Mildred Evelyn Maurer

Mildred Evelyn Maurer ("Mim"), 99, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, died on September 16, 2026. She was the wife of the late Robert Glenn Maurer.

Born in Hoboken, NJ, on March 10, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Hill and Mildred (Young) Ball. She grew up in Orange, NJ, graduating from Orange High School in 1945. Her graduating class was referred to as the "War Class" because they started as freshmen in 1941 when the United States entered World War 2 and graduated as seniors in 1945 when the war ended. As a young woman she completed additional education at the Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School and soon began a career as a secretary at the Mars Company, home of M&Ms candies. In 1951, she married Robert Maurer, a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps from South Orange, NJ, and they moved to California. Upon Bob's discharge from the Marine Corps as a 1st Lieutenant, they lived in Maplewood, NJ, Cherry Hill, NJ, and finally Portsmouth, RI. Along the way they raised three children, forged many long-lasting friendships, and stayed in touch with siblings and their families scattered around the country.

Mim found great comfort and reward in the church community of the Evangelical Friends Church in nearby Middletown, RI. She became an integral member of the congregation, serving as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and the Church Secretary. She enjoyed sharing her home with family, friends, and visitors, sometimes hosting visiting missionaries or church guests for meals or short stays. She enjoyed sharing her faith in Christ with this church community for over 50 years. In her younger years, she and her husband Bob were active bowlers. Mim also enjoyed nature's beauty in the garden and was a longtime member of the Portsmouth Garden Club. Her yard was always a full spectrum of color. She was an active member of the Newport County Women's Club, volunteered at the soup kitchen at Newport's First Presbyterian Church, and was involved in numerous Bible Studies with friends and church members.

Mildred is survived by a brother, Nelson Ball, of Westboro, MA; her children, Lynn Schumacher (Frederick) of Frederick, MD, John Maurer (Sarah) of Westfield, MA, and David Maurer of Portsmouth; two granddaughters, Kathryn Schumacher (Johannes Strom) of Pleasant Ridge, MI, and Kristine Davis (Seth) of Houston, TX; and six great grandchildren, Andreas, Hilda, and Ingrid, Myra, Aaron and Lydia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mildred is preceded in death by her parents, Hill and Mildred Ball, her husband Robert, and siblings James Ball, Stephen Ball, and Gladys Losch.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, October 3, from 10 to 11 AM at the Evangelical Friends Church, 70 Bliss Mine Road, Middletown, RI. Her celebration of life will follow in the Church at 11 AM. A luncheon will follow in Fellowship Hall. Burial will be private.

Donations in Mildred's memory may be made to Evangelical Friends Church, 70 Bliss Mine Road, Middletown, RI 02842, or Samaritan's Purse.