Portland - Joan L. Mitchell, 85, died peacefully in her sleep on December 12, 2016. She was born December 7, 1931, the daughter of Jerrold and Flora (Grant) Miles. Joan grew up in Hollis and attended local schools. In her 20's she started her long career with SD Warren, working various jobs, then moving to their Research Department, working with an electron microscope for over 25 years. After her second marriage at the age of 47, she took up gardening with her husband William. They became members of the American Hemerocallis Society, raising day lilies and having beautiful display gardens. Other interests they shared together were time with family, golfing, and dining out, especially breakfasts almost every day of the year. She was an incredible mother, her family was everything to her. She also had a heart for the needy. Joan is survived by her daughters, Sharon Hoyt and husband Max, Debra Libby and husband Rick; sons Steven Mitchell and significant other Steffanie, Randy Mitchell and wife Wendy; daughter-in-law Susan Jaynes; grandchildren Tammy Lewis, Angela Jensen and husband Jonathan, Alex Mitchell, Nathalie Mitchell, twins Molly and Jake Mitchell, Ashley Murray, Tina Smith: great grandchildren Devon, Adam, Jenessa, Seyena, Jackie, Tyler, Elizabeth, Jonathan, David, Amber and Lola; 3 great great grandchildren; sister Dorothy Albert and husband Ron. In addition to her parents, Joan is predeceased by husband William, son Dennis Cousens, grandson Ty Hutto, and a brother John Miles. A funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM on Sunday, December 18, at the North Congregational Church at Groveville, 22 Church Hill Rd., Buxton, where a period of visitation will be held from 1:30 PM until the time of the service. Burial will be in the spring. Memorial donations may be made in Joan's honor to the Children's Miracle Network, 205 West 700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84101 or to Preble Street, 38 Preble St., Portland, ME 04101.