3-18-2022 5:36pm

Marilyn J. Fulton (1928-2022) traveled the world but her favorite place was home

Michael McGinnis Editor

Marilyn J. Fulton (nee Manson), age 93, died peacefully on March 17, 2022 at her home in Roscoe. She was heartbroken over the loss of her husband of 67 years, John Fulton, who predeceased her in October, 2021. They are now reunited in Heaven with three of their children, who predeceased them. Born June 25, 1928 to Ralph and Lillian (Malmgren) Manson, Marilyn attended East High School in Rockford, and Morningside College in Iowa, where she studied social work until meeting the love of her life, John Fulton. They were married on June 5, 1954 and had five children, Kristine, Karen, Lori, Douglas, and Gregory. Marilyn was an active community volunteer, working as an election judge, a fundraiser for St. Peter’s Catholic School, and a candy striper at Rockford Memorial Hospital, all while raising five rambunctious children and helping John build his business. Together they traveled the world, enjoying the QE2 (Queen Elizabeth II) ocean liner, the Concorde supersonic airline, and legendary golf courses around the world.

But her favorite place was home. Marilyn loved nature, and spent hours watching birds, deer, foxes, and other wildlife. She was a champion at Cryptoquote and the crossword puzzle. She loved dogs, and regularly supported charitable efforts to rehabilitate injured or abused animals. Most of all, she loved her family and hosted “Bagel Sunday” for decades, where all could gather for coffee, bagels, and a warm embrace.

In addition to her beloved husband, John, she was also predeceased by three of her children, Kristine Lamendola, Douglas Fulton, and Gregory Fulton; her brothers, Robert and Richard Manson; and her sisters-in-law, Mary and Kathleen Fulton. She is survived by her daughters, Karen Fulton and Lori Fulton (Carl Bloomer); her daughter-in-law, Angie Fulton (Ken Klowsky); her sisters-in-law, Irene Manson and Barb Manson; her brothers-in-law, Thomas Fulton, Robert Fulton (Diane), Eugene Fulton, and Cyril Fulton; eight grandchildren, Nicholas Lamendola (Jabez), Adam Lamendola (Rebekah Harris), Angela Gilbert (Jay), R.J. Lamendola (Yvonne), Jared Johnson (Adrianna Gomez Flores), Jordon Wickersham (Cole), Nathanial Fulton (Stacy Brainard), and Lindsey Fulton (Luke Omahana); and nine great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved beyond measure, Alivia, Gianna, Preston, Parker, and Kristine (Tina) Lamendola; Benton, Oliver, and Sophia Gilbert; and Kashton Wickersham; as well as her four-legged child, Sheba.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, feed the birds, hug a puppy, or perform an act of volunteerism. Many thanks to St. Croix Hospice, Scott, Sharon, and Pastor Hale, for their prompt attention to her needs. Love and gratitude to Joel McCoy from Visiting Angels, who cared for her like she was his own family.

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