[1][3] Jarvis studied home economics and nutrition at Cornell University and was also president of the drama club.

She was hired as a dietitian at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center but subsequently became food editor for McCall's magazine, leaving that position to raise two children.

She subsequently formed her own production company which produced a number of films, including the television movie Family Reunion.

[2] In November 2017, Jarvis was presented with the Women's Entrepreneurship Day Pioneer Award for her groundbreaking success in Media at the United Nations in New York City.

[8] On June 23, 2012, Jarvis celebrated her 95th birthday at the Boathouse in New York City, with a festive hat garden party.