Mary Weiler

FALCONER – The Falconer Central School district has recently expressed gratitude toward a former teacher who passed away in 2021.

School administrators noted that Mary L. Weiler not only dedicated years to teaching music in the district, but also planned a generous donation to the school that was recently received following her passing.

Mary L. Weiler passed away Oct. 30, 2021, at the age of 91. Weiler had originally graduated from Clarence High School, and went on to receive a master in education from the State University of New York at Fredonia. Weiler would actually begin to attend the university in its first year as a part of the SUNY system, in 1948. Weiler would begin her career at Falconer Central School as a passionate music teacher in September, 1953. Weiler would dedicate 35 years to the school district, before her eventual retirement in 1988. Throughout the time at the school, Weiler had numerous forms of involvement, and pushed to help the school in any way possible. Weiler was also an assistant instructor for the school’s marching band, utilized her sewing skills for the annual school musical, frequently traveled alongside the school’s chorus, and repeatedly donated her time at the school concession stand. Weiler would actually contribute so much that the concession stand would go on to be named after her in 2011.

At the district’s board of education meeting on Oct. 21, members of the board received and accepted a donation that Weiler had set to go to the school from her estate. This donation of over $50,000 shows Weiler’s love for the district, and for local students that she had dedicated so many years to. Board members noted that $30,000 will be allocated to the middle/high school music departments, $2,000 will go to the drama/theater departments, $3,000 will go to the marching band, $5,000 will be dedicated to the concession stand, $5,000 toward Fenner Elementary’s music department, $5,000 towards Temple Elementary’s music department, and the remainder will be put toward the Mary Weiler Teacher Fund. District staff noted that the donation will allow quality instruments, materials, and essential resources to be provided to the students.

The district issued an address thanking Weiler, and noted how incredibly fortunate the district was to have such a dedicated and supportive member. The statement said that the love and dedication of individuals like Weiler is what continues to allow the district to be a special place for students to create, learn, and thrive.

Board President Tracy Schrader took time during the October meeting to extend thanks to Weiler’s dedication and generosity. Schrader noted the long-time dedication that Weiler had to the school, and the increased opportunities that will be brought to these departments as a result of the donation.