Joan E. Mitchell

Joan E. (Cavanagh) Mitchell (Coughlan) passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by loving family. Known affectionately to many as Gram, Joan left this world with the same grace and quiet strength that defined her life. She was comforted in her final months by the presence of those she cherished most.

Born in Boston, MA, on April 9, 1930, Joan, the daughter of Arthur and Evelyn (Kelley) Cavanagh, was raised in Somerville and Arlington. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1947 and earned her degree from Emmanuel College in 1951, where she majored in chemistry with minors in mathematics and biology.

After college, Joan worked for the DuPont Chemicals Company in Virginia and Dewey & Almy Chemicals Company in Cambridge. In 1956, she married John R. "Jack" Mitchell and moved to Lowell, MA. Together they raised their family while Joan supported Jack in building ARLIN Mfg. Co., Inc., into a successful plastic extrusion business.

Following Jack's death in 1996, Joan married Joseph Coughlan in 1999, who also predeceased her in 2015. With each of her husbands, she embraced a love of travel, exploring much of the continental United States, Hawaii, Europe, and Japan.

An avid swimmer her entire life, Joan particularly cherished the ocean and remained active in pools and at beaches in Rockport, MA; Vesper Country Club in Tyngsboro, MA; Cape Coral, FL; and North Falmouth, MA. She last swam in Buzzards Bay during the summer of 2025.

Joan was also an enthusiastic golfer well into her nineties, playing at Palmetto Pines Golf Club in Cape Coral, FL, and Pocasset Golf Club in Bourne, MA. As a member at Pocasset, she delighted in bridge games with friends and often taught the game to others. Above all, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy; she delighted in their accomplishments, milestones, and every visit.

Joan is survived by her sister, Ann M. (Cavanagh) Ennis; her five children: John R. Mitchell, Jr. and wife Joan M., Ann Marie Schick and husband Arthur, Paul Mitchell and wife Rosemary, Jean Jones and husband Carlton, and Steven Mitchell and wife Dr. Wendy Mitchell; her seventeen grandchildren: Kathleen, Kevin and wife Kelly, Daniel, Arthur and fiance Gabriella, Elizabeth and husband Matt, Erin, Cynthia and husband Nick, Kelly, Julie, Kaitlyn, Carlton and wife Brittany, Steven and wife Megan, Evan and wife Olivia, Riley, Peter, Megan, and Timothy; three great-grandchildren: Daniel, Lillian, and Alden; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her infant son, Joseph, who was stillborn in August 1965; and her brother, Arthur L. Cavanagh.

She will be remembered for her vitality, love of family, and lifelong enthusiasm for swimming, golf, travel, and cards.

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 481 Quaker Rd, North Falmouth, MA. A period of visitation will be held at church one hour prior to the Mass. Burial in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, c/o Saint Joseph of the Guardian Parish, 167 E. Falmouth Hwy., East Falmouth, MA 02536 are requested.