PENOBSCOT NATION, INDIAN ISLAND – It is with much sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of our father and friend, Dr. Theodore N. Mitchell, Feb. 8, 2009. He was born Nov. 20, 1919, son of the late Theodore Bear and Mildred (McKenney) Mitchell. We take comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with our beloved mother in our creator’s garden of eternal peace and love. Ted is survived by 13 children, Sandra (Mitchell) Broschard and her husband, Ralph, of Somers Point, N.J., T. Dana Mitchell of Indian Island, Eugene J. Mitchell of Indian Island, Stephen E. Mitchell and his wife, Debbie, of Chapachet, R.I., Nancy J. Mitchell of Indian Island, Rick Mitchell of Bangor, Marie Mitchell, Elaine (Mitchell) Vermette and her husband, Mike, Maryellen (Mitchell) Sockabasin and her husband, Patrick, and Wayne T. Mitchell, all of Indian Island, Kevin S. Mitchell of West Palm Beach, Fla., Natalie S. Michelle of Winterport and Carl G. Mitchell and his wife, Yvonne, of Bangor. Ted is also survived by a sister, Hilda (Mitchell) Gray of Indian Island; one brother, Gerry N. Mitchell of Alabama; 34 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, as well as more than 70 nieces and nephews. Ted also leaves behind many dear friends and colleagues too numerous to mention, but not forgotten. Ted was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years, Eleanor Mary (Dana) Mitchell; one son, Howard D. Mitchell; his parents, Theodore Bear and Mildred (McKenney) Mitchell; two sisters, Adelyn and Thelma; and five brothers, Lawrence, Richard, John, Warren and Matthew Mitchell, all of Indian Island. Ted’s whole life was spent on Indian Island; he and his beloved wife worked whatever jobs they could to support their family and never once asked for or received assistance from the state welfare Indian agent. Mother took in other people’s laundry and cleaned other people’s homes while PaPa worked construction and hand-sewed shoes at night to make extra money. As his children aged and began to leave home, Ted returned to college taking classes at night and working full-time days in construction. He finished his degrees and went into the field of higher education full time. Ted spent the last 40 years of his life fighting for and supporting Native American students in higher education and as a result of his drive, commitment and tenacity more than 360 students from the four Wabanaki Tribes in Maine have received a post-secondary education, indeed many have gone on to advanced degrees in medicine, law, science, education, mathematics and engineering. His support of his students never wavered. The many Native American students who knew Ted will attest to his dogged pursuit for them to succeed academically and he was very proud of them when they fulfilled their academic goals. Ted’s legacy in American Indian education lives on in his dream that came to fruition in 1991 at the University of Maine, Orono. Through his tireless and persistent efforts, the Wabanaki Native American Center was established along with an accredited Native American Studies program to serve not only the needs of Native American students, but also to educate the non-native public of the significant and innumerable contributions Native Americans have made in Maine and the country. Throughout his academic career, Ted received many highly distinguished awards and honors, but to him those were not as important as the academic success of “his” Native American students. Their success meant more to him than any plaque or honor. Ted received the following honors and awards: Steve Gould Award for Outstanding and Distinguished Service to the University of Maine and its Ideals in 1993, Professional Employees Advisory Council Award for Distinguished Community Service in 1986, Dexter Huntoon Distinguished Fellow Award for Outstanding Teaching, Knowledge, Passion and Concern for Humanity in 1989, FAME Distinguished Service Award in Higher Education for Native Americans in 1994, Jefferson Award for Distinguished Public Service in 1997, title of director emeritus at the Wabanaki Center in 1999, Houlton Band of Maliseets Distinguished Service Award in 1999, Penobscot Nation Distinguished Service Award for the Support of and Dedication to Native American Students and finally, the most important to him, the Native American Student Alumni Distinguished Service Award for support of Native American Students in 2004. The family especially thanks Lizzy LaCoote for her loving, considerate and meaningful care she gave PaPa throughout these past few years. He loved and enjoyed her company immensely and thought of her as a daughter. The family is forever grateful for all she has done. We would also like to thank the wonderful staff at St. Joseph Hospital for their care and concern they are truly wonderful people. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A memorial celebration of Ted’s life will be held noon Wednesday, Feb. 11, at St. Ann’s Church, Indian Island, with the Rev. Thomas Farley officiating. The family asks that those who wish make donations in Ted’s memory to the Wabanaki Center, care of the University of Maine, Orono. Immediately after the service on Wednesday the family would like to invite everyone for light refreshments and continued fellowship at the community building on Indian Island. Arrangements by Birmingham Funeral Home, Old Town.
DR. THEODORE NORRIS MITCHELL
