It was one of Miss Mitchell’s boasts that she had earned a salary for over fifty years, without any intermission.  She also boasted that in July, 1883, when she slipped and fell, spraining herself so that she was obliged to remain in the house a day or two, it was the first time in her memory when she had remained in the house a day.  In fact, she made a point of walking out every day, no matter what the weather might be.  A serious fall, during her illness in Lynn, stopped forever her daily walks.

She had resigned her position in January, 1888.  The resignation was laid on the table until the following June, at which time the trustees made her Professor Emeritus, and offered her a home for life at the observatory.  This offer she did not accept, preferring to live with her family in Lynn.  The following extracts from letters which she received at this time show with what reverence and love she was regarded by faculty and students.

“Jan. 9, 1888....  You may be sure that we shall be glad to do all we can to honor one whose faithful service and honesty of heart and life have been among the chief inspirations of Vassar College throughout its history.  Of public reputation you have doubtless had enough, but I am sure you cannot have too much of the affection and esteem which we feel toward you, who have had the privilege of working, with you.”

“Jan. 10, 1888.  You will consent, you must consent, to having your home here, and letting the work go.  It is not astronomy that is wanted and needed, it is Maria Mitchell....  The richest part of my life here is connected with you....  I cannot picture Vassar without you.  There’s nothing to point to!”

“May 5, 1889.  In all the great wonder of life, you have given me more of what I have wanted than any other creature ever gave me.  I hoped I should amount to something for your sake.”

Dr. Eliza M. Mosher, at one time resident physician at the college, said of her:  “She was quick to withdraw objections when she was convinced of error in her judgment.  I well remember her opposition to the ground I took in my ‘maiden speech’ in faculty meeting, and how, at supper, she stood, before sitting down, to say, ’You were right this afternoon.  I have thought the matter over, and, while I do not like to believe it, I think it is true.’”

Of her rooms at the observatory, Miss Grace Anna Lewis, who had been a guest, wrote thus:  “Her furniture was plain and simple, and there was a frank simplicity corresponding therewith which made me believe she chose to have it so.  It looked natural for her.  I think I should have been disappointed had I found her rooms fitted up with undue elegance.”

“Professor Mitchell’s position at Vassar gave astronomy a prominence there that it has never had in any other college for women, and in but few for men.  I suppose it would have made no difference what she had taught.  Doubtless she never suspected how many students endured the mathematical work of junior Astronomy in order to be within range of her magnetic personality.” (From “Wide Awake,” September, 1889.)