Mary Patricia "Pat" Bakutes-Mitchell's Obituary
Mary Patricia “Pat” Bakutes-Mitchell, 82, passed away on June 17, 2026, surrounded by much love. Born on April 16, 1944, in New York City to her cherished parents, Mary B. and Peter G. Bakutes, Pat brought warmth, curiosity, and generosity to every chapter of her life. She grew up in Somerville, NJ, received her BA in Spanish Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and went on to do graduate studies at the University de las Americas in Puebla, Mexico. She was head of the language department at Thompson Middle School, Middletown, NJ, where she taught Spanish for decades and led many cultural immersion trips to Mexico and Spain. She inspired countless students with her love of language, culture, and connection. It was at Thompson that she met her true love, Edward Duncan Mitchell. Pat and Ed were married June 7, 1990, and built a life rich with love, laughter, adventure, and a deep affection for the many animals who shared their home and hearts.
In 2000, Pat and Ed moved to Mineral, VA, building a home at Lake Anna, where retirement became another opportunity to serve, connect, and savor life. Pat devoted herself to animal rescue, giving her time and compassion to creatures in need. She and Ed enjoyed boating on the lake and spending time with their warm circle of friends in the Virginia countryside. Pat was also an accomplished cross-stitcher and left many beautiful works to her family and friends.
Along with her beloved husband of 31 years, Pat was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Peter Bakutes; her close cousin, Holly Browne; and many treasured pets. She is survived by her loving cousins Sandra Karp of New Hampshire and family; Candyce Golas of New York; Dave Browne of Minnesota; and Meredith “Merry” Brennan of New Jersey and family; along with her sister-in-law Myra A. Mitchell of New Jersey and family; and brother-in-law David D. Mitchell of Baltimore and family. She will also be eternally missed by Marian Amitrani of New Jersey and family; and other members of her “chosen” family, including the Kelly’s Landing communities, Kirk O’Cliff Presbyterian Church, and the Mineral Market. To those who knew her, Pat will be remembered for her tenacity, quick wit, and the unmistakable joy she brought into ordinary days.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Kirk O’Cliff Presbyterian Church (16420 Monrovia Rd, Mineral, VA), officiated by the Rev. John Grotz.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/, Louisa Humane Society at https://louisahumanesociety.com/donate, Kirk O’Cliff Presbyterian Church at PO Box 414, Mineral, or to https://kirkocliff.org/campaigns/church-donation, or Trinity Hospice at 944 Glenwood Station Lane, Suite 302, Charlottesville, VA,22901.
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