September 9, 1943, March 23, 2023
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” Maya Angelou+
Those words exemplify the life of Cathy Fuller 79, who passed away on the morning of March 23, 2023, after an extended illness. Cathy was born in Helena MT to Harry Fuller and Hallie (Sasek) Fuller. She joined her 2 older brothers Harry Jr and David. As a young girl growing up in East Helena Cathy was strongly influenced by her Grandmother Caroline Sasek who instilled in Cathy her strong independent streak and attitude that women can make a difference. Cathys early years were spent helping her parents in the Fuller Grocery store located next to their home on main street in East Helena. She attended East Helena Schools and graduated from Helena High School.
Born to a strong family of “New Deal Democrats” Cathy began her career in politics working for Senator Lee Metcalf first in his Helena office and then in his Washington DC office. In 1972 Cathy left Senator Metcalf’s staff to work on the presidential campaign of Hubert Humphrey. After that Cathys political journey took her to San Francisco California to work on the campaign of George Moscone who was elected mayor of San Francisco in 1976. Cathy worked in the mayor’s office and was there when Mayor Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk were tragically killed by former supervisor Dan White in 1978. Returning to Montana, Cathy worked on the 1982 reelection campaign for Senator John Melcher, after his reelection in 1982 Cathy moved to Idaho and became involved in Idaho democratic political efforts which led her to work for Idaho congressman Richard Stallings from 1985 until 1993. She continued working in Idaho for the democratic party until returning to Montana where she finished out her political career as an early director of NARAL Montana’s political efforts.
In her later years Cathy spent time caring for her Mother Hallie and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Hallie Fuller, brothers Harry Jr and David and dearest friend and companion Matt Slater.
Cathy is survived by her lifelong friend Shirley Timmerman, cousins Jay Reardon and his wife Christy, Mark Reardon and his wife Kathy and Carolyn Reardon and husband Peter Dellinger in Rochester NY.
In addition Cathy made many lifelong friends during her political work and is survived by many friends in Idaho and San Francisco.
Cathy wished that no services be held. If you wish to honor Cathy’s memory, you may contribute to the reelection of Montana Senator Jon Tester, Cathy would be pleased with that, or to an organization of your choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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