Adriana Mitchell
September 15, 1936 - January 28, 2019
Adriana Sampson Mitchell was born September 15, 1936, in Dordrecht, Netherlands. She passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah, January 28, 2019. Her passing was sudden, due to complications related to a recent cancer diagnosis.
Adriana emigrated to the United States of America at the age of 12 with her mother, two older sisters, and a younger brother. A third sister, Annie, remained in the Netherlands where she still lives.
After graduating from West High School in Salt Lake City, Adriana married Robert Sampson (divorced). Together they had two beautiful children, Linda Rose Sampson and Robert E. Sampson, Jr. (Bobby). Adriana also has two grandchildren, Candace Marie Sampson and Olivia Rose Sampson, and a great-grandson, Eric Robert Sampson.
A fiercely dedicated mother, she worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful life for her kids. She was a key staff member of the Northwest Multipurpose Center when it opened in 1970. One of her favorite jobs was working as a personal secretary to Art Monson, the former Salt Lake County Treasurer. Following this position, she went on to have a successful career as an HR Professional with the State of Utah and then with Salt Lake County.
Throughout her adult life, Adriana was especially active in Democratic Party Politics, serving as party secretary for the Salt Lake County Democratic Party. In particular, she was an active and vocal participant in the Women’s Equal Rights (ERA) movement in the early 1970s and developed life-long friendships with many like-minded women.
Following her retirement from Salt Lake County, Adriana moved to Florida with Anthony (Tony) Mitchell. They married in 2003. Adriana loved to golf, travel, cook, and spend time with her children, grandchildren, and especially her great-grandson, Eric. Adriana was an officer of the Women’s Golf Association (WGA) at Dunedin Country Club in Dunedin, Florida. When arthritis took the fun out of golf, Adriana decided to return to Salt Lake City so that she could be closer to her family and friends.
Adriana is preceded in death by her mother Margaret Hendrike van Slooten, and sisters Wilhelmina (Minnie) Harris and Margret Diepeveen. She is survived by sister Annie Grobben and brother John Grobben; husband Tony Mitchell; daughter Linda Sampson and son Bobby Sampson (Nancy Gregovich); granddaughters Candace Sampson (Mike Varanakis) and Olivia Sampson; and great-grandson Eric Sampson.
A celebration of Adriana’s life will be on Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.
In Loving Memory
Dear family Adriana was so special for me. The times we have spent together are beautiful memories for me. I will remember her as my favorite aunt. She was like a mom for me. I miss her. My love for you all. Lots strength. Hugs Marjo
Dear family. These must be hard times for you and everyone who loved her. The times we met I saw a warm hearted woman with real human interest. Though far away, Adriana was often in our thoughts and will be in future.
Dear Tony and Family, We are saddened for all of you with Adriana's sudden death. We feel privileged to have known her and really appreciate her contributions to so many worthy causes including the Annual Chili Affair which benefits the Salt Lake Homeless Shelter. Our thoughts are with you.
Dear family I am so shocked that my youngest sister passed away. I’m so sorry I can’t be with you. Hugs from Annie
Tony and all of Adrianna's family. I'm so sad to be acknowledging the sudden passage of a great friend of mine. Though separated by distance I cherished my relationship with her and you Tony. Hug yourselves for me and I'm wishing you peace. Jan Johnson-Eyre
Nancy and Bobby, Kevin and I are so very sorry for your loss. Thank God you had her right across the street in these final years. She must have loved spoiling you with a hot meal and the gift of time. May she rest in peace with her new angel friends in heaven.
I am feeling very sad since you left us. I already miss you and what we had plans to do and places to go. It is hard for me to realize you are really gone. So for now, GOOD BY MY FRIEND. with all the love I have to give. Mo
My sweet friend, When I heard the sad news just days after you and I spoke about your illness, I was in complete shock. As I am to this day. My heart is heavy and my mind is filled with anger and confusion. I will miss our "hairapy" sessions and the gossip stories we shared together. Linda, words cannot express how sorry I am. May her memory be eternal. Adriana , I will hold you in my prayers always. Love forever, Michele
The first years I was in America after I left Switzerland when I was 21, the person I missed most after my family was my girlfriend. I never had a friend like that again until my neighbor Adriana. I will miss her so much. Bill and I are so sorry for your loss.
My Sweet Grandma, I visit your page daily and think about what an amazing life you had and gave to all of us. I miss your laugh, humor, stories from the past and discussing politics with you. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I will cherish all our memories together in my heart forever. I would give anything just to hug you again. I love you to the moon and beyond! Rest in peace & love Grandma. xoxo - Candace & Eric
In Loving Memory
