Ellen Mitchell Obituary

Rochester, NY - Passed away on May 7, 2023 at the age of 93. Ellen is predeceased by her husband, William (Bill) Mitchell; parents, Elias and Theodota Pappas; and brother, Pando Pappas. She is survived by daughters, Kathy Bailey, Patricia (John) Sarantis, and Jane (James)Mickles; grandchildren, Jason Bailey, Basil (fiancee Caitlyn Henderson) and Theodore Sarantis, Andrew (Amy) Mickles, Eleni (Nicholas) Prosser, and Alexia Mickles; great grandsons, James Andrew Mickles II and Matthew Prosser; brother and sister-in-law, John and Carole Pappas, sister-in-law Maria Pappas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ellen was born on December 15,1929 in Polikerason, Kastoria, Greece as Eleftheria Pappas. She came to the US with her mother and two brothers in December 1946 reuniting with her father whom she had not seen in 8 years. The family settled in Toledo, Ohio. After receiving English lessons for one month, Ellen started Waite High School. Unfortunately she was unable to succeed due to a combination of the language barrier and having completed a sixth grade education in Greece, the standard at the time. She married William Mitchell (Vasili Papacostantinou) in 1949, son of one of the passengers who came over in the same ship as she did. She then moved to Rochester, NY with her husband, where she worked as a seamstress at Bonds Clothes, one of the former clothing manufacturers that established Rochester as a leader in the garment and clothing industry at that time. Because she and Bill longed to own their own business, they saved for a few years and ultimately were able to purchase their first restaurant, the Arch Hotel. With no education or experience (other than Bill's employment as a soda jerk at Critics Restaurant), they learned the restaurant business from the ground up. They then purchased the White Tavern on Main Street located between Columbia Savings Bank and Mack's Army Navy Store. They remained there for 25 years when they moved to Pittsford Plaza and opened Mitchell's Restaurant at the current Rosie Nepalese and Indian Cuisine. She was the epitome of a working mother before it became in vogue, working side by side with her husband as a cashier, hostess, waitress, and short order cook while maintaining the household and raising their three daughters. They were at Mitchell's Restaurant for 15 years after which time, she retired at age 68. She and Bill then traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, and Australia. Ellen was especially known for her cooking and baking expertise as well as her wonderful Greek recipes, which she was always willing to share with others. She and Bill entertained frequently and hosted many family gatherings where food was prominent, especially her famous rice pilaf which to this day, her daughters have been unable to successfully duplicate. She was also always seen at her grandchildren's various sporting activities, music performances, and awards ceremonies where she proudly beamed at these accomplishments. Having such limited schooling from Greece and no opportunities for women to pursue higher education at the time, she strongly believed in education for her children and grandchildren. Hence at the age of 38, Ellen went to night school and earned her GED (to the envy of her husband). Ellen was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit on South Avenue. She was active in the Philoptocos (Greek women philanthropic society) and the Daughters of Penelope. Over the years she could always be seen working tirelessly at the church's GreekFest. Ellen can be remembered for keeping Bill in line when he spoke too much, too loudly, or out of turn. She was the voice of reason to his outspoken demeanor. A special thanks to the staff at St. John's Hawthorne Assisted Living and St. John's Nursing Home for their kindness and care shown to Ellen. Family and friends may call Friday, May 12 from 4-7PM with a Trisagion Service at 6PM at Anthony Funeral Chapel (2305 Monroe Ave). A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, 10AM at the Greek Orthodox Church Of The Holy Spirit, 835 South Ave followed by interment at White Haven Memorial Park. All are invited to the mercy meal at Locust Hill Country Club directly after. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Greek Orthodox Church Of The Holy Spirit or St. John's Hawthorne Assisted Living.