WINTHROP – Vivian P. Fancy, 95, of Winthrop, passed away of natural causes at the Winthrop Manor on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

She was born in New Sharon on March 24, 1911, the daughter of Clyde and Gladys (Blanding) Porter, and the Blanding farm on Route 2 was her childhood home.

She graduated from New Sharon High School in 1927, Farmington Normal School, Class of 1930, and received her bachelor of science degree from Farmington State Teachers College in 1956.

She taught in several one-room schools in the vicinity of, among other Maine towns, Starks and Rome. Later, she taught fourth grade in Winthrop for 36 years, retiring in 1975. She often stated with pride she probably had taught half the citizens of Winthrop.

She married her husband, Arthur P. Fancy, in 1937, and they settled in Winthrop in 1939. After retirement, she enjoyed visits from family, friends and former students, traveling, reading and social activities until her decline in health.

She was a longtime member of the Winthrop United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Mothers’ Club, Senior Citizens, and various animal societies due to her love of animals.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara F. Ellery and husband, Bob, of Poland; three granddaughters, Patricia L’Italien and husband, Rick, of Poland, Candace Grist and husband, Eric, of North Smithfield, R.I., and Suzanne Ellery and companion, Rick Barnard, of Poland; seven great-grandchildren, Lindsay Noel Abrams, Abbie and Beckie L’Italien, Matthew and Katherine Grist and Katlyn and Robbie Barnard; along with a nephew, G.W. Porter, of New Hampshire.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1972; her parents; a brother, Gordon Porter; and great-granddaughter, Arilla.

Her family would like to give special thanks to Winthrop Manor for the great care and genuine compassion extended to Vivian and her family during her five years in their care, and also to her very special friend and caregiver, Janice Frost.