Tributes paid to 'kind' grandma who loved Kings Langley

Elizabeth Mitchell, 75, passed away on September 13, only five months after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The mother of two moved to Kings Langley 14 years ago to be closer to her youngest, Charlotte Baker, 49.

Left: Sisters Brenda and Elizabeth in Spain. Right: Elizabeth with her daughters Rebecca and Charlotte flying to Spain. (Image: Charlotte Baker)Charlotte, who lives in Abbots Langley, said: “Mum lived life to the fullest. Even after her cancer diagnosis, she said she didn’t want to wither away in her flat and moved into a care home.

“Up until two weeks before she died, she was joining in the group activities and going on day trips.”

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As a final wish, Charlotte and her older sister Rebecca, 51, were able to take Elizabeth to Alicante in Spain to visit her sister shortly after her diagnosis.

Charlotte said: “We were so pleased to be able to do that. When given that shocking news you don’t know what months means. It was amazing to be there and we had a wonderful time.”

Elizabeth with her six grandchildren ages 10-19. (Image: Charlotte Baker)

Recalling happy childhood memories, she added: “Mum was very hands on, she read bedtime stories to us every night and would do loads of arts and crafts with us.”

The family moved to Derbyshire when Charlotte and Rebecca were young and lived on a farm.

Elizabeth gave the children a happy childhood, said Charlotte. (Image: Charlotte Baker)

Charlotte said: “Mum was a big animal lover. We had pigs, chickens, turkeys, dogs and cats.

“She was a real character, she would muck out the pigs with a full face of makeup.”

Elizabeth, who was born in Ilford, owned her own hair salon at the age of 19 and was trained by top hairdresser Vidal Sassoon CBE.

“She was a very glamorous lady,” Charlotte said.

Elizabeth was described as glamorous by Charlotte. (Image: Charlotte Baker)

When Charlotte spoke at her mum’s funeral on October 5, she talked to the guests about how kind Elizabeth was despite what she has endured.

Charlotte said: “Mum was bi-polar. In the 80s it was very misunderstood, and she was mistreated in hospital and given electric shock therapy.

A family meal. (Image: Charlotte Baker)“As an adult I feel so proud of mum that even after going through that she was kind to everyone, no matter what walk of life they came from.”

Elizabeth’s kindness was apparent among the Kings Langley community who shared their sadness when her passing was announced on social media.

Left: Elizabeth with friend Janey (an ex chef from The Saracens Head). Right: Elizabeth with Don (ex barmaid from The Saracens Head) (Image: Charlotte Baker)One person said: “Your mother was a superstar, so polite, so kind, so gentle. God rest her soul.”

Dalling & Co delicatessen and wine shop said: “We are all so sorry for your loss. I used to love our chats outside Dalling & Co she was a firm favourite.”

Elizabeth visiting Dallings & Co in the High Street, Kings Langley. Right: Elizabeth has a sweet tooth and would buy sweets from Sweet as a Button. (Image: Charlotte Baker)The high street was important to Elizabeth and the community feel was part of the reason she moved to Kings Langley, Charlotte said.

She added: “It was so heartwarming to read the comments about mum from people I had never met before.

“She was so friendly, kind and outgoing, that is the mum I will always remember.”