Berlin – Tuulia J. Fuller, 86, a resident of Berlin, NY, passed away November 20, 2021 at Bennington Health and Rehabilitation. Her husband of 63 years, Brian D. Fuller, 83, passed away November 28, 2021, also at Bennington Health and Rehabilitation. Tuulia was born in Tampere, Finland on July 16, 1935, the daughter of the late Kustaa Jokinen and Ida Koivikko. Brian was born in Murray, Utah on October 25, 1938, the son of Conrad A. Fuller and Burnice Neilson.
Brian and Tuulia met in Iceland in 1957, where he was stationed as a member of the Air Force Jazz Band, and she was working for the summer. They married in Lahti, Finland the following year. Tuulia attended Helsinki School of Economics, earning a Master of Economic Sciences degree. Her skills included various levels of fluency in six languages, which she used to translate German for a NASA consultant. She worked as a substitute teacher for 31 years in Berlin, as well as a home health aide. Brian worked as a Capitol Police Officer in Albany, NY for 25 years, during which time he also served in the Army National Guard, and repaired televisions and installed antennas. He worked for Garden Way after his retirement.
They were AARP volunteers for thirty years. Both also volunteered helping the elderly and for Feeding the Homeless Community Outreach.
Tuulia enjoyed knitting, especially for her extended family, and won numerous craft fair ribbons and awards. Her favorite place to sell her knit goods was the Tori/Nordic Outdoor Marketplace in Saima Park in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Brian continued his passion in music long after his Air Force service.
Brian and Tuulia shared a fondness for classical music, while Tuulia also liked new age and Brian enjoyed jazz. They loved animals, especially cats, and fed and tamed strays and cared for injured birds. They strongly encouraged their sons’ educational pursuits and enthusiastically supported their hobbies, attending most competitions and events. Tuulia was a fanatical follower of Finnish national and Olympic teams, hockey and figure skating in particular. Brian and Tuulia believed strongly in staying in touch with family and friends, and made numerous lifelong friends in the local Finnish community.
Tuulia and Brian are survived by their children Heikki B. Fuller (Deanne) of Anchorage, Alaska, Eirik D. Fuller of Berlin, NY, Robert J. Fuller of Hayward, California, Kimmo T. Fuller (Keri) of Bellaire, TX and Seppo A. Fuller of Miami, FL, and grandchildren Vivienne and Evan. She is survived by sisters Marja Jokinen and Pirjo Jokinen. She was preceded in death by her brothers Esko and Erkki Jokinen. He is survived by brother Ramon Fuller and sister Mary French (Don).
At the request of the family a celebration of life for Tuulia and Brian will be announced at a later date. If friends desire, memorial gifts may be made to the Berlin Town Library (www.bftl.org/support/) or the charity of their choice. To send the family personal condolences please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
