Ellen Fuchs Mulder

Ellen Fuchs Mulder, 76, passed away September 24, 2022, at her home in Cordova, MD. 

Ellen was the seventh child of John A. Fuchs and Frieda Schmick Fuchs. Ellen’s early life centered around the family’s New Hopes Farm in Denton, MD, and participating in 4-H.  She showed Guernsey cattle and took her heifer Aura to the Maryland State Fair in 1961. A dedicated student athlete who participated in field hockey, basketball, and the National Honor Society. Ellen graduated from North Caroline High School in 1964. In 1968 she earned a bachelor’s degree in history at Salisbury State Teachers College, now Salisbury University. Later that summer, on August 10, she married her long-time sweetheart Cornelius Stevens “Steve” Mulder Jr. 

In the fall of 1969, Ellen began her 34-year career as a teacher, 31 of which she spent at North Caroline High School teaching U.S. History and Marriage and Family Living. Ellen was the lone female of the social studies department and enjoyed a camaraderie with her department colleagues, whom she fondly referred to as “the Bubs.” Outside of the classroom, she coached volleyball, mentored new teachers, and participated in Alpha Delta Kappa teacher’s sorority. A student favorite, she was frequently requested to write letters of recommendation and speak at graduation.  She delighted in community encounters with former students.

Ellen was recognized for excellence in education and dedication to her students, school, and profession when named Caroline County Teacher of the Year 2000–01. Ellen was touched that the nomination was completed by her students. She enjoyed the celebrations the award afforded and reveled in meeting Cal Ripken Jr and sitting in the owner’s box for an Orioles game at Camden Yards. 

After her retirement in 2003, Ellen dedicated her time to the Caroline County Garden Club, serving as vice president and president, and to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church where she served as lector and actively participated in bible study and the sit-n-stitch knitting circle. 

Ellen was known for her abundant garden produce; manicured flower beds; fine cooking, canning, and baking; sage advice; and dry humor. 

Ellen’s greatest joy was her loving family: Steve, her devoted husband of 54 years; her daughters Molly Mulder Rusch (Matt) of Centreville and Monica Mulder Bissett (Jim) of Denton; and her grandchildren Sabrina, James, Lauren, Gina, Delaney, and Tessa.  

In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by seven siblings Barbara Wright of Seaford, DE; Henry Fuchs (Rose Marie), Joanne Smith (Hugh), Rebecca Loukides (Nicholas), Phillip Fuchs, all of Denton; Mark Fuchs (Lynn) of Ridgely; and Gary Fuchs (Cathie) of Austin, TX; her sister-in-law Joan Fuchs of Harrington, DE; and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces who brought her tremendous joy.

Her parents, brothers Ernest and Louis Fuchs, sisters Lois Clark and Naomi Buckalew, nephews Brian and Berton Fuchs, and great-nephew Chad Clark preceded Ellen in death. 

Friends may visit with the family from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Moore’s Funeral Home in Denton. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 30, 2022, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cordova. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 368, Cordova, MD 21625.

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