Machtelt Mitchell's Obituary
Machtelt “Polly” De Reimer Mitchell, joined her Lord and Savior on Friday, November 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with kidney disease. Polly carried a quiet thoughtfulness with her—a presence that made others feel truly seen and understood. Her heart was genuine, her care deep and unwavering, and she moved through the world with a natural, effortless elegance. Born in Spokane, Washington, on January 17, 1943, she was the beloved daughter of the late Helen Gertrude Adams De Reimer and Robert Owen DeReimer. Polly spent her early childhood in Spokane, where she developed a love of ice skating and became an accomplished figure skater. After the early passing of her father, Polly and her mother moved east to Margate, New Jersey where she and her mother could be close to family. She continued her education at Endicott in Massachusetts. After several family moves, Polly settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. She raised her children there and devoted many years to creating a warm and joyful home during their school years. Later in life, Polly relocated to Dallas, Texas, to be closer to her family. Polly was blessed with extraordinary creative talent. She was known for her exquisite ability to entertain with grace, as well as for designing some of the most beautiful and memorable holiday decorations in her home. She loved travel, the arts, and especially the opera, where she was an active and enthusiastic member of the Charlotte Opera Guild. Above all, Polly adored her family. She cherished her children, and her love for her grandchildren—Mitchell Carmack (28), Mary Helen Carmack (21), Andrew Mitchell (27), and Matthew Mitchell (26)—was immeasurable. Her tremendous sense of humor, radiant smile, and natural elegance left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Polly is survived by her son, Tom Mitchell; Tom’s wife, Cindy Longoria Mitchell (Carrollton, Texas); her daughter, Ellen Mitchell Carmack; her husband Clayton Carmack (Marietta, Georgia) and the grandchildren she loved so dearly. Her warmth, beauty, and grace will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched. An intimate family service will take place later this winter in Newport, Pennsylvania where Polly’s ashes will be scattered over her Mother’s grave
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