Maurice L. Mitchell

Maurice L. Mitchell, 98, of Topsfield, Massachusetts, and Islesboro, Maine, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital after a long illness.

Maurice, affectionately known throughout his life as “Buddy,” was born in May 1928 on Islesboro, Maine, to Burr C. and Margaret F. Mitchell. He grew up there with his younger siblings, Katherine, Ruth, and John. His island childhood was filled with family gatherings, songs around the piano, fishing, boating, duck hunting, and the close-knit rhythms of Islesboro life. He graduated from Islesboro High School in 1946 as the only male in his class. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Merrimack College and later a master’s degree in education from Boston University.

In 1951, Buddy entered the United States Navy as an officer. He served several years at sea aboard the USS Kennebec and spent the final year of his Navy service teaching combat air control, a role that introduced him to teaching.

After a brief career at a Wall Street brokerage firm in New York City, Buddy discovered that teaching was his true calling. He taught at an all-girls school for African American students in Hyde Park, Massachusetts, and at a high school in Fort Kent, Maine, before joining Rockport High School in Rockport, Massachusetts, where he taught history and social studies for more than 20 years. Charismatic, engaging, and full of stories, Buddy had a natural ability to connect with students and make learning memorable.

Buddy shared a long and loving life with his beloved wife, Virginia “Ginny” Barooshian Mitchell. Married for 58 years and together for more than 60, they built a life rooted in love and family. They moved to Topsfield, Massachusetts, in 1972 and spent many cherished summers on Islesboro, enjoying getting together with family and friends, spending time on the waters of Penobscot Bay and tending their garden.

Buddy was known for his storytelling, quick wit, and remarkable memory. He could recount countless stories – often over a glass of his famous homemade wine. His warmth, humor, and larger-than-life personality made every gathering more memorable. He loved books and music, delighted in driving his Saabs, and remained deeply proud of his island home. In his later years, Buddy looked back with deep gratitude on a long, happy, and richly lived life.
Buddy leaves behind his sons, Maurice B. Mitchell of Topsfield, Massachusetts; Peter A. Mitchell and his wife, Katherine, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; and Dan Mitchell and his wife, Alanna, of Norwood, Massachusetts; as well as his three beloved grandchildren, James, Abigail, and Cashel.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ginny; his siblings, Katherine Mitchell and her husband, Ralph Gray; Ruth Hartley and her husband, Grayson; and John Mitchell and his wife, Patricia.

He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers, Massachusetts, on Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A private burial and celebration of Buddy’s life will take place on Islesboro, Maine, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Buddy’s memory may be made to the Islesboro Historical Society, P.O. Box 301, Islesboro, ME,04848 or to the Boardman Cottage of Islesboro, Maine, through www.islesborobeacon.org.