Tribute & Message From The Family
Mary Jane "Jari" Elizabeth Foster Pulford, age 72, of Augusta sadly passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. She was born in Hibbing, Minnesota on May 7, 1947, the loving daughter of Arthur I. and Margaret C. (Le Claire) Foster. She graduated from Hibbing High School with the class of 1965 and went on to study Social Psychology at St. Olaf College, where she graduated with Honors. She continued her education at the University of Michigan and graduated with a master's degree in Public Health, Health Education and Health Behavior. She had an extensive career in social justice and public health, beginning in Washington D.C. where she helped start the U.S. Navy Race Relations School in Key West, FL in the 70's. After obtaining her MPH, she moved to Lansing and worked for the Michigan Department of Public Health. While there she co-developed the first Michigan State Plan for Emergency Medical Services. She also became a volunteer Paramedic in Grand Ledge, where she met her husband, Mike. In the late 70's she became Executive Director of SWM Systems, the regional EMS agency covering the lower peninsula of Michigan and held that job for the next 30 years. While there she developed Camp 9-1-1, a program to teach children about first aid and safety that is still taught by EMS agencies across Michigan today. Following her retirement from SWM in 2008, she worked as a project manager for Open Doors Kalamazoo, which provides shelter and affordable housing for low-income working people, until her official retirement last year. There she started the "Adopt A Room" program and scholarship fund. She was also an author of many public health articles and the children's book "The World is a Rainbow".
Jari is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Michael A. Pulford of Augusta; her children, Megan (Joe) White of Alabama; Sara (Brandon) Harrison of Howell; and Matthew Pulford of Indiana; and grandchildren Maggie, Abby, Tess, Emmy, Hannah, Max, and Lincoln.
Jari was an active member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Richland, having served on the vestry and social ministry committee. She spent her life as a fierce advocate for social justice. She was an avid reader, expert scrabble player, MENSA member, volunteer, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and loyal friend. Her favorite role was that of "Omma" to her seven grandchildren, whom she adored and spoiled regularly. She enjoyed playing board games, collecting penguin figurines, walks to the MSU Bird Sanctuary, trips to Disney World and Alabama, pontoon rides and relaxing at "pancake island", and bonfires and s'mores with her family. She also loved spending time with her many dear friends.
Guided by her faith, Jari dedicated her life to the service of others and lived by the following principle and favorite quote:
"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." -Steven Grellet
Due to the recent government regulations regarding gatherings, and the large number of people who knew and loved Jari, a public celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Open Doors Kalamazoo or the Social Ministry Fund at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Richland. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Mike, I read of the recent loss of your wife. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It has been a long time since we worked together at Borgess. I always think of you when I visit at TR Hospital. I never knew your wife, but 42 years is a long time, so I can only imagine how challenging this is for you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers for God's peace and comfort at this especially difficult time. God Bless You and your family. Warm Regards, Deb Spencer
Posted by
Deb Spencer - Marcellus, MI - Coworker April 19, 2020
Mike, I am so sorry to hear about Jari. She was an amazing person who had such an impact on the world. I will be thinking of you, Megan, Sarah and Matthew. With love, Ruth
Posted by
Ruth Zielinski - Richland, MI - Friend April 09, 2020
My sincere condolences. I worked with Jari for several years on traffic safety projects and we became friends also. She was so intelligent and she always was thinking outside the box. She truly loved her family as all of you know.2n34y
Posted by
Sue Guggemos - East Lansing, MI - Coworker April 07, 2020
A beautiful woman and dear friend-we will all miss her so
Posted by
JoAnn Fink - Minneapolis, MN - Friend April 07, 2020
Dear Mike and familyI'm sadden by this news. Jari has a special place in my heart. I will always remember her with love and fondness. My best to you and your family.
