Mabel A. Pulver

In the song of life, Mabel A. Pulver was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Mabel preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Mabel believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Mabel perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Mabel was born on May 23, 1921 at Barber Hospital in Lyons, New York. Her parents were Oscar and Edna Schoen. Mabel was raised in on a farm in Philps, New York. As a young child, Mabel was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Mabel rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

Early on in her family relationships, Mabel showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with two siblings. She had one older brother and a younger sister. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As she was growing up, Mabel developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Mabel liked concrete things. She was a 4- H member. In her spare time she liked to sew, knit and embroidery. Mabel's memorable achievements included her advancement of two (2) grades in a single year. However, to Mabel, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in her school years, Mabel showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Mabel with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She graduated from Lyons High School in 1938. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Mathematics. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Doris Thorpe.

Those who didn’t know Mabel well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Mabel was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Mabel’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, some of her best friends were Jessie & Dorothy Pulver, Lee Krouch, Bernice Tyler, Miriam Gifford, Marilyn Lisle.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Mabel had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On February 28, 1942, Mabel exchanged wedding vows with her life partner Murray Pulver at the Church of the Wayfarer of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

Mabel was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Mabel was blessed with two children, one son Wayne and daughter Ellen. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Albert, Neil, Tyson, Jonathan, Katherine and great grandchildren, Jack and Aria.

Mabel found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was being a home maker and mother. However, she was employed by Hickcock Leather Company for one year after high school. Co-owner/manager of Canary Snack Bar for 5 years, Clothing Department Manager for Bells Inc., and Bookkeeper for Weathersfield Farm. Mabel tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

Mabel enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were sewing, bowling, needle work and reading. Mabel was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

Mabel liked sports. Recreational sports included bowling and was on several leagues. Mabel was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were figure skating, bowling and baseball.

Throughout her life, Mabel was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, MABEL was a member of the 4 - H and a leader, Eastern Star, Home Demonstration and Cub Scout Leader. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

Mabel was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she took an active role in her community. A loyal contributor, Mabel was comfortable in the role of a team player. Mabel was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the PTA. Mabel was able to serve her community well, thanks to her open mind and faithful commitment.

Mabel’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Orangeport Congregational, 1947 to 2012 and the Congregational Church of Sun City for 26 years. During that time, she was a Sunday School Teacher and very active in the Women's Fellowship at Orangeport. Mabel's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Mabel was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. She often undervalued her achievements and abilities and simply viewed her performance as fulfilling her responsibilities. Some of her most prestigious awards included Matron of the Eastern Star.

Because she loved the world around her, Mabel enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Mabel put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included an Alaskan Cruise, trip to Venezuela, Costa Rica and Europe.

Mabel was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Mabel’s favorites was Gus, a daschound. They were best friends for six (6) years. Her family was rounded out by Gus II, but he never quite lived up to his namesake.

When Mabel’s retirement finally arrived in 1985, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Arizona to be closer to family and to leave the cold. In retirement, she found new pleasure in bowling and also stayed active in church, continued with needlework, and joined Secret Pal Club. Even in retirement, Mabel continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

Mabel passed away on April 8, 2012 at Hospice of the Valley, Brighton Gardens, Sun City, AZ. She is survived by husband Murray, son Wayne (Betsey), daughter Ellen (Dave), brother, Robert (Lee), grandchildren Albert (Ann), Neil, Tyson (Christine), Jonathan, Katherine and great grandchildren Jack and Aria. Services were held at Congregational Church of Sun City. Mabel was laid to rest in National Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ.