Mary Pulley Obituary

At this late date I am learning with great sadness of Mary Lynn's death. It is shocking news to know of her passing. Mary Lynn was in and out of my business life always with a personal touch, good common sense, and quick humor and laughter. She taught me so much that I have incorporated into my personal and professional world. We are all at loss with the passing of her wisdom and find spirit. My condolenses to family and friends.

StoryPeople's "Smaller World": I know she's not really gone, she said, but the world still feels smaller to me today. Happy birthday, Meems. I miss you so so much, and the world does feel smaller to me without you in it.

Happy Birthday Mary Lynn. You touched so many lives, both personally and professionally.

Almost five months have passed, and I
still find it hard to believe that Mary
Lynn is not here...she was always there...I could always pick up the phone and she would be available...we
would laugh...and laugh some more...through the more serious aspects of life...The home she loved...
that I helped her find and buy...was a
tribute to the person she was...unique...special...non-traditional...and totally awesome!!!
She quickly transformed her new
neighborhood into friendships that
will last forever...Mary Lynn was
serious...but extremely fun and could
laugh easily at herself...or whatever
stupid things I would say or do...one of my favorite New Year's Eve's ever was spent with Mary Lynn and her friend Bill from Seattle...and our friends John and Rich who painted the
interior of her home...Mary Lynn and I
kept marveling about how the most fun
New Year's Eve ever was spent with three fabulous gay men...and the absolute spontaneous fun they brought
to the evening...I never got to know so
many of her awesome friends from over the years...or her dedicated family,
although she spoke of all of them always with love and pride...I know we
each have a choice of what we want to do with our lives...and that is our choice...Mary Lynn had the courage and
fortitude to make her own choices...You
go girl!!!

Mary Lynn was an inspiration and wonderful friend and professional colleague. I first met her when she started work at CCL in Greensboro. After a meeting where we were both in attendance, I approached her and said we are meant to be friends. We had long visits sharing our mutual love of spiritual questions and great food and wine. It was a privilege to hear her laugh and question. When the Lyme disease starting taking its toll, I had moved to the mountains of North Carolina just outside of Boone. Mary Lynn loved it up here. She would come up and stay for weeks as she said she could rest here. The bottom floor of my home is for guests so she would camp out there. She caught some wonderful photos of my dogs. She also painted me a picture of Grandfather Mountain which you can view from my house. At one point we started a spiritual retreat series with several from CCL and that met for over a year at various NC locations. When she moved to Colorado we kept in touch by phone.
Her friendship made a powerful difference in my life. Her insights were profound and wise. She was consistently giving and loving. She lives on in my heart and spirit.

Linda O’Neal
Banner Elk, NC

Meem was not only a friend but like a sister to me. Her parents were like parents to me and the year I spent at their home in Oxford and the kindness they all showed me, is unforgetable. She used to say I was the sister she never had. I lost a sister and it still hurts. She was a wondefull person and the fond memeories will always remain. May she rest in peace.

So many others have captured Meem beautifully and comprehensively. She was a remarkably self-actualized, self-aware and empathic woman, a positive force in the world and the lives of many. I was blessed to know her and love her and to be known and loved by her. Thank you to Corinn for introducing Meem and me many years ago.

I met Meem in the early 1990s, but had the good fortune to spend just about every day with her during a stretch in 1999-2000 when I helped her with her business, Linkages. The office was on the second floor of a rickety building in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, right at the water's edge of Lake Union. I would walk to the office with my wiggly black Lab puppy, Lucy, who Meem promptly christened "Chief Diversion Officer"! I loved that Lucy made Meem laugh everyday. Meem and I would have long talks about anything and everything and certainly about business matters. I remember the day she told me she had decided to accept a job with CCL and was moving to North Carolina. I was very happy for her and sad for me.

My husband, David Fuqua, and I miss Meem tremendously. There was a sublime nature to her that I find hard to capture in words.

Meem, deep gratitude and love to you. May you rest in a place of peace and comfort.

To Mary Lynn's Parents: We'd like to express our deepest sympathy to you. This is Sharon Carr, the one who purchased MyoData from Mary Lynn 20 years ago. My husband and I loved her the moment we met her. Although we know she was advised against selling to us, we are so thankful she stuck with her decision to do so. The business has been such a blessing to us and it has grown from 10 products Mary Lynn carried to over 300 that we now carry. She would be proud.

She was such a special person and I'll always remember her wonderful smile! With all of her talents, this is such a loss to so many.

We, too, lost our daughter a few months ago at age 45. It was very sudden and unexpected. Please know that we understand some of what you are going through. We shouldn't outlive our kids. She was our only child. With God's help, the pain has been less. He continues to take care of us in our time of sorrow. He'll also take care of you!

