Tributes

In Loving Memory of Nina Alexander Mandracken Mitchell: April 6, 1933 – April 16, 2025 Nina, a woman of immense warmth, strength, and creative spirit, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025 at 2:32 am. Born on April 6, 1933, in Habbaniyah, Iraq, she was the eldest of eight children born to Maria Ameer of Rezaieh, Urmia, Iran and Alexander Mandracken of Leningrad, now known as Saint Petersburg, Russia. From an early age, Nina stood out for her compassion, spirituality, and artistic sensibility. Nina’s early career began at the Iraqi Petroleum Company, where she served as assistant to the Executive Director—a role that reflected her intelligence, dedication, professionalism, and poise. A gifted writer, Nina was a published poet whose words of love and loss resonate with passion, depth and heart. In 1965, she immigrated to the United States, settling in Cleveland, Ohio, where she met and married the late Robert Howard Mitchell of Akron. Together, they welcomed two daughters: Natashia and Bricine. The family later made their home in Akron, Ohio, where Nina pursued higher education, graduating Kappa Omicron Phi, from Akron University with a Bachelor of Arts degree as a double major in Child Development and the Study of Life Span and Aging. She also pursued postgraduate studies at Kent State University. In 1983, following her mother’s illness, Nina relocated with her daughters to Turlock, California to care for her. She then worked for and retired with The Medic Alert Foundation as a Medical Transcriber. This move marked a new chapter in Nina’s life, one defined by resilience, continued creativity, and community. Nina had a heart as generous as it was nurturing. She was known for expressing her love through food and hospitality, regularly hosting joyful gatherings for family and friends. Her passions were many: cooking, gardening, fashion, macramé, crochet, knitting, interior decorating, and sewing—she lovingly hand-sewed clothes for her daughters in their youth, always adding her unique touch of care and artistry. Nina’s home was a reflection of her soul—warm, welcoming, and filled with beauty. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she adored, and the creative gifts she shared so freely. Nina was a deeply spiritual woman who loved God with all her heart. She was baptized as a Seventh-Day Adventist at a young age and remained a devoted member of the Turlock Seventh-Day Adventist Church for many years. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and giving her strength through all seasons. Later in life, Nina began attending Mass at Sacred Heart in Turlock, where she continued to nurture her spiritual journey and deepen her connection with God. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Natashia Mitchell (Eric) of Oakland, CA, and Bricine Mitchell (Jeremy) and grandson, Fineas of Crockett, CA; her loving brothers: Vladimir Mandracken of San Jose, CA; Alexander Mandracken (Cheryl) of North Carolina; Fiodor Mandracken (Kathy) of Ohio; and Nikolai Mandracken (Etsuko) of Clearlake, CA. She is also remembered with love by her niece Karla Dubois, and nephews Daniel Mandracken (Victoria), Kevin Mandracken, Michael Mandracken, David Mandracken, and Damian Mandracken. Nina’s legacy of love, creativity, and generosity will live on in all who had the honor of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Tributes

Nina Alexander Mandracken Mitchell

April 6, 1933 - April 16, 2025