Mary Mitchell (nee Silva), age 70, of Bristol, RI and Boston, MA, passed away on February 20, 2026. She was born in Bristol in 1955 to the late Mary Gloria Silva.

She attended Bristol High School, then received a Bachelor of Science at the University of Rhode Island and later a Master of Science at Framingham State College. Following her undergraduate years, Mary volunteered for the US Peace Corps and served in the Dominican Republic providing nutrition education and dietary counseling to improve the health of the community. She spent her career as a dietician and for many years worked for the Boston Medical Center aiding children as part of their Growth and Development Department. She retired from the hospital in 2020.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Capt. William T. Mitchell of the Boston Harbor Pilots. She is survived by her siblings Ida Silva, Joseph Silva, Louis (Colleen) Silva, Marian (Hank) Beckman, Belmira (Lou) McGowan, Lucy Silva, and Susan (Bruce) Derksen. She also leaves numerous nephews and nieces, and her adoring partner, Bob Arpin.

Mary was an avid gardener and, with her husband, spent many hours tending to the Concord Square community garden. They were also frequent travelers, who were equally committed to their neighborhood. As part of Mary’s humanitarian nature, she was a sponsor to several international students. She welcomed them and cherished being part of their support system as they acclimated to an unfamiliar country. Mary retired to Bristol and loved the town as much as Boston. She enjoyed many hours at Colt State Park and participated in many of the town’s treasured activities.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street, Bristol, RI, on Saturday, March 7, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.