Michelle E. Fullerton DeFabio

Michelle Elizabeth (Fullerton) DeFabio, DNP, MS, RN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC, age 52, of West Hempfield Township, Lancaster, died at 1:02 PM Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at her residence. 

Born June 11, 1971, in York, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Scott B. and Peggy L. (Short) Fullerton, of York, she graduated from York Catholic High School in 1989 and went on to earn her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate of Nursing Practice Degrees from York College of Pennsylvania, and currently held the position of Director of Nursing for Penn Medicine, Nursing Professional Development and Clinical Excellence. She also served as an Adjunct Nursing Faculty Member at York College and Harrisburg Area Community College.  She was a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Eta Eta Chapter Sigma Theta Tau International, Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders, Sigma Theta Tau International, and Susquehanna Valley Chapter of American Association of Critical Care Nurses.   She held appointments to the Education Committee for the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders; the Leadership Succession Committee of Eta Eta Chapter Sigma Theta Tau International; and President of Susquehanna Valley Affiliate National Association Clinical Nurse Specialists. She accomplished all these things while raising two children as a single mother.

In addition to her parents, Dr. DeFabio is survived by her son, Anthony J. DeFabio, of Lancaster; her daughter Amber M. DeFabio, of York; her brother, Scott B. Fullerton II, and his wife Michelle, of York; and two nieces, Emily and Ashley. She was her family’s absolute sunshine and will be missed everyday.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York, with Pastor Kevin Becker officiating.  Viewings will be from 1:00-3:00 PM Sunday and 9:00-10:00 AM Tuesday. Burial will be in Susquehanna Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania, https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTc3Mzc1

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michelle E. Fullerton DeFabio, please visit our floral store.