Marian Jean Mitchell

Marian Jean Mitchell, 90, passed away on April 30, 2026, at Allure of the Quad Cities. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at St. Malachy Catholic Church at 10:30 A.M. in Geneseo, IL. Father Chris Haake will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenview Memorial Garden in East Moline, IL. Visitation will be held at Vandemore Funeral Home Geneseo Chapel on Sunday, May 10 from 3-5 pm, preceded by a Rosary at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). The livestream video for Marian's funeral mass can be found here: Link to Marian's Funeral Mass

Marian was born on April 18, 1936, the daughter of Harry and Loretta (Rodgers) Rockwell in Silvis, IL. A 1954 graduate of Alleman High School, Marian married John Vernon Mitchell Jr. on April 12, 1958, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in East Moline, IL. Together they raised a beautiful family. Marian was employed for many years and in various clerical roles with the Rock Island Lines and later at National Railway Equipment in the Silvis Yards. She was a lifelong devout Catholic devoting endless hours of service to the church. Marian was in the parish Altar Society, helped to organize dinners and other church events, sang in the choir, visited those who were not able to leave their homes, bringing communion and usually a small handmade gift.

One of Marian’s favorite roles was being a grandma who always wanted to make memories with her grandchildren (rides on the Channel Cat; tea parties at her home, games, puzzles, individualized small gifts to each one on every visit).  She was known for making and decorating cakes that she sometimes sold but often gifted to family and friends.  Marian made the wedding cakes for all her children and dozens of nieces and nephews.

In her later years Marian was a founding member of a local clown troupe called “The Clowning Grannies.” They visited schools, retirement facilities and various other local events bringing fun and laughter to people of all ages.  Marian was a vibrant hostess who loved to laugh and sing (especially Irish folk songs) and always made sure every guest felt welcomed and taken care of.  To know her was to love her.  She loved her Irish heritage and was regularly called upon to sing "Dear Ol' Donegal" at family gatherings, a request she happily obliged.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children; Greg (Deena) Mitchell of Port Byron, IL, Colleen (Lyes) Cheraitia of Crystal Lake, IL, Pat (Nancy) Mitchell of Geneseo, IL, Becky (Joe) Moran of West Point, IA and Andy (Diane) Mitchell of Atlantic, IA,; brother, Robert (Sue) Rockwell of Silvis, IL; grandchildren; Valerie (Mike) Dodge, Zach Moran, Kaitlyn (Adam) Hoffman, Aaron (Kelly) Moran, Emily (Cole) Wesselman, Tyler Mitchell, Bailey Mitchell, Adam Cheraitia, Connor Mitchell, Grace Mitchell, and Anna Mitchell; and great grandchildren; Peyton and Olivia.

Preceding her in death were her husband John, her parents Harry and Loretta, siblings Richard (JoAnne) Rockwell, Raymond (MaryLou) Rockwell, Myrt (Robert) Yodts, Anne (Don) Smith and Verna (George) May.

An Irish Blessing: 

May you have a world of wishes at your command;

God and his angels close at hand;

Friends and family, their love impart;

and Irish blessings in your heart.