FARMINGTON – Clara L. Fitz, 99, of New Sharon passed away Wednesday evening March 2, 2011 at Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center.
She was born July 8, 1911 in New Sharon , the daughter of Charles A. and Ora L. (Webster) Thompson. She graduated from New Sharon High and then the Sherwood School of Music & Dramatic Art in Chicago. Clara married Arland Fitz in New Sharon on July 10, 1938. She worked as a teacher her whole life, in several towns, including Palmyra, Vienna, Starks, and Norridgewock, from which she retired in 1973. She was a member of the New Sharon Grange # 238, and was Chaplin of the Maine State Grange from 1979-1991. She was a member of The Order of The Eastern Star, and the New Sharon Congregational Church where she was the organist for many decades. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, and public speaking. She put her college degree to work not only by playing music, but by coaching numerous skits and plays over the years at both the Grange and the schools.
Surviving her are two daughters; Jayne Wilcox and her husband Oman of Wasilla, AK, Jeane Barber and her husband Frederick of Pownal. Three grandchildren, Andrew Eggleston, Richard Shute, and Valerie Davis. Four great-grandchildren, Drew, Benjamin, Karamon, and Nevin. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by a grandson, Alan Eggleston, and a sister, Celia Ames.
A Memorial service will be held at the New Sharon Congregational Church in the spring, to be followed by interment at the New Sharon Village Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams~McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Service 108 Court St. Farmington, ME. Donations may be made in her memory in leu of flowers to the New Sharon Congregational Church, c/o Glenda Raymond, P.O. Box 114, New Sharon, Maine 04955, The New Sharon Methodist Church, 177 Weeks Mills Rd., New Sharon, Maine 04955 or the New Sharon Volunteer Fire Dept., 68 Main St., New Sharon, Maine 04955. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com
Clara was certainly a visible and memorable part of New Sharon. She was a first class Volunteer – for just about everything. Her influence from the House on the corner will be missed.