Fulton, Norma

Norma Sophie Fulton

Mother accomplished her goal. October 10th of this year she reached her 100th birthday. She went to the hands of God on December 23, 2014 to be with her husband, brothers and parents. It was through her tenacity and her family’s hard work that Mother reached her 100th birthday.

Norma Sophie Fulton was born at home in Lincoln, Illinois on October 10, 1914 the daughter of Joseph and Euphemia Wysocki. Mrs. Fulton was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Joseph, Anthony and Leo, five step-brothers and one step-sister. Her step-sister, Helen Marcuccilli of Chicago, is the only surviving sibling. Norma was married to Harry Thomas of Fancy Prairie, her life’s partner for 30 years until his passing in 1974.

Sophie (her given name) entered the convent of St. Francis in Riverton, Illinois in 1931 where she took the name of Sister Norma, which she kept for the remainder of her life. Upon leaving the convent in 1939, Mrs. Fulton attended St. Francis School of Nursing in Peoria, Illinois receiving her degree in 1941. She then received her post graduate degree in 1943 in obstetrics at University of Michigan Women’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. She worked as a registered nurse at both Memorial and St. John’s Hospitals in surgery and obstetrics and was responsible for the delivery of 13 babies. She was hired as one of the first public health nurses for the newly formed Menard County Health Department during the 1960’s. In the later years of her profession, she worked at various nursing homes in the Springfield and Petersburg area, a vocation which she was very passionate. After her retirement, her passion became living on the Fulton Farm, quilting with the ladies at Holy Family Church and embroidery. She helped to create many quilts for her family and her church.

Mrs. Fulton is the mother of five children, Alvie Leo Fulton (Dianne), Springfield; Guy Thomas Fulton (Janice), Eagle River, AK; Anna Marie Barnlund (Gary), Donovan; Constance Jolene Arseneau (Curtis), Champaign and Joy Celine Reside (Robert), Springfield. She has 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will from 9:00 until 11:00 AM on Monday, December 29, 2014 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Athens, IL. Rosary will be said prior to the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 AM.

Burial will be at Indian Point Cemetery near Athens. Fr. Tom Holinga will be officiating. Memorials can be made to Holy Family Women’s Society.

The family is being served by Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens, IL. Online condolences can be made at chrismac:8888/mott/