Born Locardia Emily Mitchell July 14, 1918 on North East Street at a time when most children were born at home, Lou as she was known, was educated in Amherst schools and Northampton Commercial College.  She was the daughter of Joseph and Martha Mitchell.  Lou was a member of Saint Brigid parish and godmother to seven children.

Her early years saw North East Street paved, and electric power become available, and then the telephone and tractors replaced horses and hay bailers replace pitchforks.

She worked as a telephone operator for the original AT&T.  Long time Amherst residents have heard her voice when they picked up the phone and heard a telephone operator request “Number Please”. 

After the dial telephone replaced the Amherst switchboard Lou worked as a telephone operator at the University of Massachusetts and retired from that position.

An avid gardener, she grew flowers, some of which were sold locally.  Many vegetables were also raised and she made sure you never left her home without some.

She supported her husband Victor when he started the family run business at the corner of College Street and East Street, a business known as Frosty Cap, a local drive-in that became a local favorite where young kids could get at 5¢ cone and adult cones started at 10¢.

Always a true lady and gracious hostess she made everyone feel welcome in her home and took pride in meeting the needs of others while dismissing her effort as “nothing”.  During the past year she lived at the Arbors, an assisted living facility in Amherst where her needs were met with grace, dignity and respect.

Conservative as true New England Yankee, she subscribed to traditional values of self -reliance and independence while being generous without hesitation.

Lou leaves her son Dennis and his wife Sue, granddaughter Robin Kranz and her husband Rick, daughter in-law Pura Patnaude, granddaughter Victoria Patnaude, great grandsons Ryan Kranz and Brendon Kranz. 

She also leaves 5 nieces, Mary Ann Mitchell, Gwynne Parmelee, Esther Rocasha, Martha Trenholm and Martha Watson, 2 nephews Dale Patnaude and Will Thayer.

In keeping with her wishes there will no calling hours and a private family funeral.  In lieu of flowers anyone who wishes donate in her memory to the VNA & Hospice at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust Street, Northampton, MA 01061-0329.  This wonderful organization does so much to ease the burden of health issues for those who find travel challenging and did so much for her in her later years. Obituary and memorial register ay www.douglassfuneral.com

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.