Karen Jauhianinen Mitchell went to be with her Lord and loved ones on Tuesday morning, October 3, 2017.

She was born on October 27, 1944 to Eino and Lorraine Jauhianen in Stambaugh, MI. Karen was the second daughter of three children.  She moved to Texas in 1963 and made a beautiful life and family here for the last 54 years.

Karen married her life partner and soulmate, Bill Mitchell, on August 20, 1982. Karen and Bill blended their families with 5 children and created a beautiful life together.  In 1996, after creating several homes filled with love and laughter, they built their forever home in the Tri Lakes Estates of Montgomery, TX.  One year later they met the Stansells, Chuck and Susie, and a friendship formed that became family.  A home was created and nutured.

In 1978 Bill hired Karen for the billing department at Oil Field Rental Services. Bill was transferred only two days after he hired Karen but she stayed with the billing department until 1990.  In 1990, she went to work for Golden Engineering in expediting and procurement.  She, also, worked at Grant Prideco in Navasota, TX as a buyer and expediter until January, 2003 when Karen had a major heart attack.  Always having been a hard worker and go-getter, she found herself out of the workforce.  But, that did not stop her tenacity and need to "work".  Karen found a new "job" as the Honorary Cardiac Rehabilitation social coordinator and welcoming committee.  There she was able to spread love, inspiration and encouragement to the other heart patients at Conroe Regional Hospital.  Karen became a light of hope and inspiration to all she encountered each and everyday of her life.

Karen is survived by her husband Bill, their children Beth Vaughan and Bruce, Debby Harris, Glynda Voelker and Matt, Stephen Mitchell and Jennifer, Donna Kleb and John, and Todd Rowley. Her cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Krista, Kara, Jennifer, Dakota, Maddie, Emma, Dallas and Walker.  Her great-grandchildren Isabella, Gabriella, Dakota, Logan and Collin and many adored nieces and nephews.

Our family is honored to have had a great group of caregivers that truly gave of their hearts and time to treat and care for Mom. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. George Boyle, Gina Pettigrew, Dr. Steve Stowers, her Conroe Regional Cardiac Rehab Family and the outstanding doctor and nursing staff at St. Luke's Heart Institute in the Texas Medical Center.