Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 3, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Remembers Rep. Maryann Mitchell, Orders Flags at Half-Staff

OLYMPIA - Jan. 3, 2003 - Gov. Gary Locke today ordered all flags at the State Capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of Rep. Maryann Mitchell who died last weekend at the age of 69.

“Maryann was a gracious person and a great legislator who put Washington state and her community first,” Locke said. “Maryann was tremendously committed to helping others and bettering the world around her. The citizens of our state have benefited greatly from her many, many contributions.”

Mitchell, who lived in Federal Way, served as a state representative from the 30th District from 1991 to 1992 and from 1995 to 2002. She served as co-chair of the House Transportation Committee from 1998 to 2001. She had announced her retirement from the Legislature last year.

Mitchell was a passionate advocate for the developmentally disabled and the elderly. She co-founded the Washington State Special Olympics. She was also active in the national Special Olympics and had served as a member of the International Special Olympics Advisory Board with Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

Mitchell also served on the boards of Franciscan ElderCare, Inc., the South King County Multi-Service Center, the South King County Literacy Advisory Board and the Federal Way Women’s Network.

She is survived by her husband, Sam, two sisters, five children and six grandchildren.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive