Obituary MISS B. L. MITCHELL

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30076, 9 March 1963, Page 2

Obituary MISS B. L. MITCHELL

(From Our Own Reporter)

GERALDINE, March 8.

The death occurred in Timaru recently of Miss Bessie Leonora Mitchell, better known to her many former pupils in all parts of New Zealand as “Paddy” Mitchell Miss Mitchell began her teaching service at Gore High School, taking subjects mainly in the commercial field, where she was exceptionally well qualified. Subsequently she held positions at the Te Kuiti High School, Hamilton Technical College, Avonside Girls’ High School Rangiora High School and Riccarton High School where she became the Senior Assistant Mistress. Illness forced Miss Mitchell to resign this position, but later, on coming to Geraldine, she undertook senior work at the, then, Geraldine District High School.

In December, 1962, she was appointed Senior Assistant mistress of the newly constituted Geraldine High School. Although she was never able to take up this position, because of illness, her great wisdom and experience were invaluable in the long planning stages. Miss Mitchell was well known in educational circles as a “perfectionist"—always striving for the best. Her instinctive, sympathetic understanding of the high school girl, and her scrupulously fair discipline made her a much loved teacher Her own example in poise and graciousness was one which had inspired schoolgirls all over New Zealand. Her other interests outside the school embraced all forms of church activity, especially on the youth and financial sides.