Dolinda Elena Grace Bauer Mitchell

Elena passed away peacefully on December 22, 2023. She was born in Mayaquez, Puerto Rico, November 22, 1947. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ronald C. Bauer and Ethel Bell Church Bauer both originally from North Dakota. She is survived by her loving husband Donald B. Mitchell, brother Logan P. Bauer and sisters-in-law Gloria Meluzzo Bauer and Julie Mitchell Asmus (Ric), nephew Sean and niece Christi, her son Sean K. Long; granddaughter and Sayla Mercy Long.

Elena began her schooling in London, England before her family returned to Puerto Rico where her father was president of Inter American University in San German and where she graduated high school in 1965. One of her fondest memories was riding her horse around the lush campus landscape. After leaving the island to continue her education she returned to Puerto Rico in 1971 to work while completing her bachelor and master’s degrees in education administration. She moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1978 with her son, Sean, to pursue her career in education spanning 30 years, first at Western International University and then Arizona State University West campus where she worked with international student admissions and was Senior Program Coordinator for Multicultural Services. She hosted international students in her home from Kenya, Japan, and Greece. In 1992 she married the love of her life, Don Mitchell.

Elena has a thirst for living and celebrating life, experiencing  new cultures and was a world traveler visiting some 17 different countries. Soon after retiring, her love for her four-legged family members combined with her artistic flair led her to painting dog portraits on commission. She was known by her neighbors as the “feral cat lady” ensuring they were neutered, provided food and water, and given lots of love. Elena grew to love Arizona and its natural beauty and diverse cultures while at the same time keeping her Puerto Rican heritage close to her heart. In 2007 she co-founded, managed, and performed with a folkloric dance troupe showcasing the traditional Afro-Caribbean dances of Puerto Rico traveling throughout Arizona performing at schools, on Cox “Su Vida” and participating in local cultural festivals sharing the rich history, traditions, and culture of Puerto Rico.

Elena leaves behind many wonderful and valued friendships dating back to her childhood.