VINALHAVEN — Joan Phyllis Mitchell, nee Guptill, 94, died peacefully at Vinalhaven Eldercare on July 24, 2022 with her daughters by her side.

Born on April 2, 1928 in Rockland, Maine, she was the daughter of Albert and Ruth Guptill. When Joan was 4 years old, she moved with her family to the island of Criehaven where she attended school in a one room schoolhouse. The love she had for Criehaven and the experiences she had there were forever etched in her mind. In 1945, Joan moved to Vinalhaven with her family where she graduated high school in 1947. She met Charles “Bud” Mitchell who she married on June 14, 1949 and together they raised three daughters.

Joan was a hard worker and held many jobs throughout her life. She worked in fish factories and grocery stores. She also assisted many women as a labor and delivery support person during the time that Ralph Earle was the island physician. Joan was hired as librarian at the Vinalhaven School in 1983 where she would work for 15 years. Four of her grandchildren attended school during her time there. Since they called her “Gram,” other kids began to do the same. Even after her retirement in 1997, she was affectionately referred to as “Gram” by people in the community.

Joan had a zest for life and was talented in many areas. She was most known for her sewing, handiwork, and cake decorating, but also had a love of poetry, reading, singing, and dancing. Always up for a challenge, she continued learning new skills, even when it was out of her comfort zone. Her greatest love, however, was for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Joan was an active member of the Union Church of Vinalhaven, where she sang in the choir, served on the board of trustees, and was a member of the circle. Joan was always on the lookout for those in need and gave so much of herself to others. She was an eternal optimist who will be forever missed by her loving family.

Besides her parents, Joan was predeceased by her husband, Charles “Bud” Mitchell; daughter Katherine M. Geary; sisters, Virginia and Vera; and brothers, Bill and Albert Lester.

She is survived by two daughters, Ellen L. Mitchell and her husband Kevin Hopkins and Lucy M. Bickford and her husband Dan, both of Vinalhaven; son in law, William Geary Sr. of Rockland; grandchildren, Michael, Suzette, William Jr., Jeffrey, Joanna, Alexandra, Danielle, Samuel, and Joseph; 19 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to join Joan’s family on August 6, 2022, at 11 a.m., for a memorial service at the Union Church, 25 East Main Street, Vinalhaven. The Reverend Jeffery Lewis will officiate. To share a memory or story with Joan’s family, please visit her online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.