BAR HARBOR - Janet Helen (McFarland) Mitchell passed away Sept. 7, 2009. She was born Feb. 21, 1941, to Edward and Jasmine (Higgins) McGarr. She married Alton L. Mitchell Jr., June 11, 1960, and recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. Janet was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She enjoyed her family and had a full life with many hobbies and interests. Janet enjoyed meeting and greeting her many customers at Town & Country clothing store for the eight plus years she worked there. She also enjoyed many years working as a certified nurse's aide, helping to care for the elderly. She co-founded "Santa's Workshop" with her husband, brother and sister-in-law, a non-profit project that delivered gifts at Christmas to nursing home residents and shut-ins on Mount Desert Island. Janet owned and operated several businesses throughout the years, but was forced to retire due to illness. Janet is survived by her loving husband, Alton of Bar Harbor; son, Greggory D. Mitchell and wife, Janet, of Bucksport; daughters, Terri M. Mitchell of Bangor and Jennie R. Mitchell and fianc?, Brian Dubois, of Old Town. Janet's greatest joys were her grandchildren, R. Christopher Mitchell, Max Alton Mitchell, Nathan Patrick Detour and Ruby Jasmine Avato. Janet is also survived by brothers, Paul and former sister-in-law, Margo, Richard and wife, Bobbi, Jim and wife, Paula, and Ted McFarland; and sister-in-law, Theolyn Gilley and husband, Clayton. She had many nieces and nephews across the country and loved them all. Janet leaves special friend, Annie Wheaton and niece, Denise Buzzell, both of Bar Harbor, who were very dear to her. Nana will also be missed by canine companions, Stanley, Dottie and Peppercorn. Janet was predeceased by her parents; sister, Betty; brothers, Gene, David and Arthur; her firstborn son, Alton L. Mitchell III in 1961; and grandson, Ryan Daniel Detour in 2002. Janet's family thanks Dr. Lee Haynes, Dr. Mark Brown, Dr. Meryl Nass, Joyce, her special health care nurse, and the many aides who visited for their care and comfort. Also special thanks to the third floor staff at Mount Desert Island Hospital, Emergency Department, the crew at Dr. Haynes' office and the staff at Sonogee Estates. The family also thanks Janet's many friends, family members and care providers for their expressions of kindness during her illness. You are too many to mention. There will be no funeral at Janet's request. A celebration of Janet's life will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Malvern Belmont Estates, 80 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bar Harbor Ambulance Service or Ryan Daniel Detour Memorial Scholarship, care of Bangor Savings Bank, 89 Main St., Bucksport, ME 04416. The scholarship is given to a worthy student and wrestler graduating from Bucksport High School in memory of Janet's grandson. Arrangements by Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Ellsworth.