Amelia Fernandez Fuson

Amelia ”Millie” Fuson, devoted Mother, Grams and friend, known for her beautiful smile and caring, warm personality, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family. Always up for a new adventure, even in her 90s, she loved to travel, socialize with her many groups of friends and, most of all, spend time with her family.

Millie was known for her striking appearance and wonderfully put-together stylish outfits. Even in her last days, she would be sure to put on lipstick before greeting visitors. A native Tampan, she was a proud graduate of Hillsborough High (class of 48), and spent many happy hours at the Centro Asturiano (where until the end, she was a proud member of Las Damas).

A graduate of Florida State University, she remained an avid (some would say rabid) supporter. It was at FSU she met her husband Robert, and they married just days after her graduation. That’s when the adventures really began. Starting married life in Washington DC, she taught pre-school and enjoyed volunteer work on the Eisenhower presidential campaign.

Following her husband’s PhD journey, she lived in the Panama Canal Zone, and later in Baton Rouge, where she wrote for a society magazine. After some time in New Orleans, and with two kids in tow, she finally returned home to Tampa.

Millie was a natural leader, involved in many community projects and philanthropic endeavors. Never one to stay home, between running her children to dance lessons and little league, she was president of the PTA at Miles Elementary School, initiating a special program to transition Cuban immigrants seamlessly into the normal classroom setting. With another volunteer organization, she helped research and evaluate the juvenile justice system as a part of a state study to streamline the justice system in Hillsborough County.

She was always exploring her creative side, and received recognition for her artwork and jewelry-making, winning several awards. She chaired an expanded arts festival as President of the Temple Terrace Community Arts Festival, and was a long-time member of the Temple Terrace Woman’s Club.

Millie was particularly proud of the work she did to bring comfort to families and patients in institutional settings. As president of the University Community Hospital Auxiliary, she created what was then a new and innovative program to serve families with patients in intensive care. After her husband’s struggle with cancer, she was trained and worked with LifePath Hospice for many years, working directly with patients, often assisting with very emotional Spanish translation.

From her early years playing the piano to her later years as a seriously senior tap-dancer, she enjoyed life, a good meal, making new friends, clothes shopping, laughter, and going new places. Some of her fondest memories were the days at her happy place - the beach - with family.

Millie was pre-deceased in 2004 by her husband of 52 years, Robert, and is survived by daughter Karen Fuson Buchsbaum (Fred) and son The Honorable Robin Fernandez Fuson (Sally); three devoted granddaughters, Lindsey (Fuson) McCann (Kevin Stone), Ashley (Buchsbaum) Radicioni (James), and Victoria “Tori” Fuson; and was blessed to have three great-grandchildren, Amelia McCann, and Julia and Jordan Radicioni.

Services will be private and a Celebration of Life will be held in the near future. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Centro Asturiano of Tampa designated in memory of Millie. https://www.centroasturianotampa.org/tribute-gift