Mary Jo Pulaski

WILMINGTON—Mary Jo Pulaski, 82, of Wilmington, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.
Born Aug. 26, 1937 in Chicago, Mary Josephine was a daughter of Robert Richard and Josephine Marie (Connors) Roth. She was raised and educated in Chicago.
On July 3, 1959 Mary Jo married Richard Pulaski in Mt. Greenwood. He preceded her in death on July 27, 2003. Mary Jo served as her daughters' Girl Scout leader, and was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington. She enjoyed sketching and painting, and cooking for her family. In addition, Mary Jo will be remembered for writing to penpals from New England to New Zealand.
Mary Jo went back to school and obtained her GED at the age of 50, which allowed her to get the job she wanted. She turned her compassionate and caring nature into a career as a home caregiver.
Survivors include four children: Joyce Koehler, of Forrest, IL; Daniel Pulaski and Pamela (David) Monson, both of Wilmington and Amy (Andy) Jingst, of Brush Creek, TN; 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, one sister, Joan (the late Edward) Galbraith, of Worth, IL and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Richard; one grandson, David Lee Pulaski and her brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Betty) Roth Jr. of Sheldon, WI.
A private family visitation and funeral service will be held at Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Those wishing to participate in the services remotely are welcome to log on to the live stream webcast available on Mary Jo’s Memorial Page beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon.
Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington, where Mary Jo will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Richard.
Pallbearers will be David Monson Sr., David Monson Jr., Daniel Pulaski, Joseph Hulbert, Raymond Koehler and Nathan Jingst.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mary Jo’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, IL 60481 or to Custer Township Fire Department, 21750 State Highway 113, Custer Park, IL 60481.
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, interact on Mary Jo’s Tribute Wall and share her memorial page through social media  www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/notices/MaryJo-Pulaski
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington.