Sylvia A. Fisher

NORTHFIELD — Sylvia A. (Utton) Fisher, 80, died March 4, 2026, at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin with her two sons and closest confidant by her side.

Born January 13, 1946, Sylvia was the daughter of Thomas and Pauline (Richardson) Utton. She graduated from Montpelier High School in 1964 and married Bert D. Fisher on May 6, 1965, in Worcester. Together, they raised three sons in Washington before moving to Northfield after the kids had grown. They resided together in Northfield for over 30 years before Bert passed away in 2023.

Sylvia worked for many years at Zayre Department Store before it closed. She later worked at Norwich University, helping run the Uniform Store for nearly two decades before her retirement. During her time at Norwich, Sylvia became “Mom” to many cadets, offering them refuge from the pressures that come with Military College. Not only did they visit for hugs and encouraging words, but they often left with Girl Scout cookies or some of Sylvia’s famous holiday fudge.

After retirement, Sylvia found her greatest pleasures in gardening, growing beautiful flowers, and collecting salt & pepper shakers and Elvis “stuff.” She volunteered at the Northfield Senior Center up until Covid-19 brought those activities to an end. In the last few years, she was introduced to Facebook, where she was able to reconnect to many of the former cadets and co-workers that looked her up and sent friend requests. Sylvia was known to add words of encouragement and praise to dozens of posts a day, and then would convey what she had read as though she had been told the info directly.

Sylvia suffered from Macular Degeneration, making it very difficult for her to continue to converse through messaging. The family’s answer was to continue to buy bigger and bigger computer monitors, which she sat very close to.

Survivors include sons Hank from Northfield and Brent “Buzz” (Wanda Blondin) of Barre, as well as her brothers Paul (Karen) from Middlesex and Dean (Dolly) Utton from Worcester. Sisters-in-law Sharon Gonzalez of Montpelier and Cheryl Pacheco from Tunbridge were incredibly important to Sylvia, as were the 6 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, husband Bert, and son Clint.

There will be no calling hours. A graveside service in Worcester will be held at a future date. Special thank you to Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home for their help. In Lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to Mayo Healthcare, 71 Richardson Street, Northfield, VT 05663.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com