Alison Spitz

OXFORD-If you searched for a word to define the life of Alison M. "Sal" (Power) Spitz, enthusiastic, witty, loving, you'd fall short of describing her ineffable spark. Alison died May 2, 2007 at Camden, Maine. She was born in 1924 in Auckland, New Zealand, a daughter of William and Kathleen (McNarmara) Power. In 1945 she was swept away to Oxford Massachusetts, by her loving husband of 57 years, Joseph J. Spitz, who predeceased her in 2002. She lived in Oxford until she moved to Maine three years ago to be near her daughter. A graduate of Auckland Teacher College and Boston University, Alison put her education to use as a teacher in Oxford. Her love of teaching was evident, as she taught for 25 years retiring at the age of 69. She was a recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award. She loved tennis (as a member of the Sacarrappa Tennis Club), dogs, gardening and a good Agatha Christie mystery. A gifted writer herself, Alison wrote, directed and acted in many plays, six of which were published (the first in 1962). She won the Massachusetts Federation of Woman's Club drama contest four different times. A tireless volunteer, she put wings to her passion for her beloved Oxford as a member of the Oxford Historical Commission, the Oxford Historical Society, and the Oxford Downtown Beautification Committee, and by composing the hymn, Bless Our Town. Alison was also a former member of St. Roch's Church, and an Honorary Member of the Oxford Women's Club. She bids "cheerio" to her daughter Leslie Spear and her husband, John, of Spruce Head Island, Maine and her son William Spitz and his wife, Patricia, of Oxford, as well as her brother Baden Power, of Auckland, New Zealand, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Sandra Diggins, of Webster, in 1994. A memorial funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 11, 2007 at St. Roch's Church, 332 Main Street, Oxford. The burial will be private at St. Roch's Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Public Library, 339 Main St. Oxford, MA 01540 or the Oxford Downtown Beautification Committee, c/o Oxford Town Hall, 325 Main Street, Oxford, MA 01540. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oxford, MA is directing arrangements.