Mitchell, formally called Fox, aged 79, born May 19th 1936, lived at Thorpe Hesley, Rotherham. Her children were with Iris when she sadly passed away on 20th January 2016 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Iris was the second youngest of seven children and was born and raised in Sheffield.
In her late teens she meet and married the love of her life Tom Mitchell and moved to Rotherham. Together they raised ten children - six sons & four daughters. She was a devoted grandmother to over 25 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Nothing delighted her more than spending time with her family.
Iris was devastated when her Tom died over 20 years ago. However, she built a new life and for the past 16 years, resided at Flanders Court in Thorpe Hesley. She made many friends and will be very much missed at Flanders court.
Iris lived a full and happy life. As a teenager she trained as a silver service waitress at the Grand Hotel in Sheffield. When she retired she was working as a kitchen assistant in Badsley Moor Lane hospital.
She was a great cook and always enjoyed good food. She liked her sport on TV and loved to dance. When she was young she would jive. Even in her late 70s, Iris was often the first on the dance floor. In her teens, Iris was a champion swimmer. She excelled in long distance swimming and swam Morcambe bay.
Iris enjoyed travelling and visiting new places. She widely explored the UK with family and friends. Encouraged by her husband Tom, she overcame her fear of flying and travelled far and wide. Destinations included China, Japan, USA (route 66) Morocco, Turkey, and Egypt.
Iris was always the life and soul of a family gathering. She loved to laugh and thrived on a good bit of banter. She had tons of energy and had a great zest for life.
The family would like to thank the many people who have passed on messages of condolences. Special thanks are given to the NHS Staff at Breathing Space at Badsley Moor Lane Hospital. The family will never forget their support and care for Iris.
Being a Sheffield lass to the end, her wishes were to be cremated at Grenoside cemetery on the morning of the 29 January. Family & friends will pay tribute at the Horse & Tiger afterwards.