Obituary: Martha Fuller

Martha MacLeish Fuller, of Somerville, MA, and Prudence Island, RI, died on April 10, 2024, after an extended attempt to coexist with colon and pancreatic cancer.

She was the daughter of Kenneth MacLeish and Carolyn deChadenèdes. She leaves her beloved husband, Herbert Fuller; her sons, Drew Glazier and Levi Fuller (Meghan), and granddaughter, Rowan Loch Fuller. She also leaves her brother, A. Bruce MacLeish (Patricia), her sister, Ellen Zale, and her brother, Kenneth Ian MacLeish (Donna) and their children, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.

After graduating from Radcliffe College, she spent most of her working life at Harvard University as a staff assistant to faculty members, which she found a good blend of interesting work with an ability to have a family life. She became involved in the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers, and after retiring from the University she worked for the union for several years as an organizer, inspired by the union’s theme, “kindness and respect.” She most enjoyed helping union members and supervisors to find that they had common ground, and could resolve their differences with mutual understanding.

Martha and Herb spent much of their time at their home on Prudence Island, a source of peace and renewal. Their friends there and on the mainland (in “America”) have provided material and emotional support during her treatment for cancer. The physicians, nurses, and staff at Beth Israel Medical Center have been skilled, kind, and thoughtful, without exception.

She loved every day of her life, even the hardest ones, and was grateful for them all and for the beloved people who made them a joy.

A Graveside Service will be held for Martha at 8:00am on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Prudence Memorial Park, Prudence Island.