Patricia Mitchell

Patricia Mitchell passed peacefully on Islesboro on March 6, 2026, exactly where she wanted to be—“on the right side of the ocean.”

Born on December 3, 1934, in Plymouth, New Hampshire, to Patrick and Elsie Ruel, Pat grew up in Meredith with her brother Jim. She spent her childhood swimming, socializing, and dancing a spirited jitterbug. After raising her oldest four children, she returned to college and became a teacher, demonstrating the remarkable self-reliance and strength of character that defined her life. A keen observer with a sharp mind and determined spirit, Pat possessed a keen insight into people, an eye for design, and an ability to create routines that served her well.

Later in life she met the love of her life, John Mitchell. Together they welcomed a daughter and made their home in Center Sandwich, New Hampshire, and Marietta, Georgia. They shared a love of tennis, gardening, and hosting lively pool parties. Pat was an excellent cook, famous for her pumpkin bread and “Aunt Pat brownies,” and served as a “second mother” to many family friends. In 2000, she and John retired to Islesboro, the island where he had grown up. She embraced island life fully, becoming an active member of the Sewing Circle—where her distinctive pillows and bags were instantly recognizable—the Ambulance Association, and the Alice Pendleton Library. After John’s passing, the close friendships she formed there brought her special comfort.

Pat lived with energy and purpose, practicing yoga and attending Zumba classes well into her later years. She and John were devoted partners who traveled together, collected antiques, and supported one another’s interests. A lifelong learner and problem-solver, she stayed current with technology and eagerly taught her children and grandchildren new skills. Above all, she was a loving mother and grandmother who gave her time and energy generously to improve the lives of her family.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband John, her brother Jim Ruel, sisters-in-law Katherine Gray, Ruth Hartley, and Virginia Mitchell, brothers-in-law Grayson Hartley and Ralph Gray, and grandson Garrett Dunlap. She is survived by her children Kirke Read (Nancy), Mark Read (Jeannie), Karen Benoit (Cliff), Chris Read (Denise), and Rebecca Walsh (Bill); grandchildren Ben, Jon, Megan, Leila, Keriane, Forrest, Clinton, Brittany, Annie, Sarah, Matt, Fallon, and Paddy; brother-in-law Maurice Mitchell and sister-in-law Diane Ruel; as well as 16 great-grandchildren and special nieces and nephews.