Obituary of Whilmina Fucci

Whilmina “Billie” (Rabideau) Fucci, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, was welcomed by her Lord and Savior, and her three oldest children, to her eternal home on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. She was the cherished wife of John P. Fucci for nearly sixty-two years. Together, they raised six biological children, however “Ma/Nana” Fucci was well-known for the many children she helped to raise who were not her own. She always made meals stretch when her children brought home extra mouths to feed. She made extra room in her home for several wayward youth, in need of a place to stay. There was never a shortage of hugs, smiles, sage advice, and love. Her kindness, humility, strength, faith, and optimism are her legacy. Though she suffered numerous injuries, losses and illness, she always wore a smile, fought her hardest, and received both admiration and inspiration due to her resilience and perseverance. She was predeceased by sisters Helen (Alvan) Metcalf, Lois (William) Matthews and Anne Fulgoni. Survived by brother Frederick (Sandra) Rabideau, sisters Diane Williamson, Sandra Baptiste (Calvin), Joyce Britton, Mary Ellen Beaulieu (William), and Karen Chiavetta (Armando). She was predeceased only fifteen days by her daughter Linda Fucci of Greenacres, FL. Also predeceased by sons John C. Fucci of Charleston, SC and James Fucci of Stoneham, MA. Billie is survived by Joyce Fucci of Summerville, SC, Daniel Fucci of Raiford, FL, and Christine (Wm. Alan) Freeman of Charleston, SC. She was belovedly known as Nana, and will be greatly missed by her 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, most of whom she also helped to raise as their adoring sitter. She never met a stranger she didn’t turn into a friend, and she never met a baby who left her presence without some lovin’. May her legacy and light live on through those who have been touched by her spirit. There will be a combined Memorial Service for Billie and her daughter Linda Fucci on Saturday, January 20th, 2018 at 1 pm at St. Andrews Parish United Methodist Church, 3225 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, SC 29414 In lieu of flowers, Billie’s wish was that you spread love by forgiving someone, or performing an act of kindness. Thank you.