RUMFORD – Althea W. Fish, 90, of Dixfield, moved into a haven of rest on Thursday, March 26, at the Rumford Community Home, where she had been a resident since November.

She was born on Sept. 26, 1918, in Dixfield, the daughter of Ralph and Lelia (Holman) Walton. Upon the death of her father when she was 14, she went to be with her maternal grandparents who raised her.

She was educated in Dixfield schools and in June of 1975, received her diploma from Dixfield High School. An achievement she and her family were very proud of after she left high school during her senior year.

She worked most of her life as a librarian in Dixfield’s libraries, either the Ludden Memorial Library or the Dirigo High School Library. She started at the Ludden Library as a substitute in 1969, and was appointed the head in 1976. She retired from there 1989, after a brief time in the high school from 1974 to 1979.

She was very active in her community through her work and as a member of various organizations including the Mt. Sugarloaf Grange No. 111, New Century Pomona Grange No. 20, Maine State Grange, National Grange, St. Andrew’s Society of Maine, Neighborly Senior Citizens Group, State of Maine Association of Retirees, Rebekah Lodge No. 63, Maine Library Association and Rumford Ladies’ Auxiliary. She served these organizations in various capacities including past president, pianist, and installation officer. She was also recognized for her involvement and achievements having received many plaques, certificates of appreciation, member of the year awards and the dedication of the Dirigo High School yearbook in 1980.

She was happiest while working in her flower and vegetable gardens and taking pictures of her family especially her vast number of grandchildren in all of their endeavors and activities. She also enjoyed trips to the coast and playing the piano.

She is survived by her children, Jeanette McLeod and her husband, Wardy, of Dixfield, Barbara Larsen of Rumford Center, James Fish and his wife, Cyndy, of Hermon, Jerald Fish of Dixfield, Marjorie Luce and her husband, Paul, of Lewiston, Rosalie Marin and her husband, David, of Milton Plantation and David Fish of Woodstock; 23 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Wesley Walton of Turner, Delbert Walton and his wife, Marceline, of Livermore and Lola Gardella of Port Charlotte, Fla.

She was predeceased by her husband, Alton Cameron Fish, whom she married on July 31, 1937, in Old Orchard Beach; her parents; and brothers, Bud and Dick Walton.

Althea’s family would like to thank the staff at the Rumford Community Home and Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice nurses, Tammy and Mary.


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