Mary Tulp

Mary Jane Tulp (née Bell), 88, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, in her home of 63 years in Rutherford, New Jersey. Born on July 28, 1937, in Jersey City, New Jersey, she lived a life marked by grace, intelligence, and deep devotion to her family and community.

Mary Jane graduated from St. Aloysius Academy in Jersey City, NJ in 1955 where she achieved academic excellence as well as captaining the girl's basketball team. Following graduation she went to work for the Ford Motor Company in NYC as an executive assistant to the President. Following marriage in 1958 she moved to Rutherford and raised her 3 children. Later she selflessly took a job as administrative assistant to the Principal at St. Mary's Grammar school in order to be on the same schedule as her children which allowed them to attend the Grammar and High School there as well. While working and raising her family she quietly earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Maryland Global campus in 1978-a remarkable achievement that laid the foundation for a distinguished career in one of the most innovative technological environments of her time. She spent over two decades at AT&T Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey, where she played a vital role organizing activities for some of the world's leading scientists. Her career continued throughout the transitions to Lucent Technologies and Avaya Systems following the breakup of AT&T by the U.S. government.

Among her many professional accomplishments, Mary Jane was an instrumental team member in pioneering what was then known as "internet telephony." In the early 1990s, she helped connect phone calls from Bell Labs in New Jersey to Hong Kong without traditional phone lines-an innovation that served as a precursor to today's internet-based communications. Her work contributed meaningfully to shaping the digital age we now live in.

After retiring at age 62, Mary Jane embraced a new and cherished role as "Nani" to her grandchildren. She poured her heart into this second chapter of life with unwavering love and dedication. Her grandchildren-Lauren, Brianna, Kimberley, Thomas, James, and Alyssa Tulp-shared a special bond with their Nani that was built on mutual adoration and deep affection. Later in life, she was further blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Henry 6, Clara 6, Frederick 4, Callahan 4, Brooks 3, Blair 3, Tucker 3, Isadora 2, Leo 1 and Goldie Jane 4 months. 10 beautiful children ranging in age from six years to just four months old at the time of her passing, each brought immense joy into her life.

Mary Jane was also a devoted member of her community. She served as Trustee and Treasurer of the Woman's Club of Rutherford from 2008 to present-a role that reflected both her leadership skills and commitment to civic engagement.

She is lovingly remembered by her three children: sons Allan and Thomas (wife Linda), and daughter Michele Tulp. She is also survived by her brothers William Bell (wife Ellen) and Howard Bell (wife Paulette), who shared lifelong bonds with their sister.

Mary Jane's legacy lives on not only through her professional contributions but also through the grace with which she carried herself throughout every facet of life-a gift she blessedly passed on to her grandchildren.

May her memory bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved her. A Wake will be held on September 11, 2025, from 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home

19 Lincoln Avenue. Rutherford, NJ 07070.

A Funeral Mass will be held on September 12, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Church of Saint Mary.

91 Home Avenue

Rutherford, NJ 07070