Obituary of William J. Mulherin

WINDSOR - Dr. William (Bill) James Mulherin, DC, 83, died peacefully in his sleep at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, with family by his side. Bill was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 8th, 1935, the son of Joseph Anthony and Grace (Brown) Mulherin. Bill, whom his siblings called "Mel", graduated local schools before enlisting in the Army in 1954, serving as a Military Policeman at Fort Dix, NJ Company C. In 1970, Bill married Juanita M. Upham in Wells, Maine. It was love at first site for Bill and Juanita and their love was contagious. Bill's favorite saying to Juanita was, "Oh honey, you make my liver quiver!," and her unfailing response was, "Oh Bill!" He brought five children into the marriage, Juanita had four and together they had one daughter. Bill was a life-long learner who earned multiple degrees and certificates in the medical field. Bill completed training as an Occupational Therapist with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, a BS in Professional Arts from St. Joseph's College in Standish, Maine, earning his RN doing clinical rounds at Central Maine Hospital in Lewiston. Bill later earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa. Bill and Juanita owned and operated a boarding/nursing home for many years before Bill left that business to pursue a career as a Chiropractor. Initially, Bill worked in Winslow for Dr. Lawler before opening his own chiropractic office in Augusta. After a few years, Bill and Juanita decided to move out of the city, but not too far, to Windsor where he hung his shingle until he retired. Bill had a passion for whole body wellness, spirituality and meditation. For this reason, he loved chiropractic work. His patients adored him as he offered "common sense medicine" and treatment without medication. He often befriended many of his patients. Bill was known for not even allowing aspirin in the house; "medicine is not the cure, it is the problem," Bill would say. He was ahead of his time when it came to healing as naturally as possible. A favorite saying of Bill's was, "if you see someone without a smile, give them yours." He was quick witted, had a robust laugh, great smile and loved to talk about anything intellectually stimulating. Bill was known as a man who thought outside the box! He loved talking about the history of the bible and before Christ. He was very interesting and intelligent, having a way with words that allowed him to talk to anyone without sounding like he knew more than others. Those who knew Bill founded him a down-to-earth, common sense guy! Folks young and old loved his crazy, spontaneous humor. Bill enjoyed many hobbies and activities in addition to helping others, and was a member of the American Legion, Masons and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed building large scale 3 - 4 mast schooner model ships, fishing with his best buddy, Ray, and gardening, which was his second passion. Bill loved being outdoors, especially with his family, enjoying activities from golf to board games, as well as family picnics and barbeques by the pool. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Juanita; and a sister Patricia Sullivan. Bill is survived by his children, Paula Mulherin, Stephanie Mulherin, Kelly Mulherin, Christopher Mulherin, Maria Mulherin, and Theresa Mulherin; step children, Pamela Moon Mulherin of Windsor, Ginny Moon Scofield of Vassalboro, Nancy Pettegrove of Windsor, and Dwight E. Pettegrove Windsor; siblings Joseph Mulherin, Jr. of Hatfield, MA, Mary Ann Creighton of Wakefield, NH, Eileen Franklin of Foxboro, MA, Elizabeth Rizzo of Goldsboro, NC, and Kathy Either of Plainville, MA; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren living all over New England. The family wishes to thank the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta for their outstanding care of their beloved Bill and a special thank to the American Legion Post #205. A potluck Celebration of Life will be held on November 11, 2018 at 11am at the American Legion Post #205, 400 Easter Ave, Augusta, Maine 04330. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, www.MaineVets.org, or to the American Legion Post #205, www.legion.org.