Ethel-Jean (Jean) Mirchel, age 91, of Southold, passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2016, in the presence of her family. Mother of six and cherished Oma to 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Frank A. Mirchel (2006), and son, “Kelly” Frank A.C. Mirchel (2004).
Longtime resident of Port Washington, Jean raised six kids there while maintaining an “open door” and became a second mother to many of her children’s friends. She excelled at multitasking—working in her husband’s home dental practice as well as being a community activist who spearheaded and engaged in numerous projects. In recognition of her years of community service, Port Washington cited her as Citizen of the Year in 1986. That same year, Jean and husband, Frank, retired to Southold.
Settling into retirement, Jean first got involved locally with the Horton Point Lighthouse, a well-recognized historic landmark and educational program. Active with the Southold Garden Club and with the Herb Society, she helped in the development of both the town garden and the herb garden at the Thomas Moore house. An avid reader, she was also a well-known volunteer at the town Book Cottage.
Jean was also an active member at Advent Lutheran Church in Mattituck and their outreach program Maureen’s Haven (now John’s Place) in Mattituck. She was a faithful volunteer for years with CAST.
Jean found great joy in community activities, especially the camaraderie of coworkers and interaction with all those who came to enjoy the lighthouse, the gardens, the books and all which the great town of Southold had to offer. Her greatest joy was her loving family. At the end of the day, Jean was often heard saying with a sigh, “I just love living here!”
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 14, at 11:30 a.m. at the Advent Lutheran Church, Legion Avenue, Mattituck. Pastor George Summers of Advent Lutheran Church and Rev. Dr. Charles Vogeley of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Port Washington will officiate.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Soundview Restaurant, 58775 Route 48, Greenport.
Interment will be private at Cutchogue Cemetery.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to: East End Hospice,
481 Westhampton-Riverhead Rd., PO Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY, 11978-7048; Southold Fire Department, Attention: Rescue Squad, PO Box 908, Southold, NY, 11971; or Horton Point Lighthouse, PO Box 1, Southold, NY, 11971.
