Laura Ellen Hodsdon Fuller
Laura Ellen Hodsdon Fuller, 83, of South Range passed away June 10, 2011.
- Laura Ellen Hodsdon Fuller
Laura Ellen Hodsdon Fuller, 83, of South Range passed away June 10, 2011.
Born April 13, 1928 in Platteville, Wis., she was the daughter of Carroll Tracy Hodsdon and Ruth Caroline Hile Hodsdon West. She was raised in Superior, attended East High School and graduated from UW-Superior (Superior Teachers College) with honors. Laura married the love of her life, William J. “Bill” Fuller also of Superior, on June 18, 1949.
Laura was an accomplished pianist and organist, which, combined with her love of teaching, led her into a lifelong career in music education. Her first job was at Solon Springs High School, teaching instrumental and vocal music in the classroom as well as conducting band and orchestra. When the family moved to Madison, Wis., in 1963, she continued her career at St. Patrick Catholic School and then at St. Dennis Catholic School, teaching music and directing the annual school musical. Laura also taught private piano lessons for 30 years in her home, sharing with many generations of children and adults her love of music. In addition, Laura was a church organist, serving several congregations over the years. In Madison, First Pilgrim Congregational Church and then Lake Edge UCC benefitted from her musical talents, as did United Presbyterian Church in Superior. At Lake Edge UCC Laura also directed the children’s and hand bell choirs.
In addition to pursuing her career and raising five children, Laura was an avid and accomplished baker, seamstress, knitter, rug maker and quilter. Her quilting in particular was recognized for its excellence and creativity, at shows and fairs across the state. Laura was an active member of the “Ladies of the Lake” Solon Springs quilting guild for many years.
Laura retired from teaching in 1991 and two years later moved with Bill to a home they built on family property in South Range. The home is referred to among Laura’s extended family as “Middle River,” named for the small river that runs through the property. Middle River has been a gathering place for descendants of James R. Hile for four generations. Laura was passionate in her efforts to maintain family ties using their “little log home” in the woods of northern Wisconsin. Over the 20 some years of their retirement together, Laura and Bill extended gracious hospitality to all who came.
Laura was a lifelong learner who was always taking classes and was eager to explore new challenges. She will be remembered for her insatiable curiosity and delight in life’s blessings.
A memorial service will be held later this summer at United Presbyterian Church in Superior.
In addition to her husband, Bill, she is survived by her children Julie E. Fuller of Madison, William T. Fuller (Lynn) of Cupertino, Calif., Timothy J. Fuller (Rita Goodrich) of St. Paul, Minn., Thomas H. Fuller (Zoya) of Virginia Beach, Va., and Laura R. Fuller (Mike Thomas) of Maitland, Fla.; and nine grandchildren, William and Tracey Fuller, Frances and Margaret Fuller, Daniela, Isabella and Thomas Fuller, Caroline and Zoey Thomas. Laura is also survived by her sister, Caroline Hodsdon Smith (Ronald D. Smith) of Sun City West, Ariz., and sister-in-law, Nancy Hodsdon of South Range.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Lewis Hodsdon of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Donald T. Hodsdon of South Range.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to United Presbyterian Church, 229 N. 28th St., Superior WI 54880 or the William and Laura Fuller Teaching Scholarship Fund, 6097 S. Old 11, South Range, WI 54874.
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Norma N.
Mrs. Fuller was my music teacher in elementary and high school in Solon Springs. She was wonderful. She taught band and chorus and directed the high school musical and a cantata at church and I was happy to be in all of these. She taught us how to jitterbug! We were thrilled. She gave us wonderful memories and she is the reason I became a music teacher. Norma Westerlund Nelson San Antonio, Texas06/19/2011 11:34 PM
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