Patricia Katherine Fuller, compassionate soul
Patricia Katherine Fuller (née Leonard), affectionately known as Patti-K, from Lewes, formerly of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 21, 2022, at age 76. Patti was born in Wilmington Nov. 12, 1945, daughter of the late Thomas and Helen “Sully” Leonard, both lifelong residents of New Castle.
Patti graduated from William Penn High School in 1963 and worked for the Board of Water and Light. Patti married Warren “Butch” Fuller in 1964 and soon after had two children, Keith and Kim. Patti and the family moved several times early in Warren’s career as an Army pilot, though she eventually settled back in New Castle, where her heart always remained. Patti worked for the Department of Health and Human Services as a social worker for over 25 years. After retiring from the state, Patti moved to Bear and started a new career with Wilmington Trust in 2001, which she enjoyed immensely as she was able to utilize her charm and social skills, and put people at ease and build trust. Patti climbed the ranks to become an officer of the bank in 2007 before retiring in 2008. Patti enjoyed three years of sunny, warm weather in Punta Gorda, Fla., before moving back to Delaware.
Patti, like her father, was an active member of the community, and was a longtime member of the New Castle Lions Club, New Castle Rotary Club, served on the New Castle City Council, coached at New Castle Little League, and was active in both the William Penn Wrestling and Football Boosters.
Patti was a kind, compassionate and funny soul who loved to spend time with her family, and close friends (the girls – you know who you are) and spend hours reminiscing. She cherished and adored her granddaughter, Mackenzie, and relished the time they shared.
Anyone who met Patti became an instant and lifelong friend because of the love, warmth, kindness and wisdom she illuminated. Loved by all, Patti will forever be remembered as a fun-loving, bright spirit who loved to laugh and embraced everyone and everything in her life.
Patti is survived by her son, Keith Fuller; daughter, Kim Feehery; granddaughter, Mackenzie Feehery; Warren and Jane Fuller; Chris, Mary, James and Hunter Hayes; cousin Kathy Wirth née Sullivan; and close friends Alexandra, Tony and Mona Shalhoup.
A viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, June 3, at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 101 W. 6th St., New Castle. A celebration of Patti’s life will be following the viewing from 2 to 6 p.m., Odessa Fire Station 24 Memorial Hall, 304 Main St., Odessa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Patti’s name may be made to New Castle Lions Club, Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, the ASPCA, or American Diabetes Association.
