Shirley M. Mitchell

Shirley "Dixie" M. Mitchell, 73, of Sanford, died on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at Newton Center in Sanford due to complications from diabetes.Shirley was born on February 9, 1934 in Salem, MA to William and Shirley Norris Perkins. She grew up in Georgetown, MA where she attended local schools. On November 3, 1956, she married her husband Edward and together they raised seven sons. Mrs. Mitchell devoted her life to making a home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful and caring mother who always found a way to make things fun. She was an excellent cook and made sure that that skill was passed on to all of her children. Holidays were a very special for Shirley. She would put a lot of time into setting up elaborate holiday displays and preparing wonderful meals. Crafts were a favorite pastime of hers. She especially liked painting and making dolls. Mrs. Mitchell was quite a bargain hunter and raising a large family helped her to hone this skill. She could often be found searching for bargains at Marden's or at yard sales around town. Shirley will be remembered for her good sense of humor and for the love and devotion she showed toward her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Shirley was predeceased by two sons, Kevin and Frank Mitchell.Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Edward Mitchell of Sanford; her mother, Shirley Perkins of Haverhill, MA; five sons, Michael D. Mitchell of Sanford, Robert A. Mitchell of Sanford, Mark E. Mitchell of Sanford, Daniel J. Mitchell of Acton and Kenneth A. Mitchell of Sanford; a brother, James Perkins of Kingston, NH; a sister, Jane Cinceroully of Kingston, NH and many grandchildren.At Shirley's request, there will be no services. Arrangements are through Carll-Heald and Black Funeral Home in Springvale. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the American Diabetes Foundation, 80 Elm Street, Portland, ME, 04101. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please use the "condolences" tab to the left.