Azalee Lillian Fullmer
April 12, 1931- March 4, 2023
Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt passed away peacefully at Pinecrest Home for the Aged in Kenora, Ontario, Canada. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Thomas and husband John; parents Lee and Dova; step-father Papa Luther; sisters Paulette and Tess; brothers-in-law Fred, Duane, Harold, William, Ernest, John, and Dennis; Sisters-in-law Fran, Marjorie, Mary and Edith; nephews Buddy, Kevin, and Greg.
Azalee is survived by her children, Timothy (Lorena); Rebekah; and Ramona (Dennis). Grandchildren Melody (Pete); Joel (Desirée), Janine, Alita (Dan); Megan (Kyle), Jeremy (Hayley) and Aaron (Melissa). Great-Grandchildren Elijah and Quinn; Cameron, Caitlyn, Rylan, Rachel, Solar, Silver, and Cosmic; Wyatt, Akaylia, and Kreston. Missing her from the United States are sisters Joan (Ron) and Verne (Charles); brothers in-law Carl (Jeanette) and Martin; sister-in-law Louise; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, numerous friends in the United States and Canada.
Azalee was born in Easley, South Carolina and grew up during the depression. She milked the cow and picked cotton as a child. This work ethic instilled in her by her parents followed her into adult life. Azalee received her Bachelor degree in education from Marion College, Marion, Indiana. Central School in Kenora was the last school that she taught at before retirement.
Azalee married John on April 11, 1954 and began over 60 years of supporting her husband in ministry starting in Washington State, U.S.A. In November 1956 the family immigrated to Canada to serve churches in Gimli, Manitoba; Calgary and Evansburg, Alberta; Kenora and Bergland, Ontario. She was a faithful member of Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran church, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. Many have shared that she contributed to their own faith journey.
Azalee was “one of a kind.” She loved to garden, read, sing in choirs, listen to classical music, sew quilts and baby blankets. She made jams, canned, preserved, froze, pickled and dried anything that she could, sharing many of her “fruits of her labours” with others. She was a wonderful cook, loved to bake and hosted many gatherings of friends and family. Often strangers would be welcomed around the table and become friends by the end of the meal. She worked tirelessly at Dad’s side opening her home and heart to many people in the community. We were honored to learn that Mom and Dad were considered Community Elders by the Anishinaabe because of the Anishinaabe and Metis young people who lived with us, becoming part of our family to this day.
She loved being at the cabin on Favel Lake and often baked her famous “sticky buns” on the wood stove for all to enjoy. She was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Each one was uniquely special and she cherished them all. She spent many hours reading, singing, sewing, making cookies and pancakes for them. Once Mom and Dad retired, they enjoyed spending the winters and connecting with many people at their home on Dogpatch Road in Mississippi. Mom continued to go there on her own after Dad passed.
Mom was able to stay in her home until she was 90 years old, thanks to special caregivers Jaki Marsh and Alita Seymour, as well as the homecare workers from Nils and Paramed. They enjoyed her sense of humour and listening to her stories. The family would also like to thank the nurses and staff at Pinecrest Home for the Aged for taking care of Mom.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be planned for later this summer. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial donations can be made to The Kenora Fellowship Center, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, or a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Fullmer family.
