Christine Mitchell (nee Tuszkiewicz), 71, of West Bend, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

She was born Jan. 15, 1940, to George and Elizabeth (nee Lake) Tuszkiewicz in Milwaukee. She married Clifford on July 16, 1957.

Christine was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a dedicated friend. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, playing cards and traveling with her family. Christine was a person with great spiritual faith and is now resting happily with the Lord.

Christine is survived by her husband of 54 years, Clifford E. Mitchell; children, Cynthia Brabender, Charlene Dee, Connie Heiting and Clifford W. Mitchell; grandchildren, Rob Stoffel, Jennifer, Amanda, and Brant Heiting, Sara and Nicole Brabender, Joshua and Jared Mitchell; g re at - g r a n d ch i l d re n , Audrey Stoffel, Conner and Ethan Lewis, Alaina Baker, and Christian Heiting. She is further survived by her brothers Richard, Edward, and Robert Tuszkiewicz; step-siblings, Glen and Darlene Tuszkiewicz; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, George and John Tuszkiewicz.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at the Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend with visitation from noon until time of service. An inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the American Kidney Fund (6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010 Rockville, MD 20852), American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123), or American Diabetes (P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312).

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family. www.phillipfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cedar Hospice of West Bend for their compassionate care.