Posted by
Anna Ramirez - Elk Grove, CA - Friend April 06, 2020
Mike, I was very saddened to learn of Jari's passing this week. I always enjoyed working with Jari at SWM back in the old days. She was always cool and calm when dealing with not so calm docs and hospital administrators. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Posted by
Mike Peikert - Hickory Corners, MI - Friend April 05, 2020
I am so sorry for your Mike and family. Be strong, be faithful, love one another. Her memory will never fade.
Posted by
JoAnn Mort - Augusta, MI - Friend April 04, 2020
Enjoyed working with and learning so much from Jari while serving on the Board of Dirctors of SWMs. Jari was instrumental in many aspects of the emergency medical system in Michigan.
My prayers go out for Mike and her family.
Posted by
Kevin Schneider - Vidalia, GA - Friend April 04, 2020
What a wonderful life she had! R.I.P Mary Jane
Posted by
Cynthia Wakefield - Hibbing, MN - Classmate April 03, 2020
Prayers go out to the entire Pulford family from the volunteers and staff of the former Mendon Ambulance Service.
Posted by
Dale Eickhoff - Mendon - Coworker April 03, 2020
Mike and family, praying for you all. Jari was so kind, I always enjoyed seeing her. Sincerely, James
Posted by
James Bray - Portage, MI - Friend April 02, 2020
Jari was an incredible woman,Mom,wife, grandmother and daughter-in-law. We will miss her smile, generous heart, laughter and kindness. I know she is in heaven smiling down at her beautiful family. Wish we could be there to give lots of hugs and an understanding heart.Love you all.xoxo
Posted by
Laureen Pulford - Groton, MA - Family April 02, 2020
Mike: I am so sad reading this. Jari was an incredible woman who was a strong advocate for what was dear to her heart. I still remember her calmness and quiet manner mixed with determination. My prayers are coming your way for peace and strength during this difficult journey
Posted by
Mary Gillespie-Smith - Port Charlotte, FL - Friend April 02, 2020
Jerry was a great friend and guide in the EMS world. She was truly a special person. Many prayers and all sympathies for you all.
Posted by
Evelyn Barnum - Fenton, MI - Friend April 02, 2020
Jari made an early and lasting impression on me, as I'm sure she did with so many others. She was an inspiration and a mentor to a young EMT, paramedic and I/C who still tries to share something of her style and grace.
Posted by
Dale Wilson - Delton, MI - Friend April 02, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Met Jari a few times through her son Matt. She was always a cheerful and joyous person.
Posted by
Jacob Longman - Mishawaka, IN - Acquaintance April 02, 2020
Worked with her at SWM Systems as the Region 3 Education/Exam Coordinator 2003 - 2005
Posted by
Paul Sorrell - Toledo, OH - Coworker April 02, 2020
So sorry to hear, our prayers are with your family
Posted by
Ron Tharge - Otsego, MI - Friend April 02, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss Mike. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by
Marilyn Fallon - Portage, MI - Acquaintance April 02, 2020
So sorry to hear this, thoughts and prayers for all who loved her ❤
Posted by
Ann Stopher April 02, 2020
We will miss you a lot. Your smile and love was on your face all the time. Rest well my friend. Colleen
Posted by
Colleen Reynolds - Richland, MI - Friend April 02, 2020
My deepest condolences to the whole Pulford family. Jeri was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known.
She was so proud of her children, who inherited her quiet, loving spirit. I will miss seeing her at all those public events.
Posted by
Jack Sizer - Richland, MI - Friend April 02, 2020
Jari was a remarkable woman. She was so loving, kind and made us always feel part of her family. Jari you will be missed by all that loved you dearly. Rest in HIS arms. ❤❤
Posted by
Lori Bell - Brownstown, MI - Family April 02, 2020
I enjoyed working with Jari for 5 years at SWMEMS. Her quiet wit, dedication to our work was exceptional. An only child I was delighted to see in recent years her devotion to her many grandchildren. A good citizen in so many ways.
Posted by
Christine DeCourtney - Nikiski, AK - Coworker April 02, 2020
