Mimi was born in Summit, New Jersey, and graduated from Summit High School. She attended Wells College in upstate New York and graduated Magna cum Laude from Drew University with a B.A. in economics. Her graduate studies led to a master’s in clinical social work from Rutgers University. Mimi pursued further psychiatric training at NYCPT. She went on to serve in hospital psychiatric units, county mental health clinics, and to conduct a satisfying private practice. Mimi also served on the New Jersey Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners from 1984 to 1993.
Mimi married Edward G. Morin on July 2, 1949. She referred to the years raising her children as “most precious of all.” Mimi and Edward raised their children in Chatham, New Jersey, and lived overseas in Rome, the Netherlands, and London as members of Exxon’s “foreign legion.” Mimi believed their foreign travel broadened their horizons while also giving them the opportunity to be “unofficial, unpaid American diplomats.” She volunteered at the International School of the Hague in the Netherlands, and served as an adoption aide for Planned Parenthood in London. Mimi’s background, accomplishments, and dedication to others made her a pillar of every community she lived in, including, most recently, Sentry Hill in York, Maine.
Mimi spent her adult life serving people in the community. She was in college during World War II when many young men were called upon to serve. This created a hardship for many farmers across the nation. As a member of the Women’s Land Army of Upper New York State, she and other women contributed their labor on area farms, maintaining, planting, and harvesting the crops. Mimi devoted her weekends to the farmers, and became a welldisciplined scholar at college during the week.
Mimi volunteered for the local Red Cross, providing transportation, driving an ambulance, scheduling, and other duties. She also volunteered in her community to help improve communication between the Board of Education and the general public. Mimi volunteered for the League of Women Voters doing research on candidates’ positions and proposed legislation. She also contributed actively to her church. She taught Sunday school, facilitated discussion groups, and served as a representative at a national conference.
One of her most challenging and exhilarating experiences was serving on the Board of Directors for a new kind of YMCA. It became a Full Family Area Y, serving all ages, including children, women, and men, dedicated to nurturing a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Mimi was proud of her part in this process. She believed that “individuals are precious, and families are the foundation of all enduring societies.”
Mimi was predeceased by her parents, her aunt Eleanor Van de Water, her infant daughter Kathryn, her husband Edward, and her nephew Harry Donovan.
She is survived by her children Edward G. Morin of Wells, Maine, Constance Morin of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, and Elinore G. Morin of East Lansing, Michigan; grandchildren Elizabeth M. Campbell and Julian and Adrian Birge. Mimi is also survived by her sister-in-law Constance Donovan of Georgetown, Maine, and her children Kaja and Thomas of Georgetown, Maine, Robert of Embden, Maine, and Gail Kesich of Portland, Maine.
Late in life Mimi lost her sight to macular degeneration and much of her hearing. She was able to stay in her own home with the love and support of her family, her physicians, and helpers and caregivers who were rapidly converted into lifetime friends. The staff of Sentry Hill ensured her safety and wellbeing, and enriched her life with their care and kindness.
Contributions in Mimi’s memory can be made to the Iris Network or the American Heart Association.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kennebunk. Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com.
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