Miriam “Mim” Louise (Wort) Ladd

BELGRADE – After living well for 96 years, Miriam Ladd peacefully passed from this life into eternity, to be with her Lord and Savior.

Mim was born on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1929, in Waterville. She was the daughter of Ruth (Cummings) and Eugene Wort.

Miriam grew up in Waterville and often spent summers and holidays on her grandparents’ farm, a few miles away, in Belgrade. She was a bright and intelligent child, and enjoyed reading, school, music, playing with the farm animals, and going to the movies.

As a teenager, Miriam met her future husband, Abbott Ladd, at Getchell Street Baptist Church. When Mim was a senior in high school, they became more than acquaintances during a Christmas caroling event, and soon fell in love. On June 15, 1948, they were married. Shortly after, the newlyweds moved to Orono and attended the University of Maine, where Mim earned her degree in Home Economics/Child Development.

Miriam enjoyed a long career as a schoolteacher, educating children in Greenville, Waterville, Dixfield, and Good Will Hinckley. At one point, she was an Elementary School Principal and continued to teach her own class of third graders.

Music was always of great importance to Mim. At a young age, she learned to play the violin, piano, and glockenspiel. She enjoyed performing in her school orchestra and band.

Mim was gifted with a lovely voice. She sang in school glee clubs, plays, and operas, and even cut a vinyl record when in high school. As an adult, she frequently sang solos at her church and with the choir. For many years, she performed with the University of Maine at Farmington Community Chorus.

Miriam loved Jesus, read his word, attended her church regularly, and served God to the best of her ability. She taught Sunday School, bible studies, and held Good News Clubs at her home. Recently, a former Dixfield neighbor said, “Many souls will be in Heaven because of her.”

Mim and Abbott lived in Greenville, Norridgewock, Waterville, and then Dixfield, and together raised three children, Christopher, Jeffrey, and Debra. After retirement, they returned to live on the family farm in Belgrade and later built a new home on the property, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Miriam is survived by her son, Christopher, and his wife, Kathryn Ladd, her son, Jeffrey, and his wife, Fredonna Ladd, and her daughter, Debra Ladd; grandchildren, Sarah, Helen, Matthew, Stephanie, Josiah, and Jeremiah; great-grandchildren, Russell, Charles, Jordan, Daniel, Holly, Amber, Caroline, and James.

Mim was predeceased by her brothers, John and Leigh; and her beloved husband, Abbott.

Mim was a godly woman, a good wife, a loving mom, a fun grandmother, a sweet great-grandmother, a dedicated teacher, and a faithful friend. She will be deeply missed by many.

In March of 2026, Miriam was recognized as the oldest resident of Belgrade, with a certificate and a Boston Post Cane pin.

A service in honor of Mim’s life will be held at Getchell Street Baptist Church in Waterville, on Saturday, April 25, at 2 p.m.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, ME 04364.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

Camp Good News

“Mim Ladd Camper’s Scholarship Fund” —

Camp Good News

413 Campground Rd.

Livermore Falls, ME 04254