Mary Tursi Fuller

Mary Tursi Fuller, age 88, passed away with family at her side on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Pine Acres Assisted Living, while under the care of Suncrest Hospice.

A memorial mass will be held 11 a.m. Thursday June 2, 2022, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, Des Moines. A private burial will occur at Glendale Cemetery.

Mary was born December 4, 1933 in Des Moines, Iowa to Paul and Melina Tursi. She graduated from Lincoln High School, and was a long time employee of Des Moines Public Schools, retiring from Library Services. While employed with DMPS, she was active in the union.

Mary was active in her community, serving many years on the Broadlawn’s Hospital Board of Directors. If you knew Mary, there was no question where she stood on politics and issues of the day. She was always for the underdog. Family and friends were recipients of her generous nature. Mary enjoyed supporting the ISU Cyclones, especially the football and basketball teams.

Mary was beloved by her nieces, nephew, and great nieces and nephew, always being there for them, celebrating them on their birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions, as well as many wonderful years spent together at the lake.

Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Pete Tursi; nieces, Madelyn Tursi, Lori (Bob) Grote, Jean Tison, Patti (Tom) Riley and nephew, John Tursi; as well as her great nieces, Erin, Kristin, and Tricia Riley, Alivia (Collin Motschke) Tison, Elle Grote; great nephew, Peter Tison; and cousins. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, uncles and aunts, sister in law, Gert Tursi, and numerous cousins.

Mary’s family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Pine Acres for the care she received in her last days.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s honor to Broadlawn’s Medical Center or a Catholic charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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