Mary “Mimi” Coons Pullen of Helena, MT passed away Tuesday, December 29,2020 at 7:11 A.M. surrounded by her family. She was born during the dog days of World War II in Kuppenheim, Germany.
Mary’s life included working on first generation computers when they required a whole room to fit into. The next 20 years was spent working beside her husband, Jim Pullen as a finish carpenter in the building industry in Portland Oregon. After moving to Helena in 1993 she put her graphic arts skills to work starting a commercial print company in Helena, The Neighborhood Office.
She is survived by her two daughters, Pamela Ann Schaber and Dawn Michelle Purvis (Chris), Four grandchildren, Joshua, Crystal, Aundrea, Shelby and Eight great-grandchildren.
Per Mary’s wishes there will be no funeral. A family gathering will be planned for a later date. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Weiner, the entire oncology staff and Hospice at St. Peter’s Hospital
Mary had a special place in her heart for children and was very involved with the children in the Helena community, and an annual participant in the Festival of Trees for Intermountain Children’s Home.
please send a lasting memorial gift to: Helena Kiwanis Foundation for the construction of their next park, PO Box 4178, Helena, MT 59604.
Pamela Schaber says
You were an amazing wife mother grandmother great-grandmother sister friend business woman and human – I am so proud to be your daughter and am at peace knowing you and dad are together again – peace rest light and healing tears until we are together again ❤ pammy
Denise Wolf says
Dawn, Chris and family…. so very sorry for your loss! We pray for peace for your healing and comfort in the coming days! Oir beat, Russ and Denise Wolf and family
Patty Colella says
What an absolute delight! I just loved everything about Mary.
God bless you into heaven my beautiful friend !
Blessed to have the opportunity to know you
Jenny bomar says
I’m sorry for your loss she was an amazing lady. When I was in my 20s and going through a rough patch, she wrote a note on a piece of paper and handed it to me
It said everything in life happens for a reason
I still have that note ❤
Dusty says
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
With love, The Romey’s
Gregg & Vicky Pullen says
Although Mary was our beloved sister-in-law, we LOVED her as a sister. We loved everything about her, and very much enjoyed our many visits to her beloved Helena. She once planned a fly fishing trip for the four of us at a a beautiful resort on the Yellowstone River. It was glorious, and Mary planned the whole thing.
Mary was the Love of Jim’s life, and although we will surely miss her, we are glad the two of them are together once again.
All our love, Mary. WE LOVE YOU💖❤💙💜
Gregg & Vicky Pullen
Pat Franks says
One day long ago, I received a call from Mary asking if I had any rentals. Mary and Jim were coming to Helena to start a printing business. Mary was sure their business would be a success and noted that once I met her “Jim” I would understand. I had a “gift from God” that was a perfect rental for them in Pine Hills Estates. Once I met Mary and Jim in person, I understood why Mary new that Jim would make their business successful. What an outgoing and genuinely caring person Jim was! But …oh that Mary! She was faith, determination, spunk and strength with sparkling blue eyes to boot! They rented for a couple years, built a successful business, bought a duplex, made sure their daughters moved here, bought a house and were truly blessed. Mary had faith! She was the blessing! My deepest condolences to you girls and your families. Pat Franks
Michele Bazzanella says
Dawn, I am thinking of all of you in this difficult time. I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to know Mary, and I know you’re missing her. Warm wishes to you and all of her family and friends,
Michele Bazzanella
Jeff Lovely says
I had the pleasure of doing business with Mary and Jim at the Neighborhood Office. They were always upbeat and going the extra steps to accommodate each individual’s needs. What a pleasure to have known them for so many years. They are the people you will never forget and when I think of them, all I can do is smile. God bless.
Linda Yeagle says
Although I’ve only been friends with Mary’s daughter Pam for about 5 years, I feel so lucky to have met Mary in person once this summer when we walked over to the club house to share a meal. She impressed me so very much with all her knowledge, intelligence and history of Helena. Having met her I see where Pam gets her kindness as Mary was so incredibly kind to me and you can’t fake that. Soar with the Angels, Mary!
kathleen glover says
Dear Jim and Family,
To a very special family ….I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was a wonderful woman with very special gifts. Where ever Jim and Mary were, there was always a special warmth that filled the room. Mary was a very giving person and I was honored to be even a small part of her life. The Angels have gotten a gift. Jim and family…remember that Mary is watching over you and my prayers are with you.
Kathy Glover
Wayne Mathis says
Having been a commercial printer all over the country, for 43 years, my last 12 year working with Mary (and her husband Jim) were the most enjoyable. Mary was a good and honest person to work with. Gino (my partner in the shop) and I would sometimes get under her skin when we would attach a Duck Call to the exhaust of the printing presses, or when we would whistle back and forth for hours. But she always took it in stride.
Every worker should have a great Boss, like Mary, to work with at lease once in their lifetime.
Love you Mary. RIP !
Wayne Mathis
Gino Lauretta says
Mary and Jim were great to work with, ditto Wayne on your message, sending many thoughts and prayers to Mary’s family and friends. RIP Mary
Sincerely, Gino and Marlene Lauretta
Marian Peacock says
I am so sad to learn of Mary’s passing. Even though we were barely acquainted, her presence as my neighbor was a comfort to me. She will be missed! It seems such a short time since Jim’s passing. My deepest condolences to all Mary’s family, friends, and associates.
Jane Heath says
Dear Pam, Dawn and your families,
I’m truly so sorry for your loss. Your mom was one of the most spiritual, delightful and insightful people I’ve ever known. I think of her talents often and remember her fondly. She was always positive, warm and fun to be with. The world is a better place because she was in it.
Much love to you and yours.
Jim & Jo Burrington says
Dawn & Chris, So sorry for your loss. So very hard to lose a parent. Our condolences go out to you and your family. Jim & Jo Burrington
Teresa Hastings says
Mary was a godsend when she arrived to volunteer at the Lewis and Clark Library. She learned book mending skills quickly and she was FAST!! Her organizing skills and other gifts helped to make the mending unit look good, and I learned a lot from her. I enjoyed her stories about her grand children and her adventures with her husband. She was an amazing woman, I will miss her so much!
Liz Scholz says
Dear Pam and Dawn, you were just babies when I met your parents in “94, they started their business renting the space I was in. Such a pair! Mary such a nice straightforward business lady and “Flirting smiling Jim” with a business eye. He can sell you anything without you knowing. They made their printing business a very successful one. Mary’s designing ideas to create a perfect home, took us to some exciting projects, and quite successful at the completion. Quiet lately, without Jim, we sat on the deck with a glass of red wine and talk with the promise to have another visit, but we didn’t. Next time I will meet Jim and Mary with a glass of wine. .Pam and Dawn be happy for your parents are together again.
Tricia Tyhurst says
Dawn, Pam and the entire family. We were so sad to hear of the loss of you Mom. She was such a kind woman and I know that she has endured a hard fight. I loved working for your family and will always have special memories of that time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, and I know that your parents are together again. If there is anything we can do please just let us know.
Carl and Tricia Tyhrust
Tricia Tyhurst says
Dawn, Pam and the entire family. We were so sad to hear of the loss of you Mom. She was such a kind woman and I know that she has endured a hard fight. I loved working for your family and will always have special memories of that time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, and I know that your parents are together again. If there is anything we can do please just let us know.
Carl and Tricia Tyhurst
Pamela says
I can’t thank everyone enough for sharing such beautiful memories of our mom and dad – and what a pleasure it was to read them all and they are truly missed – but they left amazing legacies behind for some big shoes to fill 🥰 Pammy