THOMASTON — Mary Mills Mitchell, of Thomaston, died peacefully at the Knox Center on March 30, 2021, on her 94th birthday, following a period of declining health.

Born in St. George in 1927, she was the daughter of George and Flora Benson Mills, the second of four children. She graduated from St. George High School with the class of 1945.

In 1946, she married Robert C. Mitchell, settling in Thomaston. There they spent their entire 40 years of marriage, building a home and running a poultry farm while raising their family. Their children have many fond memories of growing up on the farm.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary was a homemaker while her children were young, doing much of her own gardening, canning, and sewing. She worked for many years as a lunch lady at both Georges Valley High School and Thomaston Grammar School. She was a member of the Pythian Sisters, the ladies auxiliary branch of the Knights of Pythias. An avid reader, she also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and did lovely handcrafting, crocheting, knitting, and sewing beautiful quilts for family members. Her quilt of state flowers won a blue ribbon at the Union Fair.

One of Mary’s favorite places on earth was her cottage at Long Cove in St. George. Even after her family was grown, she spent summers there well into her 80s, watching the tides in the cove, taking long walks, and enjoying the quiet and simple lifestyle. She also took great pleasure in feeding and watching the birds.

Known by many as “Mammy,” she was happiest when surrounded by her family. Saturday night baked bean suppers were a long-standing tradition passed down from her mother, bringing everyone to her table. Gatherings to celebrate holidays and birthdays were at Mammy’s house, and even as her family grew with the addition of spouses and grandchildren, there was always room for all. Never one to criticize or judge, she offered unconditional love and support in her quiet and gentle way. She was a central figure to her family, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her three siblings, Kathleen Jarvie, George Mills, and John Mills; son, Robert, Jr.; and grandson, Andrew Robinson.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Mitchell and partner Bill Knowlton of Union; daughter, Mary “Cindy” Ledger and son-in-law Mike of Union; son, Peter B. Mitchell and daughter-in-law Denise of Thomaston; five grandchildren, Mary Ann Friesen (Mike) of Barboursville, Virginia; Becky Dalessandro (Ryan) of Lewiston; Ben Ledger (Cassie) of Union; and Meredith and Morgan Mitchell of Thomaston.

She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Amanda Robinson of Richmond, Logan and Cole Friesen of Virginia, and Olivia and Serena Ledger of Union, as well as three great-great granddaughters, Zoey, Charlotte, and Catherine.

Additional family members include step-daughters Pat Ross and Bunny McLellan and their families, and nieces and nephew Susan, Karen, and Steve Mills.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the hospice team that provided such wonderful care and support during the past year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

Services will be private.

Hall Funeral Home of Thomaston, 78 Main Street, has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences visit Mary’s Book of Memories at hallfuneralhomes.com.