Mary Helen Fuller

Born Mary Helen Sims in the city of Chicago, IL, Mary grew up in the nearby suburb of Medinah. Most of her school years were spent at St. Walter’s Catholic School. After graduating from Lake Park High School, Mary attended Illinois State University where she earned her degree in education. 

Mary met her husband of 53 years, Jim Fuller, in 1968. Together, they worked hard to create a close and strong family bond among their four children. Mary’s Catholic faith was at the core of everything she poured into her family. Family was her priority, so much so that they bought a house 2 doors down from her parents in Medinah. Those were special times. 

In the spring of 1986, after spending 6 plus months alone with four kids while Jim was away pursuing a new job, she moved the rest of the family to Texas. The family joined St. Phillip’s parish in Flower Mound where Mary taught religious education for several years.

Following years of staying at home to raise her kids, Mary started teaching math at Lewisville High School, the arch-rival of her kids’ high school Marcus. The battle of the axe became even more interesting! She loved everything LHS from the students to football games to her forever friendships she developed with fellow staff. She spent years coaching cheer and attending competitions with them at one of her favorite places, Disney World. But Mary did not take her job lightly. She spent many late nights grading and correcting papers after spending extra hours tutoring her students, and often one or two of her own kids. She wanted everyone to succeed at math and truly enjoyed sharing her gift of teaching. Mary retired after 21 years at LHS.

Mary’s strength, determination, and deep faith became more obvious when she survived cancer and a brain hemorrhage, both of which her family consider miraculous.

Mary had a kind and generous spirit, which her small and close circle of friends can attest to. They were family to her. She always had an open, welcoming door to everyone who crossed her path. Among her favorites were hosting parties, playing push Shanghai and bunco, craft shows, celebrating her Irish heritage by making corned beef and cabbage every St. Patrick’s Day, her pool, and the beach, especially Hawaii. She loved being surrounded by her grandkids and cooking for everyone. Family always came first and brought her the most joy. 

Mary’s love of Christmas was contagious. Despite not having a ton of money, she always made Christmas special for her family. So many memories of decorating, cookie baking, singing happy birthday to Jesus, and receiving unexpected gifts. She taught us the magic of the season. 

The family chose to celebrate Mary’s life on St. Nicholas Day, as this day was special twice over. Mary was especially close to her parents and December 6th was her father’s birthday. The day also included the tradition of waking up to a special treat in the shoes left out for St. Nicholas.

In recent years, Mary and Jim found their new church home at St. Francis Of Assisi. Her profound Catholic faith never wavered, and she found comfort in her new parish.

Mary is preceded in death by her brother, Michael Sims; her mother, Helen Sims; and her father, John Sims. Mary is survived by her husband, James Fuller;  daughter Shannon Carey and husband, Garrett; daughter Nichole Javor and husband, Wade; son Trevor Fuller; and son Anthony Fuller; Grandchildren Gannon (18), Samantha (16), Abigail (15), Emma (14), Breckin (12), and Holden (9); sister Trish Stanford and husband, Billy; and numerous brother and sister in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Fight Colorectal Cancer Organization or to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of Grapevine.