Please let us know if there's anything we can do. If you'd like to have a picture of Mary Lynn handing me the keys to the business outside her Seattle business, let me know and I'll send one. My e-mail is [email protected]
Sharon & Bob Carr

I am deeply saddened by the news that my treasured friend Meem, has gone from us at so young an age. For many years during the 1980's, Meem was my very best friend. During those good-old-days, we spent an hour or two nearly every day, talking or doing something fun together, and deepening the friendship we both loved. I have wonderful memories of long talks over dinners, running together around Greenlake, countless morning coffee "meetings" at the Surrogate Hostess," our trip together to Mexico, and especially - of wine glasses held high on sailboat journey's, toasting each other with our rallying cry of lifelong friendship: "Till we're 80!" Meem immortalized that saying of ours in a quilt square she made for my wedding quilt when she was my Maid of Honor. She was then and will always be, a special person whose memory I will honor and cherish. I will miss her greatly and will think of her often.

My heart goes out to Mary Lynn's family in this time of grief and loss. I'll light a candle for Meem and her family tonight, and on many nights to come, and place it on the lovely blue table runner she gave me as a wedding present. I will remember Mary Lynn forever for her grace and charm, her warmth and engaging spirit, her intellect and sensitivity, and her insight and wisdom. She is and will always be - an absolutely beautiful person.

Mary Lynn was our neighbor in the Mt. Baker area in Seattle before and after she did her studies at Vanderbilt. She was a pleasure to know. The last time we saw her was 1997 when we moved from Seattle. After the shock of reading of her passing in The Seattle Times, I pulled her book from the shelf and reread the thoughtful message she had written. Her death at such an early age is a real loss

I was so saddened to see Meem's photo and obituary in the Seattle Times. I will always remember her infectious laugh and sense of fun. We would get lost skiing on the cross-country ski trails, driving back from Vancouver, BC and other assorted adventures - we'd be so busy talking and laughing. She was witty, insightful and thoughtful. My heart goes out to her family.

I am deeply saddened with the news of Mary Lynn's sudden passing. She truly was one of a kind with such beautiful eyes. She had the best smile and I will always remember her laugh. It was so infectious. My sincere condolences to her family. May you rest in peace Mary Lynn.

I never met Mary Lynn, but I read her book about Losing Your Job and Transforming Your Soul. It was an important book for me - I read it three times. I gave the book or recommended it to many of my other friends who lost their jobs due to layoffs this past year. I am very grateful that she took the time to write that book. Her work is appreciated by many people who never had a chance to meet her.

I can not believe that our mutual friend, Mary Lynn, my husband's former sister-in-law, passed away. Age 55 is way too young to die and we are in shock at the news. Mary Lynn was a person of grace, poise, intelligence, and wit. She accomplished a lot in her lifetime - a published writer, a successful career woman, an ardent feminist and an animal advocate are but a few of these accomplishments. She loved her family, her friends, her neighbors, her pets, and all humanity. She cared about her former husband, Mark, and also Patrick, a former beau. We remember this amazing smile and the twinkle in her eyes and a wonderful, hearty laugh. My spouse, Tom, and I had many happy times with her and Mark both in Seattle, WA and in Idaho. Our sincere sympathy goes out to her parents, her brothers, her surviving relatives. She made the world a better place and her beautiful presence shall be missed. Good-bye, friend. Vallie and Tom Spangler

God bless you Mary Lynn.

Please know that Earl and Alice Spangler in Seattle have all the Pulley Family, especially Mary Lynn's Mom and Dad, in our thoughts and prayers. We are very very sorry for your terrible unexpected loss.

I was deeply saddened today to see Mary Lynn "Meem's" obiturary in our paper. I appreciate the family's thoughtfulness in putting it in the Seattle paper. I was very fond of Meem and we were good friends, and I have been regretful that we lost contact gradually after many years had passed since she moved from Seattle. Seeing her picture reminds me of her deep warmth, humanity and wit... she had such a deep caring and a wonderful fun sense of humor. We spent time together, with her dog, and out and about Seattle, and out on the Sound... exploring and enjoying the Northwest. She was thoughtful, and full of integrity. A wonderful spirit. I cared about her deeply as a friend, respected her deeply, and I know her family and friends will miss her very much, and that this must be such a great loss.
Lynn

Today I was shocked and very saddened to see Mary Lynn's picture and obituary in The Seattle Times. She was my neighbor for several years in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood in Seattle, where I lived in a communal house with Bob Hoover and others. Mary Lynn and I would have deep philosophical and spiritual discussions from time to time. I remember her as a sensitive, intelligent, vibrant woman, a visionary. I still have the book she wrote on my shelf. The world has lost a unique, wonderful woman. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Madelyn Troxclair, Seattle

