A longtime executive at Valley Medical Center, Barbara Mitchell, has died.

She was the medical center’s senior vice president for Human Resources and Marketing.

Mitchell’s son found her body in a pond along Pine-Lake Road Aug. 8, several hours after she had left for a walk.

The 66-year-old had setup a picnic with food and a towel by the shore, said King County Sheriff’s Sgt. Cindi West.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office determined she drowned, but didn’t find any other major health problems that could have lead to the drowning.

Mitchell was known for her vivacious spirit and love for her family and career.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, in the Healing Garden at Valley Medical Center.  Hospital staff has asked attendees to were bright colors in Mitchell’s honor.

Mitchell spent 35 years in corporate business management. She worked at Valley Medical Center since 1999, initially as director of Human Resources, promoted to vice president of Human Resources, and then as senior vice president for Human Resources and Marketing.

Under her leadership, Mitchell garnered “Best Workplace” recognition for Valley Medical Center for 10 consecutive years.

“She was smart, insightful, compassionate and a friend, and will be missed by so many on both a professional and personal level,” said Rich Roodman, CEO, Valley Medical Center.

Mitchell grew up in Alaska, attended Marylhurst University, served as chairman of the board for First Choice Health, and was active in fundraising with American Cancer Society, Washington Women in Need and Lake Washington Technical College as well as many other local organizations.

She is survived by her husband Robb; son, Jordan Miller; daughter-in-law, Mistilyn Miller; grandson, Zayden; and granddaughter, Adel. The family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or VMC’s Healing Garden.