Nora Lee Fusco

Nora Lee Fusco was born in Joliet, Illinois on January 21, 1954 and passed away on December 20, 2020 at the age of 66. Her death followed a 17-month struggle with cancer. She moved to California with her family while still in grade school, later attending La Serna High School in Whittier. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a bachelor's degree and a teaching credential. She resided in Rancho Cucamonga for 34 years before retiring and moving to Fallbrook, a community that charmed and delighted her.

Shortly after graduating from college she began pursuing one of her passions, teaching. Nora's teaching career spanned 31 years, mostly teaching sixth graders. She was employed by the Alta Loma School District. The skill and creativity she brought to her profession earned her praise and respect from students, parents and peers. Nora never met a student who couldn't succeed. Her determination and tenacity brought out the best in her students. Even years after her retirement former students would contact her to express their thanks.

Along life's path Nora discovered another passion, quilting. She was creative and artistic by nature and quilting offered an explosive outlet for her skills. Her creativity and attention to detail resulted in quilts of astounding beauty. Her quilts appeared in shows and won a number of awards. But that isn't what mattered to her. Her creations were an act of love and celebration. Most of them were given away to family and friends to commemorate special events such as a birth or a new home. She was generous by nature, warm and friendly to all and always ready to help.

However her overriding passion was family. As the hub of the family she organized and directed. She photographed and chronicled, from crazy vacations to Christmas lasagna. She was the conscience of the family and she made it all work. Her greatest joy was being a grandmother. Sadly, that was cut short.

Nora leaves behind her husband, Guido, sons Joel and Anthony, daughter Katherine, three grandchildren and other extended family. Arrangements for a Celebration of Life will be made when it is safe to congregate.