I was deeply saddened today to see Mary Lynn "Meem's" obiturary in our paper. I appreciate the family's thoughtfulness in putting it in the Seattle paper. I was very fond of Meem and we were good friends, and I have been regretful that we lost contact gradually after many years had passed since she moved from Seattle. Seeing her picture reminds me of her deep warmth, humanity and wit... she had such a deep caring and a wonderful fun sense of humor. We spent time together, with her dog, and out and about Seattle, and out on the Sound... exploring and enjoying the Northwest. She was thoughtful, and full of integrity. A wonderful spirit. I cared about her deeply as a friend, respected her deeply, and I know her family and friends will miss her very much, and that this must be such a great loss.
Lynn

Meem, somewhere way out there beyond the stars there is a playing field. I will meet you there. I hold in my heart this feeling: Mary Lynn is where Mary Lynn wants to be. Thanks for being a part of my life for a few years. You are for me the high-wire trapeze artist who swung out across space from one trapeze bar to catch the next one. Your many friends, dear family, and I are blessed to have had you touch our life in the utterly warm, whimsical, soulful, and caring ways that you did. You are missed, and always will be.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Mary Lynn's passing. I remember when she first came to CCL-Greensboro. Lyndon Deck recruited her for us from Vanderbilt, and she was a great find for us. She had just published her book, and it was a very good one. I still have it in a special place on my shelf. We became friends and did a couple of client presentations together. She had a lovely smile and winning personality, she was a terrific professional, and she cared about other people. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Meem,Meem,Meem......I am so unbelievably sad.It's hard to understand that there won't be another hastily planned breakfast to catch up with you and all of our news. The memories of our Hillcrest youth and the ensuing life stories will always be linked with memories of you....your laugh...your friendship and support during difficult times...your humanity. We now have a dog like your Erin. I hope that you and she (your first dog) have been reunited,and are playing in the stars. Seattle,and "the contingent" will miss you forever. My heart and prayers go out to your family....We love you.

Zoe and I will miss you and Sage at the Penrose Library Paws to Read Program. We know the children will too.

Oh, my, how the Seattle Contingent will miss Meem! We all have so many wonderful, life changing memories of our young years together, and what stands out most is the laughter we all shared! Meem's infectious laugh! From bake-offs, to hot tub birthdays, to modeling for "Solving the Pain Puzzle", to snow in July while backpacking, to losing our way cross country skiing, to fish lips.....oh my, how deeply she will be missed. The threads of Meem's friendship is forever sewn in the fabric of the women we have become. May you rest in the arms of angels, Meem.

The volunteer dog handlers and the children will miss you and Sage at the Saturday "Paws to Read" program at Penrose library. We are so sad.

So kind, so funny and so, so bright. Mimi was a beacon, even in high school--showing the rest of us what could be accomplished with grace and humility. Those of us who had the great good fortune to grow up with her are better for it, and her passing reminds us of what a great gift she was. My sincere condolences to her family. May she live on in all of us.

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Aloha...Rest in peace

Mary Lynn's smile and wonderful personality first impressed me. Although I only knew her in passing at CCL in Greensboro, I always had the sense that she was someone I would have liked to have gotten to know better and would have enjoyed developing a friendship.

Mary Lynn will be sorely missed in life and dearly remembered in death. I met her at CCL and although I didn't get to know her well, I was immediately drawn to and impressed by her. My heart is full of sympathy and sorrow for you. I wish you much peace.

This is surreal. Mimi has always been larger than life. She was respected, brilliant, talented, artistic, creative, accomplished, sincere, and the best friend ever. We have remained dear friends from kindergarten, through high school, college and into life. Memories of fun, laughter and crazy antics have flooded my memories. Slumber parties, Pig Club meetings and summers at Lakeside with Jeanette are precious memories. We have lost one of Oxford's finest. And, I have lost a life long friend. My family and I are blessed to have had Mimi in our lives.

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mimi. She was a classmate of mine at Talawanda, a girl for whom I had the highest respect. She was one of the brightest and nicest people in the class of 72. My prayers are with your family at this difficult time. I will always remember Mimi; she was definitely one of a kind. I know that she will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.
In Christ, Peggie

I am so very sorry to hear of Mimi's death. She was always smiling, funny, with a quirky and wonderful sense of humor! She was a good friend to so many people! My deepest sympathy to your family.

MLP was a true friend to me. She impressed so many by simply being her wonderful self. I'll miss our intermittent visits that were so warm and endearing, but will always treasure the power and passion she cultivated as a good neighbor and brilliant colleague. RIP.

Though I wasn't in Mimi's class in high school, I remember her well as a fine student and great friend to many. She lived her life then in a way that made me so sad to hear of her passing today.

I join the many others across the country in heartfelt sympathy for her loved ones. She left us too early.

