Althea D. Fischer, 88, of North Charlestown, New Hampshire, passed away on July 22, 2026, at Springfield Hospital in Springfield, Vermont, surrounded by her loving family.

Althea was born on May 16, 1938, in Portland, Maine, to Al and Ruth Simpson. She grew up primarily in Portland and carried a lifelong love for Maine, especially Jackman and the Allagash.

On June 16, 1956, Althea married James “Jim” E. Fischer Sr. at her parents’ home in South Portland, Maine. Althea and Jim celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary shortly before her passing. Jim affectionately called her “Alfie,” a nickname that began during her years at work.

Althea and Jim’s first five children were born in Maine. In 1965, the family moved to North Charlestown, New Hampshire, where they raised their six children in the same home Jim owns today. Their sixth child was born after the family moved to the area.

Althea worked at Whitney Blake in Bellows Falls, Vermont, for 30 years. Outside of work, she enjoyed camping, moose watching, going for rides, knitting, sewing, completing puzzles, and spending time with her family. She loved people-watching and treasured the many memories made during “girls’ weekend”—an occasion that produced far too many stories to tell and could only truly be understood by those who were there.

Althea loved without limits. She accepted people as they were, and everyone who knew her felt the endless reach of her love. She was also witty, sarcastic, and direct. When Althea had something to say, she said it, and her unmistakable sense of humor became part of countless family stories. Nearly everyone who knew her could tell a hundred stories that captured her wit and her uniquely Althea way of moving through the world.

Family was at the center of Althea’s life. Jim described her devotion simply: she loved every one of them. She encouraged her children, grandchildren, and later generations to live their own lives fully. Even during her final weeks, she continued reminding those she loved not to worry about her and to go home, spend time with their families, and “go do your thing.”

With so many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to keep track of, Althea affectionately called nearly all of them “Henry,” whether they were male or female. George and Jasper were the memorable exceptions. A call of “Henry!” was often simply Althea’s way of getting the attention of someone she loved.

Over the years, Althea and Jim shared their home with many dogs. Their last dog, Scampers, held an especially precious place in Althea’s heart.

Althea is survived by her husband, James “Jim” E. Fischer Sr.; her children, Mark Fischer and his wife, Leanne; Julie Fischer, whose husband, Bruce Marcotte, predeceased her; Mike Fischer and his wife, Dianne; and Kelly Agostinho and her husband, Bob. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

She is further survived by her sister, Barbara; her sister-in-law, Sharon Simpson; her daughter-in-law, Sharron Fischer; and many extended family members and friends.

Althea was predeceased by her sons, James “Skeeter” E. Fischer Jr. and Timmy Fischer; her parents, Al and Ruth Simpson; her brothers, Richard Douglas, Thomas Simpson, Robert Simpson, Stanley Simpson, Donnie Simpson, and Ronnie Simpson; her sisters, Donna Berry, Kathy Simpson, and Betty Simpson; and her brother- and sister-in-law, Ted and Nadine Fischer.

The world is an empty place without Althea. She will be missed every hour of every day until we meet again.