1921 – 2013
SKOWHEGAN — Anita Florence Oakes Fitch, 91, of Waterville, formerly of New Sharon, passed away Friday, Aug. 9, at Cedar Ridge Center.
She was born Nov. 29, 1921, in Farmington, the daughter of Agis Oakes and Florence Elsworth Oakes. At the age of 1, she lived with her grandparents, Arthur and Ann Elsworth, as her parents divorced and her mother started teaching school away from home. She started school in the Brown neighborhood, where her mother was then teaching. Anita graduated from Farmington High School with the Class of 1939 and then attended Farmington State Normal School until 1942, earning a degree in teaching. She taught school in Farmington Falls and Wilton.
On June 22, 1947 she married Lester H. Fitch, and together they lived for 59 years on the family farm in New Sharon. They adopted two children, Brian Lester Fitch and Beth Ann Fitch Collins.
She was a former member of the Farmington and New Sharon Grange, Messulukit Chapter, OES and Trinity Methodist Church, later joining the New Sharon Methodist Church. Anita enjoyed many things in life and was talented at many more. She was a gifted piano player, cellist and in the past played piano for the church whenever possible. She was excellent at all handiwork and sewing, making Lester shirts and jackets, as well as making clothing for Brian and Beth.
In 2005, Anita and Lester moved to Waterville to live with their daughter, Beth Collins, and her two sons. Anita will always be known for her memory of detail and events. To the very end she remained sharp and alert.
She is survived by her adult children, Brian Fitch and Beth Collins; her grandsons, Jesse and Hunter Collins; and her former son-in-law, Jay Collins; and her younger brother, David McCluskey and his wife, Bonnie, and their daughter, Ashley.
Anita was predeceased by her spouse, Lester, who passed away in January 2011; her sister, Avis Daniels, who passed away four years ago; and her brother, Stephen, who passed several years ago.
Condolences for the family may be sent to www.adamasmcfarlane.com.
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