Barbara Elsie Fuller

She was born on September 19, 1941 in Valley Falls, Rhode Island, to Joseph and Elsie (McKee) Pryor. Following the death of her mother, Barbara was placed in a Catholic orphanage at about two years of age. Her memories of the orphanage and nuns were generally of a life that was peaceful and structured. However at the age of ten, she was placed into the foster care system, which proved to be a chaotic and disruptive time in her life. She experienced years in multiple homes and schools, until without guidance or support, she was able to graduate high school and live on her own, at the age of eighteen.

Barbara Pryor married David Fuller in 1966. They left Rhode Island and moved to Michigan, where he completed his graduate program at Michigan State University.

Barbara became the devoted mother of five children, and based upon her life experience chose to be a stay at home mom for about twenty years, until her children were grown. She was a positive force in their lives and a great fan for all their school activities and sporting events. Family has always been the most important and rewarding part of her life. She always enjoyed family gatherings and was eager to share how proud she was of each of her children and grandchildren.

After her children were grown, Barbara spent the next twenty years working as a classroom teaching assistant at Heartwood School, of the Ingham Intermediate School District in Mason. She loved working with special needs students there, and found great joy in their accomplishments.

Barbara was an exceptional walker and talker. She was pleased, at age 70, to have the fastest time of her age group in the Ele’s Race 5K walk. She enjoyed conversing with family, friends, and everyone she met, and after more than fifty years in Michigan, still retained her “Boston” accent.

Barbara’s family survivors include: David, her loving husband of 55 years; her son Mark and daughters Kelly (David) Roe, Becky Fillion, Dawn (Tristan) Moss, and Jessica (Joe) Heron; and her grandchildren: Blake Roe, Harley Roe, Dawson Roe, Ike Fillion, Ava Fillion, Mia Moss, Miles Moss, Marlo Moss, Jackson Heron, and Gus Heron. She was predeceased by granddaughter Grace Fillion.

The family is grateful to the kidney dialysis staff at Fresenius medical, for the compassionate care they always provided to Barbara.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public services. A family memorial celebration of her life is being planned.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Fuller family.