Entering our world on Little Christmas, January 6, 1922, Alberta Girod Fullem left us on Christmas Day 2025, 12 days shy of 104 years, leaving her adoring family and friends a legacy and model of unconditional love, kindness, and decency.

Born at home in Valley Cottage NY to Albert Girod and Louise Bayen Girod, Alberta's first language was French.  Raised during the Great Depression, Alberta graduated from Congers (NY) High School and a New York City secretarial school, then worked for a South African import/export agency in the Empire State Building.  After marrying her high school sweetheart, Matthew Fullem, in December 1943, she moved with him to Enid, Oklahoma for his Army Air Corps pilot training. After the war she, Matt, and their first-born son Robert returned to Rockland County NY, where son Bruce and daughter Renée were born.  In retirement, Alberta and Matt built a home in Jaffrey NH, and then moved to Charlton MA to be near Renee.  At Matt's passing in 2009, Alberta moved to New Horizon's Assisted Living Residence in Marlborough MA, where she was an active member of the community.

Matt and Alberta loved to travel, including to Machu Picchu, San Francisco, Brazil, Bermuda and St. Augustine. Alberta enjoyed many forms of needlework and made beautiful dresses for her granddaughters.  At New Horizons, she participated in Busy Hands (a knitting group making items for charity), Bingo, Book Club, and Classic Reading.  She also belonged to a community book club with Renee and her friends.  Alberta was an avid Red Sox fan, taking notes during spring training on each of the players. When she was 101, Alberta attended her first game at Fenway Park; she also threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Worcester Red Sox (WooSox) game later that year, making the evening news on a Boston television station.

Alberta attributed her long and healthy life to a glass of red wine with dinner.  She had a mighty determination to be as independent as possible, rarely dwelling on life's day-to-day challenges. She was delighted by the simple pleasures in life:  a conversation with a friend, her orchid plants, German chocolate cake, choosing the perfect pair of earrings for an outfit, and an ice cream cone.  She was a good sport about new adventures, allowing Matt to bring her up for loop-de-loops in a plane, and going tent camping during a week-long rainstorm. Most importantly, she accepted and valued everybody without reservation.

Alberta is survived by her son, Robert Fullem (Marilyn Kaplan) of Albany, NY; and Renée Fullem (Mark Kmetz) of Millis, MA.  She was predeceased by her son Bruce Fullem (Pam Kavelman) of Katonah, NY.  She leaves five grandchildren, Travis Fullem (Sharbani) of West Sand Lake, NY; Jessica Madsen (Jay) of Wellesley, MA; Emily Morrison (Dave) of Medway, MA; Leah Drosehn (Joel) of Los Angeles, CA; Zoe Fullem (David) of Tucson, AZ; Emma Fullem (Guy Ladouceur) of Albany, NY; and Abby Fullem (Naomi Gross) of Somerville, MA; and nine great grandchildren, Kate, Jack, Emerson, Olivia, Matthew, Riley Belle, Zofia Alberta (born on Alberta's 100 th birthday), Benjamin, and Casimir.  Alberta was predeceased by her sister, Lucille Jordan, and had four nieces and a nephew.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday January 3, 2026 at 11 AM in the Chapel at New Horizons. 400 Hemenway Street, Marlborough.  A reception will follow the Mass at New Horizons.

With deep appreciation, the family thanks the staff of New Horizons, whose kindness enriched the last 16 years of her life. In addition, the family is deeply grateful to the staff of the Rosarie Center at St. Patrick's Manor for their loving care and for the dignity and compassion they showed Alberta during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick's Manor, 863 Central Street, Framingham, MA.