Mary Jo Pugh, 80
We share sad news that Mary Jo Pugh passed away Feb. 9, 2025, in Roseville, Calif., after a short illness.
Mary Jo was born June 16, 1944, in Polson, the first child of David R. and Johanna (Kray) Pugh. She attended Polson public schools, graduating as co-valedictorian in 1962. She has a bachelor’s in history, with honors, from the University of Chicago, and both a master’s in American history and a master’s in Library Science from the University of Michigan.
Her life's work was as an archivist. Her first position in 1969 was as a research assistant in the Michigan Historical Collections at the University of Michigan. The field of Archives (which is different from Library services) was in its initial stages of development.
She contributed substantially throughout her career to the advancement of the field. She witnessed the creation of a dedicated building for the Michigan Historical Collections (The Bentley Library), and helped create curriculum for archives students.
After moving to the Bay Area of California, she served as a consulting archivist with organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution, the Eugene O'Neill Foundation, and Bank of America. She served as the supervisory archivist of the Historic Documents Department at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
She taught archival administration at the University of Michigan, the University of California Berkeley, Emporia State University (Denver campus), and the Western Archives Institute. Her book, “Providing Reference Services for Archives and Manuscripts,” published in 2005, is still used for those studying in the field.
Since attending her first meeting of the Society of American Archivists (SSA) in 1969, she served in a variety of leadership roles, including on the governing council and committees. In 2006 she became editor of the American Archivist, the premier scholarly periodical for archivists.
Colleagues noted Mary Jo epitomized what a reference archivist should be: professional, knowledgeable, and an advocate for effective access tools. Another noted that she virtually defined the notion of reference service in archive collections.
Her love of the outdoors, especially Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains around her hometown, was a passion and pastime. Favorite hikes in the "Missions" included McDonald, North Crow, and the first and second Mud Lakes. She bushwhacked to the third Mud Lake once, a point of pride but not repeated. Backpacking from McDonald to Summit Lake and out over Eagle Pass was a highlight. Her heart was in the high country.
For most of her adult life, she returned to Polson and Flathead Lake for summer visits. In addition to many trips to Glacier Park and the Jewel Basin in the Swan Mountains, she got her "bucket" filled twice with pack trips into the Bob Marshall wilderness in Western Montana with Harry and Claire Workman.
Being an avid reader was another way to connect with her home state. Ivan Doig's book, "This House of Sky," imprinted on her the love of place. She collected books about the local history of this area of Montana. A treasured piece of art, an Edward Curtis print taken on the shore of Flathead Lake, is being donated to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
She enjoyed gardening, singing with the Diablo Women's Chorale, taking "OLLI" (Lifelong Learning) courses, participating in book groups and a walking group, and enjoying theatre and musical performances. Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, Mary Jo enjoyed many international travel adventures including trips to China, Africa, France, the Netherlands, Novia Scotia, Italy, New Zealand, and Scandinavia.
Her sense of adventure, leadership and independence were apparent from an early age. As a young child, when asked where she was going for the day, she would tell her mother "down to the riverbank."
According to the local newspaper, she led the Rhythm Band at her kindergarten class graduation. She co-produced the 3rd Avenue West neighborhood "circus" and produced and directed Christmas plays for her parents, with siblings Betty and David as cast members. She and a friend named their "Members Only" club the Adventure Twins.
Mary Jo's most meaningful adventure was being a mother. She was thrilled to welcome her children into the world, wanting the best for them. She instilled in them a love of nature, the arts and learning. In addition to art classes, trips to the library or Lawrence Hall of Science, favorite outings included tide pools, Tilden park, Shell Ridge, Mt. Diablo and Heather Farms. She was very proud of each of her children.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David Pugh. She is survived by her children, CJ McCort (Dave) and Chris McCort (Kate and James); siblings Betty Wiese, Tom Pugh, Brian Pugh and Virginia (Ginger) Kelly. Mary Jo was delighted to welcome her grandson, James McCort, to the family in 2024.
Graveside services will be held in Polson at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice.
Mary Jo Pugh