Vangelia "Litsa" Fawcett

Vangelia "Litsa" Fawcett, 70, of West Hurley, died Tuesday January 10, 2023. Born on February 18, 1952, in Meriden, Connecticut, she is the daughter of the late Constantine "Gus" and Alexandra "Alice" Siavrakas.

Litsa was trained as a teacher but found her life's work running a daycare in her home. Her charges, whom she always referred to as "my kids," would come to her as early as a few weeks old, and she dedicated herself to their care with the same inexhaustible love as she did with her own daughter. By creating an environment that was playful, carefree and happy, she undoubtedly molded the lives of many.

Litsa seized every opportunity in life to celebrate a holiday by throwing a party. She never met an animal she didn't love; wild animals were admired and pets were treated to a life of luxury (especially her dog, Yianni). She was delighted by the smaller things in life and so enjoyed travel, bringing her adventurous spirit and unabashed joy on the road. She would return home weighed down with gifts, always taking gift-giving to the level of an Olympic sport. At home, she would be the woman cheering everyone on—poolside, field-side, stage-side, or wherever else one might need encouragement.

She is survived by her husband, Dexter, daughter Alexia, brothers Chris and Mike Siavrakas, wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as the nearly fifty other "kids" (and even some of their children) whom she loved as her own. Litsa was predeceased by her parents and dear cousins, Mary Ladewig and Mara Halepas.

Private celebrations of her life will be held at later dates. Litsa maintained hope until the very end that we might rid the world of the disease that she braved for over seven years, and which ultimately took her from us too soon. For this reason, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research in her memory.