Patricia Ruel Mitchell

Patricia Mitchell passed peacefully on Islesboro on March 6, 2026. She was just where she wanted to be - "on the right side of the ocean."

Pat was born on December 3, 1934, in Plymouth, New Hampshire to Patrick and Elsie Ruel. She and her brother Jim grew up in Meredith where they enjoyed swimming, socializing, and dancing a mean jitterbug.

After having her oldest four children, Pat returned to college and became a teacher. This was only one of the ways that Pat showed the strength of her character and self reliance throughout her life. She was the best example of stubbornness, smarts, and success you can imagine. Above all, Pat was a keen observer, which gave her insight on people, an eye for design, and routines that worked for her.

Years later, she met the love of her life, John Mitchell, and they added to the family with a baby girl. The Mitchells lived in Center Sandwich, New Hampshire and Marietta, Georgia, enjoying hobbies such as playing tennis, gardening, and hosting pool parties together. She was the "second mother" to more than one family friend. Pat was an excellent cook, and could often be found whipping up her delicious pumpkin bread or "Aunt Pat brownies". In 2000, Pat and John retired to the island of Islesboro, where John grew up.

Pat adopted Islesboro as home by becoming very involved in groups such as the Sewing Circle, where her pillows and bags were recognizable in style, the Ambulance Association, and the Alice Pendleton Library. She enjoyed the close friendships that island living creates, which were especially meaningful after John's passing. Living well, not just long, was Pat's passion, and you could find her on a yoga mat or at a Zumba class most days right up until the few months before her passing. Her boundless energy and constant movement were a wonder to all who met her and found out her age.

Pat and John were a couple who did almost everything together. They enjoyed travel, antiques, and supported one another in their individual interests. She was a problem-solver. Pat was a lover of information and research, and she was up-to-date on new technology, often teaching her children and grandchildren about a new feature on their iPhone. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who would give her time and energy in order to better the lives of her family.

Pat was predeceased by her parents, loving husband John, brother Jim Ruel, sisters-in-law Katherine Gray, Ruth Hartley, and Virginia Mitchell, brother-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, special nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Islesboro Health Center for the ongoing and exceptional care given to Pat. Also, to the staff at Boardman Cottage, we are grateful for the warm embrace of our entire family by your welcoming and competent staff.

A service will be planned for this summer on Islesboro. If you would like to make a donation in Pat's honor, please donate to: Islesboro Health Center 150 Main Road Islesboro, ME 04848