MITCHKE, Annette Alice

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 02/10/2012 Annette Alice Bourassa Mitchke, 72, of Show Low died Feb. 7, 2012, at Ryan House, Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix. She passed away unexpectedly due to complications of a liver disease. She lived with her condition for many years, but it rarely slowed her down. Annette was born to John Jean-Baptiste and Aurora Lauzon Bourassa in Flaxville, Mont. She married Mick Mitchke at St. Helena Cathedral in 1957 and spent the past 54 years as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a faithful parishioner and choir member of St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church. Because of her love of singing she was also a member of the White Mountain Belles Barbershop Chorus, the Belles of Saint Mary's Quartet, and the White Mountain Chorale. She loved spending time visiting, playing cards, feeding the birds, singing and just relaxing with family and friends. Annette had a contagious smile, a heart filled with love and the compassion of a saint and will be truly missed by all of her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Mick Mitchke; a brother Omer Bourassa (Carol); children: Bernadette Carrasco (Dan), Debra Urban (Chris), Anne Marie Sims (Tony), Michael Mitchke (Rosa), Daniel Mitchke (Mary), Barbara Sechrist (Dale), as well as 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Luella, Deila and Eileen; and brothers Lyle (Opal) and Jean. The family would like to acknowledge everyone for their prayers and support. Memorial services will be announced. Interment will be at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church Columbarium. In honor of Annette Mitchke, memorial donations may be made to: Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower, Phoenix, AZ 85014.