Ann Raphael

Ann Marie (Parrott) Mitchell Raphael passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Byron Center, Michigan. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated, and a private family memorial will be held at a later date. Ann was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 10 years, Francis Edward Raphael. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Howard Andrew Mitchell and his son Astro Mitchell and stepdaughter Natalie Christopher; Rebecca Sparks (Jason) and their children Sean and Claire; Cynthia English (Eric) and their children Emma, Olivia, and Elias; stepson John Mitchell (Susan) and their children Benjamin and Sarah; and daughter-in-law Christina Mitchell. Ann was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 29, 1951 and raised in Sanford, Michigan by her mother Anna Lucille Parrott and grandfather Martin Crawford. Ann married Ron Mitchell in 1974 and they were married for 10 years. She moved to St. Louis, Michigan in 1989 and remained for 11 years before returning to Sanford. Prior to this past year spent in Byron Center, Ann spent 4 years living in Mt. Pleasant and rather enjoyed being in a college town! A huge believer in the value of education, Ann graduated from Sanford Meridian Schools in 1969 before earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan University in 1973. She completed the Dietetics curriculum at CMU in 1993 and her Dietetic Internship in 1994. She dedicated 30 years to her career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those she served. Ann was an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a firm believer in life-long learning. Ann found joy in gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. A talented cook, she especially cherished preparing holiday meals with her loved ones. Known for her sharp wit and warm sense of humor, Ann had a knack for finding laughter in life’s moments. She often clipped comics from the newspaper to share with others, brightening their days with her thoughtfulness. Ann loved space, Star Trek, and science. Don’t even get her started on Pluto! She was a big believer in caring for the environment and would recycle any and everything she could. An avid reader, she could finish entire books in one sitting before eagerly diving into the next. Ann’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May her legacy of humor, intelligence, tenacity, love for the earth and, above all, her family continue to inspire all who were fortunate to share in her life. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Ann’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ann Raphael, please visit our flower store.