WATERBURY- It is with sadness and broken hearts that the family of June Mitchell, age 97, of Waterbury, shares the news of her peaceful passing on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Hospital, after an extended illness.

June was born on August 23, 1928, in Waterbury, CT, the daughter of the late Albert and Bertha (Schrafft) Mitchell. June graduated with honors from Wilby High School and went on to pursue higher education at American University in Washington, D.C. Her studies were temporarily interrupted by a battle with tuberculosis, which led to a year-long stay in a sanatorium. Undeterred, she graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then received her master’s degree in 1960 from Fairfield University. In 1954, she embraced her faith by converting to Catholicism in Washington, D.C. At the age of 15, June joined the Civil Air Patrol and earned her pilot's license, paving the way for a distinguished career with the U.S. Federal Government. She dedicated 30 years of her life to the Department of Defense, serving as a guidance counselor for American overseas high schools and supporting military families around the globe. Her extraordinary assignments included living in Ankara, Turkey, for 2 years, followed by 9 years in Chofu American High School, Japan, and finishing out her career at Seoul American High School in South Korea. She became part of the fabric of American Military Overseas Families and all the aspects of working in a High School. While overseas, June belonged to several volunteer organizations, which included the religious community Cursillo. Her contributions to the education and well-being of countless students and families made her an integral part of the American military community. June was known for her adventurous spirit, traveling extensively across six continents and nurturing lifelong friendships along the way. She developed a love for cruising in 1989, enjoying the open seas until her last voyage in February 2023. In her retirement, June was actively involved in various local organizations, including The Friends of Flanders, where she was recognized for her outstanding voluntary service. She was a devoted member of her local Red Hat Chapter and volunteered at Waterbury Hospital for many years. June was also a multi-gallon blood donor. An avid poker and bridge player, a voracious reader, and a passionate fisherwoman, she shared her kindness and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met.

June became part of our family's fabric when she met our parents through CAP. They remained lifelong friends. She leaves behind her memories and stories with her nieces and nephews, Diana Anton, Lynne Reichentahl, Judy Randazzo, James Anton, Susan Anton-Drouin, and William Anton. Special niece Allison and nephew, Jeremy. June was predeceased by her brother, Harold Mitchell.

Junes Family would like to emphatically thank the administration and staff of The Village at East Farms for their kind, compassionate engagement with Aunt June. They provided excellent care, a lot of entertainment, and many laughs with June over the last few years. Thank you to Accent Care Hospice and Palliative Care of CT for the attentive care provided to June in her last days. We are also grateful for the aid and compassionate care received from the staff of St. Mary’s Hospital.

All services for June will be held privately at the convenience of her family. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06705, has been honored to assist the Mitchell/Anton family during this most difficult time. To honor June's memory and in lieu of flowers, donations to St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury (https://www.svdpmission.org/general-donation) would be greatly appreciated by her family. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved June to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts.