Julie Fuller

STOUGHTON – Julie Fuller, 53, of Stoughton, Wis., passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at Stoughton Hospital. She was born on Jan. 22, 1962, in Madison, Wis., to Mary Fuller. Julie graduated from Madison East High School in 1983 in the Special Education Program. She participated in life skills programs at Pathways in Wisconsin, Madison, and at MARC, Stoughton. She lived at home in Madison, Wis., until 1988 when the passing of her mother, Mary Fuller, forced an unexpected life change for Julie. She was delighted to find a new home at McCarthy’s Facility for the Developmentally Disabled, Stoughton, Wis., where she resided until her death. Julie is survived by her Godmother, Karen Anderson, of Madison, her sister and spouse, Melissa (Fuller) Clifton and Brice Clifton, her nieces Nora and Anna, and many other relatives and friends, in particular, her second home and family at McCarthy’s. She is survived by all the wonderful residents there as well; in particular her roommate Diane, who always watched out for her. Her family thanks all the medical staff who helped her over the last year, in particular the ICU staff at Stoughton Hospital for their patience and kindness to Julie and her family. Her family also thanks all of her special education teachers throughout the years whose dedication to their students brings a grace to our schools and communities that can never be overvalued. Finally, her family thanks and will always feel blessed by everyone who made McCarthy’s Julie’s second home: Mike, Tammy, Amber, Tina, Colleen, Paula, Jody, Terry, Gail, Dawn, Susie, Kathy, Myrna, and all the other amazing people over the last 28 years—we thank you all! Julie will always be remembered for her ability to lift the mood of everyone around her with a smile. Julie was a fighter. She loved to be around her friends and family, loved listening to music, and especially loved to be outside and going places. Julie would remind you to not take anything for granted. In celebration of her life, a reception will be held for family and friends at the Goodman Community Center, Sunday, January 31, 2016, from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. All are welcome. “…with this child sent from above comes stronger faith and richer love.” From Heaven’s Very Special Child by Edna Massionilla. HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD A meeting was held quite far from Earth! It's time again for another birth. Said the Angels to the LORD above, This Special Child will need much love. His progress may be very slow, Accomplishments he may not show. And he'll require extra care From the folks he meets down there. He may not run or laugh or play, His thoughts may seem quite far away, In many ways he won't adapt, And he'll be known as handicapped. So let's be careful where he's sent, We want his life to be content. Please LORD, find the parents who Will do a special job for you. They will not realize right away The leading role they're asked to play, But with this child sent from above Comes stronger faith and richer love. And soon they'll know the privilege given In caring for their gift from Heaven. Their precious charge, so meek and mild, Is HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD. by Edna Massionilla December 1981 The Optomist- newsletter for PROUD Parents Regional Outreach for Understanding Down's Inc.