Barbara Ann Mitchell (née Chetkowski) age 84 of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026 after a brave fight against a long illness. She was born and raised in Wilmington, DE to the late Casimir and Ida Chetkowski. Barbara was a 1959 graduate of Pierre S DuPont High School. She married her soul mate, Lee Mitchell at age 18 in 1960 and worked at Wilmington Trust before later becoming a home maker.
She was a resident of Tatnall Street and the Flats in Wilmington before eventually settling in Afton, where she was an original resident for over 60 years. She was a very lively woman who loved to dance, host, travel, bowl, shop, cook, garden, and spend time with her “gang”. Lovingly referred to as “Bargain Barb”, she spent many hours at craft fairs and on the hunt for the perfect trinkets and knick knacks to meticulously decorate her home. Her greatest pride was having a hand in raising her 3 grandchildren, and she never missed a concert, play, academic or sporting event. She was a dedicated member of the Delaware Veteran’s Post #1 women’s auxiliary club (WAC) since its inception. She spent many summers vacationing at her second home in Wildwood, NJ and later in Fenwick Island, DE where she and Lee made many special memories with their family.
Along with her devoted husband of 66 years, Lee Mitchell, she is survived by her children Karen Beaudet (Bill), and Steve Mitchell (Patti); her grandchildren, Alyssa (Cody) and Billy (Madi) Beaudet, and Courtney Mitchell (Campbell); siblings, Lorraine Schmedding (George), Jerry (Dottie) Chetkowski, and Michael (Judy) Chetkowski; best friend of 77 years, Maryann (Pete) Smulski, and a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Casimir and Ida Chetkowski, mother-in-law, Marcella (Mickey) Mitchell, and a brother, Richard Chetkowski.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, at the Church of the Holy Child (2500 Naamans Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810). Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Delaware Veterans Post #1, 2535 Veterans Dr, Wilmington, DE 19810 or Toys for Tots.
