Mary C. Mitchell

Old Orchard Beach

Mary C. Mitchell, 88, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

She was born in Somerville, Massachusetts on December 16, 1934, a daughter of Charles and Diamanto (Miliotis) Mitchell. She was educated in the Cambridge school system and graduated from Cambridge High and Latin School, class of 1952. As a young woman Mary was employed at a local box factory.

Mary married Charles Pappas in 1955 and was a deeply caring mother who raised three children, Stephanie, Charles and Jason. She went on to receive an associate's degree from Middlesex Community College, while raising her family and working as a waitress. After receiving her degree she took a position as office secretary with MIT, then later became office manager for the First Parish Unitarian Church in Harvard Square.  Mary had a heart for service and for helping others.  Later she volunteered with the at-risk girls program and was a foster grandparent in the vocational department of Lake Region High School in Naples.

After years as a single mother, Mary married James Bandouveres in 1991.  They vacationed in Maine regularly and decided to purchase a cottage on Lake Thompson making Maine their permanent home.  Later, they moved to a farmhouse in Poland and opened a Bed & Breakfast called The Cookie Farm.  Mary would bake for her guests, and she would also provide delicious treats for her many neighbors and friends in the community.  After retirement Mary and James moved to Naples where they met countless great friends.  Next move was to Cider Hill Condo Community in Old Orchard Beach, where Mary found wonderful friends in her new neighbors.

Mary had many hobbies and interests, and was exceptionally active throughout her whole life.  She enjoyed hiking, walking the beach at Ocean Park, yoga, golfing, tennis, and all forms of exercise.  She was an avid reader, belonging to two book clubs, and was the author of The Cookie Farm Cook Book published in 1996.   Mary took pleasure in gardening, cooking and baking.  Her beloved dog Spanky held a special place in her heart.

Most of all Mary loved spending time with family and friends. She will be dearly missed by many.

Mary was predeceased by her husband James Bandouveres, her parents Charles and Diamanto Mitchell, and her brother Harry Mitchell.

She is survived by her three children, Stephanie Pappas and partner Linda Campbell, Charles Pappas and wife Nancy, and Jason Pappas; by her children from her second marriage, Coni Janedy, Paul Bandouveres, and Harry Bandouveres; her grandchildren James, Alex, Cory, Derek, as well as other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Elaine Mitchell; her nephews Marc Mitchell and Doug Mitchell, her godchildren Angie Querido and Paul Galatis along with several more nephews, nieces, and extended family.

As Mary would say, whatever.  It is what it is.

Save the date: A celebration of life will take place from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on Saturday, August 19th at Cider Hill Club House, 2 Cider Hill Drive, Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's name to Hospice of Southern Maine www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/gosnell-memorial-hospice-house. Or Harvest Hills Animal Shelter www.harvesthills.org