Lucia ("Lucy") Geiger Fusco, 99, Columbia, passed away from this life and entered into her eternal home in Heaven on December 4, 2021. She was born in St. Matthews, SC on June 12, 1922, to Rufus Baker Geiger and Gertrude Smith Geiger. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, Arthur Anthony Fusco.

Mrs. Fusco graduated from Converse College in 1942 with a degree in Mathematics. She worked as a reporter and photographer for the Spartanburg Herald Newspaper. Her favorite assignments were covering President Franklin Roosevelt's visit to South Carolina and writing about people's reactions to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

During WW II, she joined the American Red Cross and trained in social work at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC. Upon completion, she was assigned to the Navy Hospital in Key West, Florida, It was there that she met her husband, Art Fusco, Chief Petty officer of the US Navy Submarine Service, a Pearl Harbor survivor.

Mrs. Fusco taught mathematics at Crayton Middle School and Logan Alternative School. She was an excellent, caring teacher and greatly admired by her students.

She was an active member of Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia where she taught Sunday school and worked with the Cub Scouts. She was a member of Shandon UMC for 69 years. She loved gardening and was a member of the Lilac Garden Club.

Her optimistic spirit, insight, and love of life was an inspiration to all who knew her. She once stated, "I consider the people that I have met and loved throughout my lifetime to be my greatest gifts."

As a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she is survived by her sons: Arthur Geiger Fusco (June); and Frank Whitefoord Fusco (Pam). Grandchildren: Mary Fusco Peonio (Scott); Hugh E Burkett II (Christine); Brady Burkett; and Nicole Palmer (Jason). Great-Grandchildren: Seth Lane, Logan Lane, "H" Burkett, Mamie Burkett, Taylor Burkett, Brooke Fredette, and Brooks Palmer. She also leaves behind her best buddy, Grand dog Zoey.

She is also survived by her dear cousin, Annie Geer of Anderson, SC, who is 102 years old.

A family service to celebrate her life will be at Shandon United Methodist Church. The Reverend James Grubb will preside. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.