Our Journey
Answering questions like, “How many children do you have?” can be challenging, but we embrace the complexity of our story. Our lives have been filled with both joy and loss. We have two children—our son Eric, who passed away in 2006, and our daughter Shay, whose strength and resilience have inspired us through her battle with cancer. Eric’s passing left a lasting impact, shaping how we cherish life, while Shay’s fight against breast cancer has reminded us of life’s fragility and the power of perseverance.
Through it all, we’ve found ways to grow stronger, focusing on joy, connection, and purpose. After 37 years of marriage, we’ve learned that life is not about avoiding challenges but rising above them, embracing the moments that truly matter. From Mitch’s Navy and law enforcement career to Marlene’s leadership in banking, our experiences have shaped us into who we are today—resilient, motivated, and committed to living with intention.
Retirement for us isn’t about stepping away from life, but stepping into a new phase full of possibilities. Moving to Northern California brought us closer to family and gave us the space to pursue new passions. GenXRetired.com is a reflection of that—a platform built to connect with fellow Gen Xers, share stories, and inspire others to live with purpose, no matter where they are in their journey.
Life is about the stories behind the names—the love, loss, and resilience that define us. We’re here to live fully, with all its beauty and challenges, and inspire others to do the same.
About Mitch Leading with Honor:
"A Veteran’s Journey of Service and Retirement"
While stationed at the Naval Guided Missile School in 1987 in Dam Neck, Virginia, Mitch discovered something far more valuable than any military achievement—Marlene. The couple married in 1989 and spent over three decades building a life together, navigating the challenges and triumphs of careers, family, and personal growth.
Mitch is a retired veteran with a distinguished career as a submariner in the U.S. Navy, followed by a leadership role as Director of Security and Law Enforcement at Naval Base Kitsap. Over his years of service, Mitch has demonstrated unwavering commitment to duty, fostering a career defined by integrity, resilience, and a dedication to protecting both people and communities. His leadership in high-stakes environments has shaped a lifelong passion for community service and maintaining the highest standards of security.
In 2023, the couple relocated to the Bay Area in Northern California, bringing with them a wealth of experience, wisdom, and a shared passion for innovation and community. Now in their retirement, Mitch and Marlene have focused their energies on creating GenXRetired.com, a platform dedicated to connecting retirees, fostering a sense of purpose, and helping individuals use music therapy as a tool for healing and connection.
Their journey reflects a deep understanding of life’s complexities—from personal losses to career transitions—and they now aim to create a supportive community where others can find solace, inspiration, and guidance in their retirement years. Together, Mitch and Marlene are committed to sharing stories, building networks, and exploring new avenues for personal and collective growth.
About Marlene:
"Redefining Life’s Journey"
Marlene Mitchell’s journey has been defined by resilience, adaptation, and a deep desire to help others navigate the complexities of life, particularly during times of transition. Born on Moose Island, Maine, she moved to Washington state with Mitch when he was transferred to Subase Bangor in 1988. His continued service at Subase Bangor allowed her to pursue a career in Community Banking. With over 34 years in the banking industry, Marlene’s professional life as a regional manager was spent leading teams, building connections, and problem-solving in high-pressure environments. But her story took a significant turn in 2022, leading to the creation of GenXRetired.com.
In 2022, Marlene and her husband Mitch made the life-changing decision to relocate to California. Their daughter’s battle with cancer prompted a shift in priorities, pushing Marlene to step away from her career and embrace a new chapter focused on family, wellness, and personal growth. It wasn’t an easy transition—moving from a fast-paced career to focusing on personal well-being and caregiving meant reevaluating everything Marlene once thought defined her success.
Through this journey, Marlene discovered something profound: retirement isn’t just about stepping away from work, it’s about reimagining what life can be. It’s about finding the time and space to prioritize what truly matters—whether it’s family, health, or simply taking a moment to breathe. She saw that many Gen Xers, like herself, weren’t necessarily ready to retire in the traditional sense, but were looking for ways to balance financial needs with a more meaningful way.
Marlene’s vision for GenXRetired is to create a community where people can share their stories, support one another, and embrace the freedom that comes with this phase of life. Whether through creative expression, exploring new passions, or embracing the art of mindful living, Marlene believes that retirement is an opportunity to reimagine what it means to thrive—crafting a life filled with purpose, connection, and discovery.
Her story isn’t just about stepping back from a career—it’s about stepping forward into a life that’s fuller, more intentional, and rooted in what truly matters.