SOUTH Paris – Mary Jean Hutchins, 83, of Bethel, died Thursday, March 8, at Market Square Health Care.

She was born in Weston, Mass., on Jan. 24, 1924, the daughter of Eugene J. and Clara (Twitchell) O’Leary. She was educated in parochial schools in Boston, Mass.

She was employed by Stowell’s Mill and Mann’s Mill, in Bryant Pond, and Ecko Wood Products in Greenwood. She owned and operated the Farmer’s Delle, on Route 26, in the early 90’s, and was the proprietor of “A Family Affair” bed and breakfast at her farm in Bryant Pond. She served as superintendent of Sunday school at the Bryant Pond Universalist Church, and was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader.

She was a member of the O.E.S. for over 60 years, having served in many capacities, including worthy matron. She was a volunteer driver for Community Concepts for many years, a former registered Maine guide, a Shriners lady, a member of the American Legion, charter member of the Community Lakes Association, lifetime member of the Bethel Historical Society, and also a member of the Bethel and Bryant Pond Senior Citizens.

She was an outstanding homemaker who loved to hunt and fish, loved to travel, and made many crocheted afghans for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She especially enjoyed Christmas.

She is survived by her loving husband, James (Jim), of Bethel; sons, Kevin Mills, of Milton, Joseph and Anna Mills, of Hyde Park, Mass., and David Hutchins, of Augusta; daughters, Eva Mills, of Greenwood, Katherine and Micheal Giunta, of Boston, Mass., Frances and David Head, of Bethel and Florida, Joan and William Roberts, of Florida and Bethel, Jean Kinum, of Amsterdam, N.Y., Karen MacKenzie, of Alabama, and Susan Hutchins, of Bethel; grandchildren, Mark, Shawn, Rory, Wanda, Tracy, Kimberly, Sarah, Richard, Christopher, Shannon, Dawn, Keri, Vincent, April, Michelle, Linda, Jermey, Kelsi, Joanna, Gordon, Christina, Allyson, Robbin, Mathew, and over 41 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Francis W. Mills; four brothers, Arthur, Louis, Jack and Eugene; and four sisters, Grace, Blanche, Claire and Patricia.