Obituary of Rosalie Doreen Fuller
Our beloved mother Rosalie Doreen Fuller (Bennett), formerly from Kingsport, passed away in Halifax on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
Rosalie is survived by daughters, Leone Wells, Cole Harbour; Diane Fuller, Berwick; Linda Fuller (Roger Allen), Wolfville; Kim Fuller, New Minas; Jo-anne Odegard (Mike), Beaverbank; grandsons, Jesse, Michael, and Gabriel; great granddaughter, Daphne; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by husband, Malcolm Earl Fuller; infant son; mother, Leone Bennett (Carey), father George Bennett, brothers, Alex and Murray, sister Dorothy, and twin brother Ronald and nephews John and Charlie and son in-law Derrick.
Mom had a talent for storytelling. She had a way of keeping history alive through her stories and her family cherishes this gift she gave of connection with the past.
Mom grew up in Kingsport. Kingsport was famous for building some of the largest wooden ships ever built in Canada. During the wooden ship building era Kingsport was a key location for the shipping trade; the railway extended to the Kingsport wharf offering rail to sea transportation of goods. Mom’s Grandfather was captain of the Hattie Mckay, one of the last working schooners near the end of Nova Scotia’s wooden shipbuilding era. Mom’s father was a veteran of WW1 and served at the Battle of the Somme, Vimy Ridge, and the Battle of Passchendaele. She had many family stories of these times, and shared her own childhood memories of life on the home front during WW2 when her family rationed food and opened their home to entertaining soldiers.
Their home was a beautiful old place the family lovingly called “the farmhouse.” Mom had many farmhouse stories. She told them in a way that made us feel like we were right there, and through them we experienced the warmth and love of long ago family times.
Mom also had some fun stories to tell. Like how in the 50's her cousin from the States sent her boxes of hand-me downs, clothing that was still the latest trend in rural Nova Scotia. Mom had an eye for fashion and put together stylish outfits. Decked out in her bobby socks, saddle shoes, pom pom sweaters, and poodle skirts, and with her jet-black curly hair, she was a stunning beauty.
She also told of going to the Wilf Carter show in Kentville, and about the time she and her twin brother sang “Your Cheating Heart” by Hank Williams live on the radio. Mom had a passion for country music and loved to sing. Her voice had a charming country twang; people often commented that she sounded like Kitty Wells.
Mom and Dad’s love story is one most dear to us. It started with them writing letters to one another while he was overseas serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Mom’s older sister was married to Dad’s older brother, and Dad’s father was a sea captain, so their families had some things in common. Seems there was a bit of matchmaking going on, and it was suggested to Mom that it might be nice of her to write some friendly letters to a young man far from home. But eventually the letters went from being signed “from Rosalie” to “Love from Malcom,” and then “All my Love Rosalie.” Mom would giggle when she told that part. Mom was there to meet Dad when he arrived back home. They married in 1956, and had 60 years of loving devoted marriage.
During his 25 years in the RCAF Dad worked as an armament systems technician and he and his family were stationed at bases in Greenwood Nova Scotia; Cold Lake Alberta; Zweibrucken Germany; and Summerside Prince Edward Island. Mom’s travels as a military wife made for some interesting stories. Along the way she also collected the best recipes, our favorite was one she got from our land lady in France for French onion soup. Mom was a lovely cook, and her kitchen was a warm and special place.
In 1976 our family returned to Kingsport. A place known as "The Boathouse" because boats had once been built there, became our family home. At this time the wreckage of the F.B.G., the last coastal schooner built in Nova Scotia, remained near Kingsport wharf. Us kids liked to spend time at the wharf; Kingsport was a beautiful place to grow up, and eventually for the grandkids to visit. The memories created remain close to our hearts, especially those of Mom telling her stories and singing us songs. Our favorite song was one written for Mom’s grandfather by her mom. It goes like this:
Now if you pause and listen
A story I will tell
A story based on memories
Of a man I loved so well
This man he was my father
He meant the world to me
Many happy days I spent
With him upon the sea
Now when the tide is high and
The full moon’s sailing low
Memories take me back
To days of long ago
Now he is gone forever
No more to sail the sea
But over on that golden shore
I know he waits for me
Mom shared so many songs, poems, and stories, and no one could ever tell a story like she did. There’s an African proverb that says, “When an elder dies a library burns to the ground.” Mom’s passing is a profound loss. Our hearts are broken.
We find comfort in the stories most important to Mom, those from the Bible about our Savior Jesus Christ. Mom was a devoted Christian, and we feel blessed she made faith a part of our lives. Over on that golden shore we know she waits to meet us again.
In keeping with Mom’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Hope for Wildlife. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).
