Kathryn Fuller

Kathryn Fuller of La Cañada Flintridge, actress and member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG/AFTRA) and Actors' Equity Association (AEA) -- who was affectionately known to her family as "America's Favorite Actress" -- passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2012, due to natural causes. She was 89. Services and interment were conducted May 31, 2012, at Mountain View Chapel in Altadena. Kathryn was born on June 5, 1922, in Delaware, Ohio to Gilbert and Ruth Eagon. She earned a degree in Theatre Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University. There, during the Second World War, she met her future husband, Mark H. Fuller, who was then enrolled in the U.S. Navy V-12 Unit at Ohio Wesleyan. They were married in July, 1945, at Christ Church in New York City. Following the War, Kathryn and Mark resided in California; they lived in Altadena, Arcadia, South Pasadena, and then for 52 years in La Cañada Flintridge. Kathryn began a professional acting career with performances at the Pasadena Playhouse, Theatre Americana (Altadena), and Glendale Centre Theatre. Eventually she would make many appearances on television, in films and on stage. She was a gifted actress, director and writer -- but Kathryn will also be remembered as a loving wife and mother, with four sons and two daughters. She managed a busy household that often included extended family members. For over 40 years, Kathryn and her family were active members of Holliston United Methodist Church; she taught preschool at Holliston's Merryland Nursery School. She volunteered in her community, reading books at local schools and directing theater for non-profits -- such as Foothill Service Club for The Blind, where she directed a play cast entirely with blind actors. In over 50 years of work, Kathryn influenced the careers of fellow actors and touched the hearts of many. In 1962, she was a co-founder of Studio Theatre Playhouse in Los Angeles, which today remains a venue for new theatrical talent. As a playwright, she authored: "Lightning in the South" (from the life of Mary Todd Lincoln) and co-authored "Lutie" (a comedic romp set in New Orleans). Both premiered at Glendale Centre Theatre. Her many performances with The Colony at Studio Theatre Playhouse included: Terrence Shank's adaptation of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath", Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey into Night," and the world stage premier of Ray Bradbury's "The Martian Chronicles." When "The Grapes of Wrath" was picked up by the Louisville Regional Equity Theatre, Kathryn was cast in the featured role of "Mama" for an extended run. On television, Kathryn's recurring roles included Mabel Cummings in "Days of Our Lives," Mrs. Shellenback on "Happy Days," and Mrs. McGregor on "Valerie's Family." Numerous other appearances included "Laverne & Shirley," "Little House on the Prairie," "Highway to Heaven," "Remington Steele," and "Newhart". Her favorite motion picture role was that of Faye Kennedy in "Yes, Georgio" co-starring with Luciano Pavarotti. Kathryn is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Sue Jacobs. She is survived by her husband Mark; sister Meredith Rode and brother Richard Eagon; children, Mike (Tina), Elin Alto (John), Scott (Susanne), Tim (Gail), Babette Coverdale (John) and Matt (Shyrlee), eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is loved and missed by all.