Kathleen Mitchell, age 53, of Washington Street, Salamanca, New York died Wednesday evening at her home.

Born on May 23, 1957 in Jamestown, New York she was the daughter of the late Gerald Pierce and Randy & Carolyn Watt Brant, Jimersontown, New York. She was married on May 21, 1983 to Mr. Robert “Archie” Mitchell who survives.

Mrs. Mitchell was a graduate of Jamestown Community College and Empire State College.

She was the Director of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office in Salamanca, New York.

Mrs. Mitchell was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, the Turtle Clan, Kinzua Dam Issue’s Committee, Remember the Removal, Seneca Nation of Indians Housing Board, Seneca Nation of Indians Museum Board, Haudenosaunee Tribal Preservation Alliance. She was widely known as a Seneca Basketmaker. She taught cultural classes and Seneca arts & crafts.

Surviving besides her husband, mother & step father are: a daughter, Christine Perez, Salamanca, New York; a son, Lumi (Gayle) Ruiz, Salamanca, New York; a step daughter, Anna (Doug) Conley, Indianapolis, Indiana; 6 grandchildren, Sierra Parker, Damion Taylor, Xavier Taylor, Ashlee Ruiz, Emilee Ruiz, Bailee Ruiz, all of Salamanca, New York; 3 step grandchildren; 3 sisters, Brenda (Patrick) Deeghan, Salamanca, New York, Nancy (Jay) Toth, Black River Falls, Wisconsin, Odie (Robert) Porter, Jamestown, New York; a brother, Rodney (Sherri Lyn) Pierce, Jamestown, New York; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the family home, 420 Washington Street, Salamanca, New York on Thursday after 4 P.M. and all day Friday.

Funeral services will begin in the family home on Saturday morning at 9:00 A.M. followed by services in the Cold Spring Longhouse at 10:30 A.M..

Burial will be in Hillside Haven Cemetery, Steamburg, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .