AUBURN – Barbara A. Mitchell, 83, of Auburn, formerly of Calais, Maine, died Monday, June 22, 2026 at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester.

She leaves four daughters, Bernice Neal of Westbrook, Maine, Tina Cain of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Crystal Thomas of Worcester, MA and Christina Pollak of Bethel, Maine. She also leaves her 9 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her younger sister, Shirley Shane of Cornish, Maine her and brother Elwood Mitchell of Princeton, Maine leaving her youngest sister, Sally Mitchell of Farmington, Maine.

She was predeceased by her former husband, Chester A. Doudey. She was born in Big Lake Township (also called Plantation 21), Washington County, Maine, daughter of Foster E. and Phyllis B. (Polk) Mitchell. 

Barbara worked in housekeeping for 25 years at Calais Regional Hospital in Calais, Maine. She also worked in Assisted living as a PCA for 2 years while holding down a third job at McDonalds where she worked as a cook.

She enjoyed laughter, light and easy conversations.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and could make almost anyone laugh.  She also enjoyed getting up early on her days off to go yard saling with her mother.   She had a smile that would light up your face as her big blue eyes would twinkle at you.  Just as sure as she could make you laugh, she could square her shoulders in the most challenging situations.  Raising four girls successfully as a single mother, her daughters often referred to her as “Drill Sargent!”  She was indeed the captain of her own ship.  Barbara made it clear that her favorite holiday was Christmas and often recalled stories of how her children would sneak up into the attic to jimmy the lock in order to peek at the gifts.

Barbara enjoyed her fair share, and perhaps more than that of ice cream.  I think it was a toss-up as she equally enjoyed her seafood.  It didn’t matter what kind it was; she would eat it whether it was hot outside, or a blizzard.  Her children would refer to has “bonbon” because she always looked forward to something sweet to eat.

In her younger years and latter years, she would enjoy bike riding and speed walking until her mobility became comprised.  More than anything, she strongly believed in family and was a devoted Christian woman who raised her children in the church.  Today she is rejoicing in heaven with a new body and legs that allow to run without limitations.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any substance abuse organization.