Mary P. (Lowney) Mitchell, 76, of New Bedford died surrounded by her loving family on March 26, 2025 after a period of declining health.

Born in New Bedford, the only child of Daniel and Alice (Finnell) Lowney, Mary went on to live a life of purpose and service, despite multiple medical obstacles put in her way. She was predeceased by her husband Timothy Mitchell, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. She was the loving mother of Martha Mitchell of Norwood, MA, Daniel Mitchell and his wife Julia (Parodi) of Manchester, NH and Matthew Mitchell and his wife Adrianne (Deveau) of New Bedford, MA and a doting Grammy to Clare, Nora, and Breckin Mitchell. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as Ambrose "Skip", Margo, Rita Mary, and John Finnell who lovingly referred to her as their "only cousin."

After completing her degree at Regis College, she, like her mother, briefly taught in the New Bedford Public Schools. After raising her own children, countless others came to know and love Mrs. Mitchell at St. James St. John School. In her various roles there she healed wounds, delivered forgotten lunches, dried tears, arranged pick up plans, and gave comforting hugs.

Her life of service and her commitment to her Catholic faith were inseparable. She served many years in the National Council of Catholic Women, the Diocesean Council of Catholic Women, the Catholic Woman's Club, and other faith-based organizations. It was rare to see Mary without her knitting needles, and there are literally hundreds of people who were blessed with a "Mary Mitchell Original" knitted item. Later in life she found great joy and purpose in knitting items for the St. Luke's Hospital maternity ward, meaning so many, upon entering this world were greeted by her love, talent, and generosity.

Mary touched so many lives, that we may never know the full extent. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Teresa of Calcutta School, 180 Orchard St., New Bedford, MA 02740.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, April 6th, from 3-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 7th, at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.  For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.