Jill Margaret Mitra, with the ever sparkling blue eyes, sadly passed away on Wednesday, October 4th, due to complications as a result of pancreatic cancer.

An exceptional mother, avid animal lover and die hard supporter of each of her children and grandchildren; her selfless, hardworking, introspective spirit left an indelible mark on the ones she held dearest to her heart.  Reserved in her outward appearance, a fire burned deep in her to push forward and tackle every day.  Born in the Windy City to Casimir Joseph Mitra and Lillian Margaret (Valentine) Mitra, she was a Chicago native, but shaped by her love of parks, and outdoor spaces. However she never lost her love for the Chicago Bears and passed that love on to her grandson.  She married young and dedicated herself to her most important contribution…family; 4 children and many grandchildren that continue the legacy of “strength within the family bond” attesting to her personal philosophy that family is always there for each other.  A farm girl at heart, she loved all animals, wide open spaces, starry nights, and rescuing and nursing animals back to health.  A nomadic soul, she longed to be free and on to the next stop in her journey.  Though not a big fan of traveling through the mountains or on airplanes, she loved the west coast and cherished the view of the Seattle sound landscape.  Career didn’t define her, family is where she derived her most joy. But she was never one to avoid a challenge, and finally invested in herself to establish a local whimsical shop in Kewaunee that allowed others to peer into her other-worldly passions.  Always intrigued by science fiction, she believed in aliens and waited patiently for the day they would take her away and visit other galaxies.  Also an artist, she dabbled and exhibited her talent through everything she decorated, her epic halloween parties, and all that she organized and re-organized.  She was an incredibly strong woman who refused to give up or give in to any adversity.  To everyone who ever met her…to know her is to love her. Will miss your face Mom!

Her legacy lives on through the family she leaves behind.  Children include Tammy (Bill), Scott (Lucy), Kyle (Carmen), and Shannon. Grandchildren include Michael/deceased (Jenny), Liam, Moretta (Asa), Shea, Mikko, Lorena (Rory), Melissa (John), Ben (Llora), Micheal and Salem. Her great grandchildren are Michael III, Kaitlyn, Madison, Dylan, Lacy, Waylon, Wyatt, Greta, Nolan, and Aleesia. And her most beloved furry family includes, Pompeii, Pywhacket, Kenna Dubh, Winston, Brynn, Moose, Arrow, Milo, Daisy, Harlee, Lorcan, Lula, Batman, Robin, Eva, Mort, Zeus, Avalon, Lucy, Crosby, June, Jinks, Feechi, Victor, Betty White, Sadie, and Flapjack.

A Memorial Service for Jill will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11^th St., Hudson, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Flowers may be ordered through Hudson Flower Shop, or the florist of the donor’s choosing.