Obituary

Martha (Lippincott) Mitchell, 79 passed away on March 18, 2023. The daughter of Donald and Elizabeth Lippincott, Martha was born on August 15, 1943 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She attended Broad Ripple High School and then went on to Purdue University, where she met her future husband William (Bill) Mitchell. The couple married on August 17, 1963, and initially resided in Indianapolis before embarking on a series of moves that eventually led them to settle in Rockford, Illinois. During their marriage, they welcomed three children: Daniel (Tracy), Julia Cropp, and Stacey (Shane) Cultra.

Martha's professional journey began with management roles at Quality Inn, Sweden House, and Alpine Inn before she found her true calling at the Rockford Convention and Visitors Bureau. Her successful career eventually led her to take the role of Executive Director of Visit Beloit, where she worked until her retirement. Martha's colleagues remember her kind heart, infectious smile, and her unwavering dedication to the field of tourism.

Family was at the center of Martha's life, and she remained deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren: Andrew, Patrick, Emily (Daniel), Becky, and Libby. She followed their academic and athletic pursuits and frequently vacationed with them. She also maintained close relationships with her siblings and their children, including her brother David Lippincott, his wife Kris, and their children Ben, Craig, and Ted, as well as her sister Susan and husband Michael Hayes and their children Jill, Lisa, and Michael.

Martha's passions extended beyond her family and career. For many years, she sang and played in the Irish band Casey's Fancy, participated in the church choir, and remained actively involved with the Roy Chapman Andrews Society and the Stateline Foundation. Martha Mitchell will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her successful career, and her love of music and community involvement.

Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 28, 2023, at St. Bridgets Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL. Followed by a celebration of life at the Lombardi Club, 209 Olive St, Rockford, I