Doris Mitchell

1930 - 2021

Doris Mitchell

Doris Mitchell was born Doris Jean Ganges on August 17, 1930, born to Rowland and Mamie Young Ganges. She passed from this life peacefully on July 11, 2021.

Doris graduated from West Chester State University after which she moved to Boston to become the District Director of the Boston and Newton Girl Scouts Council. She married Joseph Mitchell, Jr., an attorney and later the first Black Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court. From 1969-1974, Doris held various positions at Radcliffe College (Harvard University), rising to Assistant Dean of the College.

In 1974, Doris became the Vice President of Administration and Human Resources for Abt Associates. In 1984, Doris joined Digital Equipment Corporation as Corporate EEO Manager. She worked at Digital until 1992 when she retired.

Doris was a member of the Links and the Circle-Lets, and was co-founder of the non-profit Blacks Helping Blacks, Area Chairwoman for the United Fund, Regional Coordinator for the United Negro College Fund Drive and Board Member of many non-profit organizations including Freedom House, American Museum of African American History and the Ruggles Street Nursery School.

In retirement, Doris and Joe split their time between Martha's Vineyard Island and Sarasota Florida where they were active members of the community. Doris entertained, golfed, became an accomplished bridge player, was a supporter of the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, and was a dedicated volunteer and friend of the Betty Johnson North Sarasota Public Library.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband and leaves behind her three children, Joseph III, Michael and Marcene; her grandchildren, Thomas Broadwater III, Mitchell Broadwater, Maya Broadwater, and Erica Jones; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Mitchell; her sister, Annette Stradford; and many nieces and nephews.