Mary Ann Foulkes

Mary Ann Foulkes, 75, of Traverse City, Michigan (formerly of Bethesda, Maryland) passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at her home. Mary was born on September 8, 1949, in St. Joseph, Michigan to the late Nelson and Margaret (Daly) Foulkes. Mary was the eldest of six children, graduating from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1967. She received her bachelor's in mathematics from Siena Heights, her master's from University of Michigan, and her Ph.D. in biostatistics from University of North Carolina in 1980. In 1985 she joined the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease staff, where she served as chief of the Biostatistics Research Branch in the Division of AIDS. Mary received numerous awards during her career, including the Founders Award from the American Statistical Association for “influential contributions and statistical leadership in AIDS, cancer, and neurologic research”. Mary also served in leadership positions at the Food and Drug Administration as part of the Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research and was an advocate for including more women in federally funded clinical trials. Mary was a mentor in many ways for her siblings, her nieces and nephews, and colleagues. She was always excited when any of them pursued mathematics as a degree choice. She also taught statistics virtually through Johns Hopkins and George Washington University. Mary was a patron of the Arts, hosting her nieces and nephews so they could attend Stratford plays and concerts in many locations. Mary enjoyed attending Interlochen Center for the Arts many times since moving back to Michigan. She enjoyed travel, visiting several different countries. Keeping with a family tradition, Mary also enjoyed competitive games of Scrabble. Mary is survived by her three brothers Nelson (Bella) Foulkes of Fowlerville, Robert Foulkes (Robin Johnson) of Suttons Bay, James Foulkes (Mimi Broihier) of St. Joseph, and two sisters Catherine (John) Holcombe of Suttons Bay and Eileen (Dennis) Mikus of Pellston, as well as four nieces (Kelly Holcombe, Amy Anderson, Margaret Rupp, Molly Foulkes) and two nephews (Alan Holcombe, Matthew Mikus). A private family memorial is planned for the Spring.

Mary Ann Foulkes

September 8, 1949 - February 8, 2025