Malpa Fuller

She met the man who would become her future husband of nearly forty years on a blind date. US Army Major James A. Fuller swept her off her feet, and they were married on January 23, 1972, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church near McKeesport, PA. From there, Malpa joined her new love in Pirmasens, Germany, as the first lady to the commander of the 22nd Aviation Wing of the United States Army. They traveled Europe in their free time until they relocated to Fort Lee, Virginia, in 1975. The next year, they welcomed their only child, Demetrius Fuller, into the world.

In 1978, a new adventure began when the family relocated to Fort Walton Beach, Florida where recently retired James began his civil-service career at Eglin Air Force Base. Malpa soon found the Sts. Markella & Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, where she was a member for more than 45 years. She was an active member and past president of the charitable Ladies Philoptochos Society, taught Sunday School for many years, and, for more than 20 years, was a fixture in the gift shop at the annual Greek Festival.

Malpa loved her family and her Greek heritage. However, her most cherished work was as a homemaker, and her home was open to anyone who needed a meal, advice (solicited or not), or a cup of Greek coffee (that sometimes had a bit of Ouzo). She and James were proud parents who volunteered with the Fort Walton Beach High School Band and followed their son to numerous music events, concerts, and competitions across the United States.

Avid supporters of music and the arts along the Emerald Coast, Malpa and James believed fostering creativity was an essential component of a well-rounded education. When James passed away in 2009, she provided the initial contribution to create the James A. Fuller Memorial Fund through Sinfonia Gulf Coast. Sinfonia will now add her name to this important endeavor, and it will go forth as the Malpa & James A. Fuller Fund for Music Education to benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast.

Malpa will always be known for her caring spirit, sharp wit, and signature vivacious and tireless energy. She is survived by her son Demetrius Fuller and his partner Andrew Baker, nephew Dr. John Carahalis and his wife Jillian, niece Panorea Welding and her husband Alan. Malpa was preceded in death by her husband James Fuller, her sister Connie Carahalis, brother Stanley Keramedis, and her parents.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor her memory on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at 12:00 p.m. at the Annunciation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 1128 Summit Street, White Oak, PA 15131. A burial will follow.

Arrangements are being cared for by Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc. (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177).

Should family and friends desire, memorial contributions are suggested to Sinfonia Gulf Coast, www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org, PO BOX 6326, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, or the Philoptochos Society at Sts. Markella & Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 104 Bryn Mawr Blvd, Mary Esther, FL 32569.