Jane T. Fuller, 71, a long time resident of the Ivoryton area, died on Aug. 11 from complications after a long battle with Dermatomyositis.  Jane's longtime companion, John Parker, was by her side throughout her struggle with this disease.

Jane was devoted to her family, friends, church, and community.  She was a founding member of the Ivoryton Village Gardeners and was a member of the Essex Historical Society.  She was also devoted to her work for the First Congregational Church in Essex and the Ivoryton Playhouse.

Jane had been a coach for many years and refereed field hockey and basketball at the high school and college level. She was a graduate of Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Skidmore College in Saratoga, New York, and had received her master’s degree from East Stroudsburg State College in Pennsylvania.

Besides her companion John, she is survived by her caring daughters, Jennifer Nickel and her husband Jack and their sons Samuel and Maxwell of Deep River, and Betsy Fuller Matambanadzo and her husband Evans and their son Dzikamayi of Brooklyn, New York; her two loving brothers, Thomas Turton and his wife Catherine of Tampa, Florida, and Arthur Turton and his wife Pamela of Williamstown, Massachusetts; and a number of nieces and nephews, with whom she shared many special moments. She is also survived by her former husband, James M. Fuller and his wife Marge, who continued to have a supportive role in her life.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 14, at the Robinson Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St., Centerbrook, from 5 to 7 pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at the First Congregational Church, 6 Methodist Hill Rd., Essex, at 11 a.m.  Burial will be private. Donations in her memory may be made to the First Congregational Church, 6 Methodist Hill Rd., Box 237, Essex, CT 06426, or to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave a condolence for Jane’s family or for more information please visit rwwfh.com.