Obituary of Mildred Anne Mitton

It is with heavy hearts that the family of M. Anne Mitton (née Banks) announces her passing on April 25, 2026, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB.

The daughter of Edward Banks and Mildred Garnett, Anne’s narrative began on the dining room table on June 17, 1940, at a farm on the outskirts of Saint John – a fitting start to a life that became rooted in story. Anne’s early years were filled with love, family, and the seasonal rhythms of farm life, along with challenges that helped build the strength of character that would come to define her. Even as a young girl, Anne knew that she wanted to be a teacher, often lining up her dolls and teddy bears to recreate the lessons she had learned at school. She graduated from Teachers’ College in 1959, which marked the beginning of a long and fulfilling career as an educator.

Anne married Allan in 1963 and the two made their home in Fredericton, where both her family and her career would take root. In the spring of 1967, they welcomed twin daughters — a joyful and unexpected arrival, as they had been preparing for a single 10-pound baby boy. Although the early months with twins brought their share of chaos (and the occasional mix-up), they soon settled into a cadence that would shape some of Anne’s most cherished years of her life.  Janet and Jillian gave light and meaning to her days and were a sheltering presence in her life. Her most precious gifts were her grandchildren, whom she often called the “sunshine for my soul”.

As her family grew, so too did her work as an educator. A lifelong learner, Anne continued her education and earned both her Bachelor and Master of Education degrees from the University of New Brunswick. Over the years, she worked as a teacher, a literacy specialist, a methods and resource consultant, and a writing enrichment instructor. Her passion for teaching and dedication to learners continued long after retirement, as she went on to mentor and inspire others through writing workshops and advanced adult writing classes.

Anne was a truly gifted poet, short-story writer, playwright, and a master storyteller. She had a way of transporting readers and audiences through time and place, bringing to life the characters she created. Her works have been published in anthologies and literary magazines across Canada, and she authored three plays which have been performed professionally. Her own anthology of short stories entitled “Inside Stories” was published in 1993. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society for over 40 years, winning their “Influential Woman Award” in 2018. She also received the Beta Sigma Phi “Woman of the Year” award in 2016.

Anne’s talents were not confined to the written word. In her early years, she was an accomplished athlete, playing volleyball, basketball, badminton, and competing in track and field, and gymnastics. That same energy and drive carried through to her coaching, where she led the New Brunswick Women’s Gymnastics Team at the 1967 Canada Winter Games and the New Brunswick Track and Field Team at the Summer Games.

Above all else, Anne was a deeply loyal friend. With love, wisdom, and a great deal of humour, she was the steady north star to those she held dear. Her generosity knew no bounds. She was there in moments of joy and in times of hardship, always with a thoughtful gift and a card with just the right words. She seemed to know exactly what was needed, whether to comfort or to encourage, to praise or to guide. People mattered to Anne, and she showed it in abundance through both her words and actions.  She will forever be an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Allan Mitton; twin daughters, Jillian Mitton (Bruce Dean) and Janet Englehart (Kevin); her grandchildren, Lucas Longarini, Benjamin Englehart, Jonah Longarini, Sarah Englehart, and Will Englehart; step grandchildren, Catie Dean and Becca Dean; her chosen brother Ron Buck and several cousins, nieces, nephew and Godchildren. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Jean and her beloved brother, Harry Banks.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors who helped prolong Anne’s life over the years — Dr. Karyn Broad, Dr. Anne Colpitts, Dr. Nancy Kang, and Dr. Lachelle Noftall. Sincere thanks as well to the wonderful nurses and staff on 3SW at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, and an extra special thank you to Dr. Abobakar Al-Amoodi and Horizon’s angel, Dr. Lacey Blyth, for their exceptional care and compassion.

In Anne’s own words, “I leave this world surrounded by love and on a cloud of gratitude. I have joined the many dear friends who have influenced my life; Barbara McNeven, Pauline Lewis, Bonnie Grant, Jerry MacFarlane and Shirley-Dale Easley”.

Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Friday, May 22 between 7 and 9 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association or your charity of choice.

All are invited to a celebration in honour of Anne’s life at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery on Saturday, May 23 at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow between 3 and 5 pm.