Mibs Pell frequently declared that she was never bored. A lifelong artist and art-lover, she packed her 98 years with as much creativity as she could. She was extremely gifted in both performance and visual arts. At different periods in her life she was a dancer, potter, sculptor, clothing designer, and painter actively creating her own work in her studio as well as appreciating the work of others. Mibs never lost her joy of movement. Even after injury caused her to stop dancing, she would be moving to the music in her seat at concerts and musicals. She passed away on March 31 at the age of 98 at Scott Farrar in Peterborough, NH where she lived the last 2 years enjoying new friendships and warm, friendly caregivers.

Born Mildred Catharine Pell in 1927, Mibs grew up in Marshalltown, Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa with a Fine Arts degree. There, she took great pride in her involvement as a drummer and a dancer in the all-female Scottish Highlander marching band.

She loved to cook and entertain and was accomplished at both. She fed her children health food rather than any of the wonderful sugary treats they saw in their friends’ homes long before it became a thing. When Mibs entertained she had a particular habit; she refused to do the dishes until the following morning in order to ‘savor the memories of the previous evening’ while washing up, much to the dismay of her grown children.

Quakerism was an important part of her life and Mibs attended Friends Meetings wherever she lived. Her faith included a passion and drive for activism that led her to participate in protests for fair housing, civil rights, and ending the war in Vietnam. She fearlessly shared her deep sense of justice without hesitation.

In her 70’s, she became a licensed yoga instructor, keeping herself healthy and strong while inspiring others to begin their practices. She taught for several decades until the COVID lockdown closed the Bond Center in Peterborough, ending her yoga career at an admirable 92 years of age. Throughout her years of teaching, many of her students became close friends who stayed in contact over the years.

Although she didn’t speak the language fluently, Mibs was a passionate Francophile. She loved everything about France and the French and her ears perked up when hearing the language spoken in public. She made several trips to France and Switzerland during her life, relishing the opportunity to absorb the culture and a glass of good Sancerre.

Mibs is survived by her four children, Dana Wood, Ben Wood, Sarah Goodman, and Megan Wood, their partners, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. The family will be having a private celebration of life in May, with healthy food, a glass of Sancerre, and perhaps a Sun Salutation or two. They may or may not do dishes immediately after the meal.