Joan Mitchell, Woodlawn Stables Owner, Passes Away
Mitchell, 70, co-owned Woodlawn Stables with her daughter, Cindy.
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Woodlawn Stables owner Joan Mitchell lost her battle with breast cancer on Sunday night, according to friends of the family. She was 70 years old.
A lifelong horse lover, Mitchell ran a book distribution company that published children’s books before she and her daughter, Cindy, took over the lease at Woodlawn Stables in 1991. Over the last 20 years, the business has grown to include 50 horses and ponies, nine full-time instructors, and hundreds of students from the immediate area along Richmond Highway and beyond.
“Riders love coming to our little urban oasis here at Woodlawn Stables,” Joan told Patch in 2011. “With all of the constant changes going on up and down busy Route 1, people always say how nice it is that some things just stay the same … it is almost like taking a step back in time.”
A memorial gathering at Woodlawn Stables is planned for Thursday evening and a mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Friday. Check Patch for further details.
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Rebecca Kenyon
12:36 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012
My family is so sorry to hear about the loss of Joan. She was a very kind woman with a heart of gold and an inspiration to all women. We are thinking of Cindy and the rest of the family...
Jessie Biele
1:07 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012
I just received word that the gathering at Woodlawn Stables will be held Thursday night at 7 p.m. and the Mass at Good Shepherd Catholic Church is Friday at 1:30 p.m.
~Jessie Biele, Local Editor
Jacqueline Bilowus
1:33 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Joan, rest in peace. You will be missed.
Does anyone know if there is a website set up where we can donate to Woodlawn Stables?
John A. Hurley
3:02 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Eileen and I join Mrs. Mitchell's many friends in remembering and honoring her grace, knowledge, teaching ability and over-arching care and concern for students, horses, wildlife.and the environment. Woodlawn Stables is an icon of living green space nurtured by Joan, Cindy and their associates.. It has been a large part of our lives since 1992 when we returned to Alexandria after an overseas assignment. We were impressed by Joan's care for the horses, students and overall community and began a long and happy association . Our thoughts and prayers are with Joan, Cindy and family.
John & Eileen Hurley
Margi Gula Wood
11:56 pm on Tuesday, July 17, 2012
We were shocked and so sorry to hear of Joan's passing: Joan, you and your family are in our prayers. She was a wonderful lady and a real role model. We will work that much harder now to see that Woodlawn gets to remain the oasis it is for our community.
Margi and Ben Wood, Mike and Carla
Marcia D'Arcangelo
11:34 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
How terribly sad to lose such a wonderful person. Her spirit, wisdom, and just plain good horse sense taught valuable life lessons to many of us. I treasure having known her, and will keep her and her family in my prayers.
Marcia D'Arcangelo
Tim Mitchell
3:45 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012
The people at Woodlawn are AWSOME. Thanks for your support for my mom and Cindy. She was a Great Mother to me. I will miss her so much. You guys and the Mount Vernon Patch rock!!! Thanks so much and it is very nice to see she touched so many people.
Jessie Biele
9:47 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012
Thank you so much for your kind words, Tim. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time. Joan was an exceptional woman and I am honored to have met her during my time as the editor of Mount Vernon Patch. She will be sorely missed by the Mount Vernon community.
Jessie Biele, Local Editor