Michael P. Mullins

ASHBY-Michael P. Mullins, 68, of Ashby, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at UMASS Memorial Health Alliance Leominster Campus. Michael was born in Fitchburg, MA, on September 20, 1953, the son of the late, Robert C. and Doris F. (Bourgeois) Mullins. Michael leaves his wife of 45 years, Margaret R. (Gray) Mullins of Ashby, and is predeceased by his brother, James Mullins. Michael also leaves his brothers, Stephen Mullins, his wife Linda Perla-Mullins of Ashburnham and Thomas Mullins of Ashburnham, his sister, Colleen Esposito, and her husband Phil Esposito of Ashburnham, his sister-in-law, Jean Mullins of Ashby, and nieces and nephews, all of whom were dear to him. Michael was educated in Fitchburg, MA attending St. Bernard’s High School for two years, and Fitchburg High School for two years where he graduated in 1971. He continued his education at Mt. Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. Michael was a 5th grade teacher for forty-three years at the Applewild School in Fitchburg, MA, prior to his retirement in 2019. Michael’s passion for teaching was exemplified every day that he walked into his classroom. His main objective was to make learning fun for the 10-year old’s he taught. He was a science and nature enthusiast sharing that passion with his students through experiments and hands on learning when applicable. He used his love of language arts to bring the curriculum to life and expand his student’s knowledge. He was also a sports enthusiast, setting up intramural teams at Applewild so that all students had a well-rounded experience at school. Those fifth-grade students who were lucky to have Michael for a teacher, walked into sixth grade more knowledgeable. Everyone who met Michael, teachers, students, parents, friends, and his beloved family, are most grateful for his compassion, his warmth, his kindness, and his ever-present smile. Michael’s passion for science and the outdoors was not just contained to the classroom. He enjoyed fishing, mountain biking, skiing, kayaking, various music genres, and gardening. He was happiest when summering at his home in Bouctouche Bay, New Brunswick, Canada. Warm-hearted recollections are held by those who hiked, and cross-country skied with Michael during the fall and winter. Fishing for eel in Canada with family and friends, from his youthful days with family, to more recent times with family and friends, was an adventure that was worth taking. Most significantly, Michael’s love of family was closest to his heart. He was a devoted husband and a true-blue brother (and brother-in-law) to his sister and brothers and their spouses, who share many happy memories of Michael and their family times together. He was truly a “fun uncle” to his nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews, always taking the time to play and share interesting “tid bits” along the way. Michael will be missed but his spirit remains bright with all that knew him. Funeral services and burial in St. Dennis Cemetery in Ashburnham will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the UMASS Memorial Caregivers Fund at https://support.umassmemorial.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400&mfc_pref=T The Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St. is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com

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Michael P. Mullins

September 20, 1953 - February 1, 2022