Sylvia P. Fitts, 83, of Monmouth, died Nov. 19 at Lamp Memory Care Center in Lisbon, where she had resided for the past three years. She was born Jan. 5, 1932 in Orlando, Fla., the daughter of Harry E. and Dorothy (Richards) Percival Sr.
She attended Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, Presque Isle Normal School and the University of Maine-Farmington where she received her BA degree. On Oct. 5, 1952 in Sheepscott, she married her husband of 63 years, Leland “Lee” Fitts. Sylvia taught school in the Winslow school system for four years and the Chelsea school system for 19 years, retiring in 1991. She was a member of the Pleasant Street Methodist Church in Waterville and the Green Street Methodist Church in Augusta.
With her husband Lee, Sylvia was among the founding members of the Pine Tree Reelers square dance club, a life member and past officer of Maine Old Cemetery Association, a member of MTA and a Daughter of the American Revolution.
Sylvia lived in Augusta for 30 years. She and Lee also lived for many years in their winter retirement home in Palm Harbor and Inverness, Fla. She enjoyed traveling, knitting, counted cross stitch and reading. Genealogy was a great source of pride as her family had roots back to the Mayflower and included historical personalities such as Captain Mad Jack Percival, commander of the U.S.S. Constitution. Sylvia’s mother’s side of the family was from South Dakota.
She was especially fond of her home and loved cooking and homemaking.
Sylvia was predeceased by her parents; sister, Ann Percival; and brothers, Joseph and Elwood Percival.
She is survived by her husband, Leland of Monmouth; sons, David Fitts and wife Nancy of Chelsea, Peter Fitts of Augusta, and John Fitts of Portland; daughter, Holly Fitts of Nashua, N.H.; grandchildren, Jason, Nathan, Shannon and Aaron; and sisters, Frances Hutchings of Damariscotta and Ruth Gilbert of Alna.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Tues., Nov. 24 at Bragdon-Finley Funeral Home, 707 Main St., Monmouth. Visitation 12-1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment in the spring at Howard Cemetery, Augusta Road, Winslow.
Message of condolence may be sent to the family at www.finleyfuneralhome.com