I am so sad to know that Mimi is gone. We attended school together in Oxford, and I still have fond memories of her giving spirit and impressive smarts. I knew back then that she was one of the "deep" ones, and I am not at all surprised to learn now that she was involved in promoting creativity and leadership in her professional life. My thoughts and prayers are with the Pulley family and her friends.

Such a great loss. Mary Lynn had many unique qualities that pleased all of us who knew her and worked with her. Just a month ago, she was sending me pictures of bears that had appeared in her back yard and using that wonderful sense of humor of hers to speculate on their next move. Working with her at CCL and recently on a book, I came to appreciate the high quality of her intellect and her divergent take on the world. Mary Lynn had a beneficial impact on those who knew her and on the world. Condolences to family and friends.

I am so very sorry for your loss. When I think of Mary Lynn, I think of her bright smile...a new bright star will be seen in the sky...

Mary Lynn was my neighbor and best friend. We only knew each other for just over four years, but quickly upon meeting we made a lifelong and beyond bond. I'll never be the same for knowing her - she is a bright and shining star. She lived and died with such dignity and grace. I'll love her forever.

I will always remember Meem as pictured in that classic Talawanda yearbook photo: with T-square raised above her head, look of mischief in her eye, and a smirk lurking somewhere behind the dimple. She was so smart, yet never in a conventional way. You never knew what she was going to say, except that it would not be what you expected. Her enjoyment was contagious. She was a friend since before we started school. She is irreplaceable.

My heart is sad at the news about Mary Lynn's passing. I worked with her at CCL in Greensboro, and will always remember her radiant smile and infectious laugh and warm friendship! She was always ready to listen and/or lend a hand to anyone who may have needed it. Our world is missing a very special & loving soul...you will be missed.
My prayers are with her family and friends in this difficult time.
Be at peace my friend....

Like so many, I can hardly absorb the shock of this news. Mimi was my classmate and friend from grades K-12. When I recall memories of her, I have to smile. I remember the Halloween we went trick-or-treating in a 2 man dragon costume and had to evacuate quickly when the tail caught fire from a jack-o-lantern. Slumber parties at her house were always the best!

She embraced life with good humor and strong character. Mimi will live on in the hearts of many. My deep condolences to her family.

My beloved Meems. Partners in crime the past 6 years. This void will never be filled. That laugh. That wit. Her gentle spirit. Her absolute radiance. My heart aches for her family. So devastated.

Mimi was definately our very very Cool cousin...she had a black belt, as a teenager, in Karate and went on to write many books...all us cousins admired her greatly....

Cousin Ann in Las Vegas.

Mimi had a radiant personality that inspired everyone around her - from our earliest grade school years on through closer friendships at Talawanda - her enthusiasm, exuberance and goofy humor never flagged. Hearing from her more recent friends and acquaintances only confirms that this never changed and she will always be remembered for the joy she brought to our lives.

Our thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to the Pulley family in this difficult time.

As a Feedback Coach at CCL I knew Mary Lynn in her role as a trainer and as a warm personality with a smiling, friendly countenance. I wish I had known her better but always felt her to be a person of depth and loving kindness. She will be missed.

Mary Lynn was a supportive and encouraging colleague with a contagious laugh. I admired her work and appreciated her interest in mine. My condolences to you all.

Mary Lynne's memory is a blessing to me and will live on in my heart and the stories i will tell of her creativity, joy of life and generous spirit, TZiPi, friend and colleague

My deepest sympathies to Mary Lynn's family. She and I became fast friends during our 3 years together at CCL-Greensboro. With adjoining offices and close start-dates, we were often mistaken for each other -- which, given how different we looked and acted, made us both laugh in amazement! She referred to us as yin and yang. I miss her deeply. We shared our love of our dear dogs -- does Sage need a home?
I am okay with not having all of the answers -- because I trust that a greater power has everything under control. Still, our world is missing a beautiful spirit here among us. My thoughts and prayers are with you, dear Mary Lynn.

I worked with Mary Lynn at CCL and had the pleasure of having her over as a dinner guest to my house. My husband and I both liked her very much---she was kind, thoughtful, and had a great sense of humor. She will be missed.
Peggy Droz (and Doug Quin)

Dear Pulley Family,
I just learned of Mimi's passing. I cannot even begin to imagine how painful this loss is. I am so terribly sorry. The Mimi I remember filled the world with sunshine; she was an incredibly beautiful person. Please know that you are in my prayers. Love, Gwen Conner Whiteman

My very best to the Pulley's this week. A very difficult time. I will always remember my Yearbook 'boss'!

Mary Lynn was a kind and gentle soul. It is a tragedy to lose her. I have nothing but 100% positive memories of her. I don't every remember her saying anything bad about anyone else. I pray for peace for her loved ones, and I join them in their grief.
Talula Cartwright, a colleague at CCL