MISS MABEL S. FITCH

(Jan. 10, 1927)

Former Resident and Teacher in Our School Dies after Operation in New York Hospital

   The sudden death of Miss Mabel Fitch occurred on Monday morning at the Post Graduate Hospital in New York City where she had undergone an operation for tumor the previous Wednesday.  Miss Fitch had enjoyed usual good health until a short time before Christmas when she left school to recuperate, going to the hospital for treatment on January 4, when the operation was deemed necessary.  Peritonitis developed from which she did not rally.

   Miss Fitch was the daughter of the late Isaac and Mary E. Brown Fitch and was born in Smithville on May 4, 1881.  In 1894 the family moved to this town and located on a farm a short distance south of the village.  Her education was secured at the Academy and she graduated in the class of 1898.  Upon completing the work here she entered Oneonta Normal where she fitter herself for teaching.  Her first position was at East Orange, N. J., where she taught several years, returning to this village and accepting a position here which she most capably filled for five years.  Seventeen years ago last September she went to Yonkers and for sixteen years taught the eighth grad in School No. 5, and the last year and a half was spent in the Roosevelt School.

   Several years ago she was offered a principalship in recognition of her ability but owing to poor health she did not feel she could assume the responsibility.

   Miss Fitch was a most efficient teacher and endeared herself to all with whom she came in contact.  Of a sunny disposition she made an kept friends who sincerely mourn her sudden death.  While a resident here she united with the First Baptist church, having always retained this as her church home.  She was a member of the Lafayette chapter, O. E. S.

   Surviving are two brothers, Frank Fitch of Oxford and Elray Fitch of Port Chester; one nephew, Luin Fitch and three nieces, Marion Fitch of Port Chester and Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. George M. Grass of Binghamton.

   The funeral was held from the home of Mrs. Graves with whom she lived in Yonkers on Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock and the body was brought to this village Wednesday where burial was made in Riverview cemetery, Rev. A. A. Gates officiating.

"I cannot say--and I will not say

That she is dead, she's just away.

With a cherry smile and a wave of the hand

She has wandered into that unknown land;

And left us dreaming how very fair

It needs must be, since she is there,

And you--oh you--who the wildest yearn

For the old time step and the glad return,

Think of her faring on as dear

In the love of there, as the love of here:

Think of her, not as dead, I say

She is not dead, she's just away."

TRIBUTE TO MISS FITCH

Teachers and Instructors of Yonkers Recognize Her Faithfulness and Devotion to Her Work

   The committee on teachers and instruction reported with regret the death on Monday, January 10, of Miss Mabel Fitch, a teacher in the Roosevelt High School.  Miss Fitch had been a teacher in the Yonkers schools for 22 years.  She was for many years teacher in the eighth grade at School 5, and when the Roosevelt High School was opened in September, 1925, and the eighth grade classes from School 5 were transferred to the new building, she was promoted to a position in the junior high school department.

   Miss Fitch's long service in the Yonkers schools has been characterized by steadfast devotion to duty.  She has been an inspiring influence in the lives of many boys and girls and in her death the City of Yonkers has suffered a distinct loss.

   The committee offered the following resolution, which was spread upon the minutes and a copy of which was sent to her relatives:

   "Resolved, That notice of the death of Miss Mabel Fitch, teacher for 22 years in the Yonkers schools, has been received with deep regret and that in recognition of her faithful and untiring efforts in the position which she occupied, the above tribute be inscribed upon the minutes of the Board." --Yonkers Herald.