Elise “Lisa” Strawbridge, Larry M. Mitchell

Carrie Jones

Jul 27, 2025

Note: “People We’ve Lost” is a feature of the Bar Harbor Story where we share obituaries of people that the island lost in the previous 1-2 weeks. We’re doing this because we think everyone deserves to be remembered as widely as possible. If you have an obituary for a loved one or friend that you can’t afford to place in other spaces, please let us know and we’ll share it here for you.

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Elise “Lisa” Strawbridge

Charlestown, Massachusetts and Northeast Harbor

Elise “Lisa” Strawbridge (née McIlvaine), 79, passed away on July 16th, 2025, surrounded by family and faithful hounds in her beloved Northeast Harbor, ME. She was born in Philadelphia on July 6, 1946, to Leighton H. and Elise R. McIlvaine. Lisa graduated from Miss Porter’s School (Farmington) in 1964 and Briarcliff College in 1968 with a degree in French. She married her childhood friend, Norris Strawbridge of Philadelphia, on January 10, 1970. They had 55 happy years of partnership and companionship, raising two daughters and a multitude of beloved pets.

She had a successful career in publishing and marketing, including becoming the first female marketing account executive in the City of Boston and managing public relations for Reebok during the 1988 Human Rights Now! World Tour, traveling and working with the artists and various local and international media. Lisa was an avid hiker, windsurfer, and rollerblader with a love of music and fashion. She sang in the choir at St. John’s Church in Charlestown and St Mary’s and St. Jude’s Church in Northeast Harbor.

She was greatly loved by her friends and family for her immense love of life, humor, warmth, and considerable kindness. She will be profoundly missed by her friends and family. She is survived by her husband Norris, their two daughters, Alexandra N. Strawbridge and Skylar R. Strawbridge–Pappalardo, her sons-in-law, Dr. Zachary E. Lawrence and Maximilian P. Pappalardo, and two dogs, Mack and Jack.

Services will be announced in the future.

Those who desire may make contributions in Lisa’s memory to Camp Beech Cliff, P.O. Box 381, Mt. Desert, ME 04660 or St. John’s Episcopal Church, 27 Devens St., Charlestown, MA 02129.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

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Larry M. Mitchell

Hancock and Southwest Harbor

Larry M. Mitchell, 77, of Hancock, Maine, passed away peacefully at home on July 10, 2025. He was born on May 19, 1948, in Ellsworth, the middle son of Arthur L. and Myrtle (Jordan) Mitchell.

Larry grew up in Hancock and Southwest Harbor and graduated from Pemetic High School in 1967. After high school, he joined the Naval Reserves and later transitioned to active duty in the United States Navy, proudly serving during the Vietnam War. He was deeply honored to serve his country and remained a lifelong advocate for veterans.

Following his military service, Larry began a career in law enforcement with the Southwest Harbor Police Department. He rose through the ranks from patrolman to lieutenant, eventually serving as acting chief. He took great pride in his work and his service to the community.

Larry later opened D&M Painting, a contractor that worked with the Department of Defense. After many successful years, he went on to open the Hancock Redemption Center, where he provided jobs for many local residents. Larry was known as a hardworking, generous man who remained active in his community throughout his life.

He was a founding member of American Legion Post #207 in Trenton, Maine, where he held several leadership positions, including Post Commander. His dedication to veterans and public service was a defining part of his character.

Larry also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs. His beloved companion Taz was with him for 17 years and held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his nephew Danny Mitchell Jr. and his wife Rosalie; his niece Terri Colson and her husband Kenneth all of Gouldsboro. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Joyce Mitchell and her daughters Robin Hennigan and Tracy Crane.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Danny A. Mitchell and Gary L. Mitchell; and his sister-in-law Charlotte (Stewart) Mitchell.

A graveside service will be held at Mount Heights Cemetery in Southwest Harbor on Sept. 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend.