Pauline M. (Skilton) Fitch

Pauline M. Fitch (Skilton), age 89, of Gloucester and St. Pete’s Beach, FL, formerly of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 13, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Pauline was born on January 7, 1933, in Arlington, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Frederick and Mabel (maiden name) Skilton. Pauline was raised and educated in Arlington, MA and a graduate of Arlington High School.

Pauline married the “love of her life” Gordon B. Fitch, Jr., on May 7, 1955, they moved to Wilmington in August of that year and started their family. Pauline was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grammy; whatever her family was involved in she was right there with them.  She was their “rock star” and biggest cheerleader.  Pauline had an “open door” policy with her children, her family and their many friends; she was the biggest sharer and would literally give you the shirt off her back.  Pauline’s family remember all the great times they shared together around the table; there was nothing better than the warmth of her homemade meals and listening to her tell the best stories. 

Pauline was also famous for entertaining countless students from Wilmington High School at her Spaghetti Dinners for the Wildcat Football Team; her house was full of kids, love and laughter.  Pauline made everyone feel welcomed!

Pauline worked hard alongside her husband Gordon as they started two family businesses Micro Dial which was started in June of 1959 and several years later Fitch & Sons Construction Company both in Wilmington. They were also partners for a few years in the Cinnamon Lounge which was in Lowell. The couple retired in 1986, and began spending 6 months a year at their family home on Long Beach in Gloucester and as “snow birds” in the winter at their home in St. Pete’s Beach in Florida where they had many wonderful friends.

Pauline was active in her Wilmington Community; she was very involved in Wilmington Youth Hockey for many years and even stepped in to coach a game when her husband Gordie couldn’t make it; needless to say, they went away with a win with Pauline at the helm.  Pauline also ran a volleyball program for the Wilmington Recreation Department that was held at the North Intermediate School for more than 20 years.

In her spare time, Pauline enjoyed knitting, gardening, Sunday crossword puzzles, playing tennis and following sports, especially hockey.  Pauline was a huge Tampa Bay Hockey fan and was proud to let everyone know it.

Pauline had a passion and unwavering love for all animals; Pauline enjoyed raising her collies and then her Newfies; they were her babies.

Pauline’s greatest joy was her family and the time they spent together; they enjoyed summering on Long Beach in Gloucester.  It was at Long Beach that all the mom’s received nicknames and Pauline was proudly known as “Bearcat”.  Pauline’s family will treasure many fond memories made at their beautiful family home in Gloucester, enjoying the beach sailing along the shore, and entertaining family and friends.

Pauline will be fondly remembered at a wonderful lady, with an infectious laugh, a beaming smile and a beautiful heart.  She enjoyed the simple things in life, a great family, good health and an abundance of friends.  Pauline’s endearing personality and genuine care for others was evident in everything she did.  Pauline was such a presence in so many lives and she will forever live in the hearts of those she touched.

Pauline was the beloved wife of the late Gordon B. Fitch, Jr., the devoted mother of Paul Fitch & his wife Karen of Danvers, John Fitch & his wife Rosalie, Gordie Fitch & his wife Helen all of Wilmington, and Janelle Fitch-Vaal & Bruce Vaal of Meredith, NH.  She was the loving “Grammy” of Zachary Fitch, Raven Fitch, John Fitch, Jr., Joshua Fitch & his wife Arielle, Jacob Fitch, Justin Fitch, Gordon Fitch & his wife Anna, Lauren Fitch & her fiancé Craig Doran, Devyn Vaal as well as her great-grandchildren Joshua “JJ” Fitch, Jr., Nora Fitch and Lucas Fitch.  She was the dear sister of Sally Woodis of South Carolina and Donald Skilton & his wife Louise of Weymouth.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Wednesday, August 17th from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  A Service to Celebrate Pauline’s life will take place at the Funeral Home on Thursday, August 18th at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pauline’s memory to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA  01844.

Pauline’s family is so grateful to the staff at the Arnold House in Stoneham for the amazing care they gave to Pauline; they cannot thank you enough.