FARMINGTON — Beatrice (Betty) Christina Henderson Mitchell, 91, of Maxwell Road, Wilton, died peacefully, or as she would have said, “slipped off the raft” on Feb. 28, with her family by her side, at Pinewood Terrace, where she had resided for the past year.

She was born Feb. 26, 1920, in Newton Center, Mass., the daughter of the Rev. Albert and Margaret (Curran) Henderson. She graduated from Farmington High School in 1937, and obtained her teaching degree from Farmington Normal School. After teaching in Sanford and Rangeley, she married Chester Augustus Mitchell, D.O., on Oct. 3, 1943.

They lived in Farmington until 1948, and moved to Wilton, where Chet continued his medical practice which lasted for almost 50 years, with Betty often serving as office manager.

Betty was a caring homemaker and served faithfully in the First Congregational Church of Wilton. She sang in and directed the choir for many years and was asked to sing at many funerals and weddings. She also taught Sunday school, served on numerous committees, helped to organize the Blueberry Bazaar, which eventually grew to become the annual Wilton Blueberry Festival, hosted Bible studies well into her 80s and is especially remembered for her “Christopher Churchmouse” stories told at Christmas Eve services to several generations of children.

Betty was also very active in the community, having been a substitute school teacher, Cub Scout den mother, a lifetime member of the Tyngtown Club, Eastern Star, Wilton Book Club, Wilton Food Pantry and volunteered endless hours at the Wilton Free Public Library.

Betty is survived by her brother, Dr. Milton E. Henderson and his wife, Donna of Melrose, Mass.; sister-in-law, Arlene Henderson of New Freedom, Pa.; daughter, Sally Mitchell and Larry Souther of Livermore Falls; son, Kent and his wife, Patty of Jay; son, Jeffrey and Laura Woodbury of Farmington; and son, David and his wife, Susan of Farmington. She also leaves eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Chet in 1992; and brother, Dr. Albert H. “Bus” Henderson in 1979.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to caregivers Pam Brown and Deb Harvell and to the staff at Pinewood Terrace for the wonderful, loving care they provided to our mother.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.