Schenectady- Kathleen Margaret Fuller of Schenectady passed peacefully into the next life in her sleep on Friday, July 2, 2021 at Our Lady of Mercy Nursing Center in Guilderland NY.
Kathleen was the eldest of four children born to Margaret (Shepherd) & Kenneth E. Fuller Sr. of Saratoga Springs NY. She arrived on February 26, 1947. She spoke fondly of her childhood, growing up surrounded by a large, fun-loving extended family, spending time at her grandmother’s and sleep overs with cousins.
In 1965, Kathleen graduated from Duanesburg High School. She held various secretarial and telephone operator positions in her work life. However, the most important work of her life was raising her four children. She was often a single-mother, and the struggles were many. Kathy was a gentle, patient and loving soul, a person who forever put the needs of others above her own. These are but a few of the attributes that made Kathy such an excellent Mom (and Dad) to her children and an “adopted Mom” to so many of her children’s friends…. she was Mom or Grandma to anyone who needed her.
Kathy loved family gatherings, spontaneous road trips, good mysteries, everyone else’s cooking, crossword puzzles and never forget that she was John Denver’s #1 fan! Still, the hobby that consumed most of her free time was needlework. She carried an appropriate cross stitch, crochet or knitting project for every occasion, each pattern chosen for the smile that would land on the face of the recipient. She was a perfectionist in this one corner of her life and refused to gift an item that didn’t meet her high standards. Those of us that have one of her lovingly produced blankets or sweaters will attest to their fine craftsmanship. Kathy also taught many the art of needlecrafts. Thousands of heart-to-heart conversations happened during those lessons or just over a cup of coffee. Her accepting nature, ability to counsel and her sharp wit will be missed by all.
Kathleen was predeceased by both of her parents, her brother Kenneth E. Fuller Jr, sister Gene Darlak, grandson Kurtis Jackson, great grandchildren Layah Terry, Michael Terry & Donovan Duell and her grandson-in-law David Terry. She is survived by her youngest sister Betsy Hall, daughters Tracy Fuller (Henry Jackson), Martia Stockwell, & Dana (Ami) Fuller, her son Brandon Fuller, her grandchildren Kenneth Jackson, Jennica Duell, Devon Duell, Teon McDowell (Matt Wilson) & Bryanna Sweet and nearly a dozen great grandchildren (so far!).
Kathy loved autumn, pine trees, daisies, bears and picnics most of all. As such, instead of traditional services, Kathy requested that her friends and family gather for a picnic packed with all the things she loved most. A memorial picnic in honor of her beautiful soul will be held at Thatcher State Park, Voorheesville NY, Glen Doone Pavilion on Sunday September 19, 2021, from 10am – nightfall.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Kathleen’s memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children. This fantastic organization cared for her treasured great granddaughter Sa’fyre Terry in her time of need.
Please also share a memory of Kathleen at https://www.cremationcapitaldistrict.com
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Rosary Unit at OLOM for the superior care they provided and the genuine friendships we’ve formed in the last two years. Also, to the many wonderful aides who attended Kathleen prior to her need for nursing home care.
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