Loretta Fuller (Kleckner), 76, of Savannah, Ga. died March 24 surrounded by the love of family. Loretta was born in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania where she enjoyed weekly trips to the movies with her sister and cousins, the warmth and humor of her large extended family, and the baking talents of her affectionate grandmother. Loretta moved to Newark, Delaware as an adolescent and often spoke with affection for their small apartment on Delaware Avenue. She graduated from Newark High School and earned an Associate Degree from the University of Delaware at the same time that her mother was receiving her Master’s in Education.

Loretta married David Fuller and they had two daughters. After college she worked for DuPont for a few years and followed that with many years fully devoted to her home and family. She created a welcoming second home away from home for so many neighborhood kids, neighbors, and even their extended families. It was not unusual to find her enjoying the sounds of George Thorogood, Diana Ross, and Barry Manilow. Loretta’s macaroni and cheese, compassion, and love of laughter made her a treasured hostess and listener.

After her children were grown, Loretta spent 15 years working as a PBX operator at the Christiana Hilton. Her ability to soothe and assist weary travelers, as well as provide a sense of constancy at return visits, meant more than she realized. It has been a delight for family to learn of her far-reaching impact. 

Loretta’s creative side was expressed through poetry and painting ceramics. She cared deeply for her plants and flowers, and adored watching baseball (especially the Phillies) with her sister Dianne. Loretta bowled for many years at Blue Hen Lanes and, as a novice, scored a spare with the 7-10 split! Her latest teammates, The Screw Balls, continued to mean the world to her – even as she relocated to Savannah, Georgia to be near family.

Loretta’s joys in later years included being surrounded by her family, a cat named Peterson, and Werther’s Originals. She developed important friendships with her dining pals at Summer Breeze Assisted Living and spoke fondly of the caring staff who provided for her needs. She is survived and missed greatly by her two daughters, Theresa Fuller and her husband Bob Laws of Brookhaven, Georgia and Christine Lucas and her husband Romie Lucas of Savannah, Georgia as well as her grandson Elliot Lucas.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Dianne Kleckner. 

Please consider a donation to the American Stroke Association in honor and celebration of Loretta’s life.  https://www.stroke.org/