SOUTH PARIS – Phyllis Arlene White Mitchell, 79, quietly passed away Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Market Square Health Care in South Paris.

She was born in Lewiston, Oct. 16, 1928, the daughter of Elmer White and Gladys Littlefield White. She graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn.

Phyllis married Wendell D. Mitchell in 1948, and they shared 53 years together. Wendell passed away on Jan 4, 2001.

Along with raising three rambunctious sons, Phyllis held several diverse jobs. She was a gifted floral arranger in her uncle’s greenhouse on Park Street in Auburn and later opened Mitchell’s greenhouse in Mechanic Falls. She was a short order cook and a community aide in Mechanic Falls. She enjoyed gardening, knitting and caring for her cat, Sam.

She was able to live by herself until her last few months .

Survivors include a sister, Doris Watkins of Auburn; three sons, Bruce and Allen, both of Mechanic Falls, and Donald of South Waterford; 10 adult grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister, Mildred White.