1932 – 2015

LISBON — Sylvia P. Fitts, 83, a resident of Monmouth, died Thursday, 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 at Farmington, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree.

On Oct. 5, 1952, in Sheepscot, 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 Maine Teachers Association and a Daughter of the American Revolution. Sylvia lived in Augusta for 30 years.

Sylvia and Lee also lived for many years in their winter retirement home in Palm Harbor and Inverness, Fla. Sylvia 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 Cpt. John “Mad Jack” Percival, commander of the USS Constitution. Sylvia’s mother’s side of the family was from South Dakota.

Sylvia was especially fond of her home and loved cooking and homemaking.

She is survived by her husband, Leland, of Monmouth; three sons, David Fitts and his wife, Nancy, of Chelsea, Peter Fitts of Augusta, and John Fitts of Portland; a daughter, Holly Fitts, of Nashua, N.H.; four grandchildren, Jason, Nathan, Shannon and Aaron; and two sisters, Frances Hutchings of Damariscotta, and Ruth Gilbert of Alna.

She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Ann Percival; and brothers, Joseph and Elwood Percival.

Message of condolence may be sent to the family at www.finleyfuneralhome.com.