Phyllis Pulver

Phyllis Kane Pulver, 92, died at home in Philadelphia on Monday, February 27.  She was born there on April 7, 1930, the oldest child of Jacob (Jack) Kane, their "Sugar Kane."  Her younger sister Sheila Kane Young predeceased her.

 

At Pennsylvania State College, she majored in English and met her husband of 71 years, Sydney Pulver, MD, with whom she raised a close-knit family of three children, Mitchell, Bradley, and Susan, and they all traveled the world together.  Her family was her universe and grew to include in-laws Sheila Bamford, Lauren Koster, and Peter Mardinly and then four grandchildren, Jessica Pulver, Daniel Pulver, Alan Mardinly, and Shaina Mardinly, on whom she lavished attention.  Even as her health declined, she was overjoyed by their marriages and the arrivals of seven greatgrandchildren, who revered her.

 

As her children grew, Phyllis pursued several careers.  She taught for a year before her first child was born and later worked in a gallery, owned a novelty sock store, and helped found a career counseling service.

 

Her husband was her constant partner in life, dancing, playing bridge, parenting, traveling, and enjoying each other's company.  He cared for her with devotion and understanding in her difficult last years.  She will be greatly missed by him and her beloved family.

 

A celebration of her life will be held by the family at a future date.  Contributions may be made in her honor to Save the Children.