In Memory

Mia Fuller (Myers)

Mia Fuller (Myers)

 

 

Jan 17, 1945 - Oct 31, 2017




Longtime Claremonter, entrepreneur, creator, author, inspiration

Mia Fuller Myers died October 31, 2017 at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona. She was 72.

She was born in 1945 in Laredo, Texas, daughter of Thaddeus and Martha Palmer Fuller. She moved to Claremont as a child, and attended Sycamore School, Foothill Country Day School, Pomona College and San Francisco State University.

Her friends and family described her as a polymath. Among her various interests were Indian and modern dance, Japanese cuisine, white water rafting (as an outfitter), glider piloting, clothing design and horticulture.

A natural and lifelong entrepreneur, she embarked on numerous ventures, including a fashion line, Ginger Peachy, and a clothing store, Peaches and Cream, on Market Street in San Francisco in the late 1960s, where she designed and created clothes while living in the Haight-Ashbury district.

Later, she opened a florist shop in Washington DC called Queen Anne’s Lace, an aquarium business in Mill Valley, and finally, Smart Seeds in Claremont, which she ran from her home on Via Zurita Street.

A “trend-spotter” in fashion, marketing, gastronomy and interior design, Ms. Myers was forever trying new things, and was constantly striving for mastery, her friends shared.

Her longtime friend Anne Fraser Bagwell said she was “completely fearless, bright, restless and versatile, and a fabulous entrepreneur.”

Ms. Myers was one of the first clothiers to design Carnaby Street fashions for the American market. After spending time in Japan, in 1981 she published Sushi, the first book on the subject written in English. It sold 500,000 copies.

She later worked in nurseries in Portland, Oregon, and as a landscape designer in Claremont. Among her horticulture opportunities was a chance to work with Sam Maloof, when his estate was altered and moved with the Foothill Freeway expansion.

Nancy Bridgeman, another longtime friend, commented, “Mia was a master gardener; she could identify rare and unusual plants complete with their Latin names. She was regularly contacted by rare seed collectors from all over the world for her advice and knowledge.”

Former Claremonter Bill Keiselhorst also shared memories of his clever childhood friend.

“I’ve known Mia from the sixth grade at Sycamore School,” Mr. Keiselhorst shared. “She was a precocious fifth grader who skipped to sixth and I think being the youngest, shortest, maybe the brightest—and cute—developed an early combative wit, a sharp running commentary and a keen social insight that she carried with her all her life. I will always remember her for her wit, which, while pointed, was not destructive. I was always amazed at how quickly she picked things up, even developing a mastery in a short time. Her seed business is an example of that—where that came from, I have no idea, and yet it exhibited her intellectual curiosity, her brilliance and her sense of humor.”

Ms. Myers is survived by her half-brother, Peter Fuller. A private service will 

Click here to see Mia's last Profile entry.
 
 You can read her words about her love for plants here: www.smartseedstore.com/pages/about-us & click below for her profile page.



 
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11/08/17 06:34 PM #1    

Harlon Filloon

Gentle, intelligent, thoughtful, loving and sweet.  A big loss.

 


11/09/17 09:35 AM #2    

Sue Clanton (Holtz)

So sorry to hear of Mia's passing.  Mia was so welcoming to me when I first came to CHS in my Senior year, and I know this bright star will be missed by many.

 


11/09/17 05:31 PM #3    

Charlotte Thomas (DeMeo)

To the family of Mia.  She has touched many lives.  Her love for nature has been cultivated and will live on for ever.


11/10/17 09:22 PM #4    

Melinda Saunders (Melrose)

So sorry to hear of Mia's passing.  I had no idea that she had any health issue.  It makes me happy that we've had a chance to get together these past two years (Thank you Richard) becasue unfortunately we have no idea when "our time" will come. I went to her seed website and wished I had known about it sooner.  Gorgeous pictures of exotic plants that you could purchase.  Rest in peace, Mia.

 

 


11/11/17 08:09 AM #5    

Bill Kieselhorst

I will miss Mia’s unique, brilliant, warm, and witty observations on humanity and life. I have enjoyed getting to hang out with her through various seasons of our lives. She was an enduring friend.


11/11/17 04:31 PM #6    

Diane Neill

So sorry to hear of Mias passing

 


11/16/17 07:43 AM #7    

Ronnie Wenker (-Konner)

Mia and I didn't know each other in high school, but she came out with some people to landscape my house.  It took a few weeks, so Mia and I hung out a lot while the gardners worked.  I found her to be smart, funny, generous, self reflective and uttterly unique.  We became friends.  I will miss her.


11/17/17 03:06 PM #8    

Charles Zetterberg

Mia was also an author! Her 1983 book entitled "Sushi", published by Headlands Press, was well-received over the decades. One reviewer: "A great, compact book that covers history, etiquette and traditions of sushi eating and is recommended to any enthusiast wanting a quick, entertaining lesson on sushi".  Another review: "First book in English on sushi. Excellent photos." A woman of many talents.

 


11/18/17 02:14 AM #9    

Pam Madlem (Booth)

I am saddened to hear of Mia's passing.  She was my very special best friend in high school.  Her curiosity, creativity and humor were irrepressible and her loyalty and warmth comforting during those intense teenage years.  I am so grateful for all the ways she enriched my growing up.


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