Marie Padilla Mitchell

Marie “Marijo” Padilla Mitchell, 63, passed away peacefully Friday, September 6, 2019 at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. She was born in the Philippines on March 11, 1956 to the late Constantina Padilla Jose and Laureano Jose. A devoted Catholic, Marie was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many who adored her.

Known for her passion for travel and culinary arts, she sailed the world as a United States Merchant Marine where she worked as a Chief cook. She was adored and renowned by her fellow shipmates for her story telling, quick witted sense of humor, and love for the United States Military.

While ashore, you could find Marie competing in a variety of pageants, many of which she won. She took great pride in these competitions and truly appreciated the friends she made during these events.

An avid gardener, she maintained a various assortment of flowers, vegetable, and fruit plants up until her passing. She was known by her friends and family to have a ‘green thumb’ and would always show up at your door step with a bag full of her gardens harvest.

She looked forward to our special family dinners at home and family outings to All-You-Can-Eat Buffet restaurants.

She loved animals and cared deeply for her pets; the four dogs, Lily, Summer, Misty, & Tiny and a cat, Myelin.

The most important treasures in her life were her family whom she loved with all her being. Left to cherish her memory is her husband Miles Mitchell and her three children Maribel Padilla Slimbarski and her husband Michael, Elaine Jane Jose Land and husband Matthew, and Miles Dean Mitchell Jr.  She is also survived by four grandchildren: Patrick William Harrison, Michael John Slimbarski Jr., Chase Patton Slimbarski, and Anthony Joseph Land.