Carol Marie Fulk

October 11, 1936 – November 29, 2018

BONITA – Carol Marie Fulk passed away at home with her husband Jerry by her side. Carol was born in Brooklyn NY, the second child of Oliver and Marie Vanderbilt. Her father joined the Marine Corps in 1942 and the family moved several times. Carol attended school at St. Agnes, George Dewey and St. Charles Borromeo in San Diego. She graduated from Washington & Lee High School in Alexandria VA and started college at Catholic University in Washington DC. While there in 1954, she met Jerry Fulk who was a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy. They met on a triple blind date - three midshipmen and three college girls.

Carol and Jerry were married in May 1957 while he was stationed aboard his first ship in Long Beach CA. For the next 30 years, they moved frequently, including to Japan. Three children were born in three years and Carol attended to their needs while Jerry was at sea.

Carol readily adjusted to Navy life and was the consummate Navy Wife. She taught school as a young bride and later taught English to Japanese naval officers while the family lived in Japan. As an ombudsman, Carol located housing for Navy wives and babysat for new arrivals. She was a sounding board for the wives and built lifelong friendships. After Jerry retired from the Navy, Carol continued with activities in the civilian community. She delivered Meals on Wheels for 30+ years, organized Navy League recognition events for ombudsmen, and served on the Bonita Bluffs Homeowners Association board. She joined her church guild and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She belonged to the Bonita Optimist Club, P.E.O., Republican Women of California, Bonita Valley Garden Club, Alaska-Yukon Club and International Sourdough Reunion.

Carol loved to travel. Cruising was her favorite and Hong Kong was her favorite port. She and Jerry visited all seven continents.

Carol was an eternal optimist. She was smiling and cheerful. She looked for the best in people and the positive side of everything. She loved her children and grandchildren and encouraged them to strive for the best that they could be. She gave them roots to grow and wings to fly. She was deeply loved in return. Those who knew Carol best recognized her as an amazing woman, wonderful friend, loving, understanding, patient, kind, thoughtful, talented, beautiful, incredibly brave and a true lady with style and grace.

It was in her battle with breast cancer that Carol’s character shined brightly. She fought the disease for 32 years. She counseled others with cancer and encouraged them to seek help and join support groups. She put up a valiant fight. Now, she is at peace.

Carol is survived by her husband Jerry, daughter Kathleen, son John, grandchildren Brittany Fulk, Nicole Fulk, William Main and Jennifer Main, and great-grandchild Ryder William Main, William’s newborn son. She was predeceased by her son Michael.

A Visitation and Rosary Service will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary, Little Chapel of the Roses, 3838 Bonita Rd in Bonita, at 6:30 pm on Thursday, December 13. Carol’s funeral will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 293 H St, Chula Vista, at 11:00 am on Friday, December 14. A reception will follow at the Fulk family home.

Interment will be in Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 18, with vehicle lineup beginning at 9:30 am. A reception will follow at Kathleen Main’s home.

Donations may be made in Carol’s memory to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Cancer Outreach and Treatment. Online: Komen.org/donate.