Mrs. Elaine C. Weiler

Elaine Claire (Bancroft) Weiler Leeds, MA - Elaine C. Weiler, 93, formerly of Blandford and Becket, MA passed away peacefully, Sunday, March 12th at her home, Linda Manor Assisted Living. Her death marked the passing of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt. She loved her family, her church, her home and the beauty of nature that she found in all aspects of life. Elaine was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 18, 1924 to James Earl Bancroft and Marie (Clare) Bancroft. Her early years were spent in Michigan, Indiana and New York. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her siblings: Martin, Patricia and Margaret. She graduated from Jamaica High School, NY in 1942 and then went on to business school. Elaine was “found” by the prestigious (Harry) Conover Modeling Agency in New York City where she modeled for a few years. Her photos appeared in the first issue of Seventeen Magazine and other publications in the 1940’s. While working for Architect Samples in NYC, Elaine met the love of her life, Herbert Weiler. They were married September 28, 1947 and had four children: Donald, Kathleen, Lisa and David. Elaine and Herb lived in a variety of places on Long Island (Jamaica, Oceanside, and Seaford) and moved to Blandford, MA in 1965. She loved her new home with its beautiful landscaping and gardens. Once there, she set about the business of decorating and painting each room. In her high heels she could easily paint a room, put down new tiles and make curtains. She was not afraid to tackle any home decorating project. In 1985, they moved to Becket and Elaine had many new projects to take on with the house that dated back to the 1800’s. Elaine assisted Herb in all his business endeavors including an auto parts store on Long Island (A & W Auto Parts which he co-owned with brother-in-law, John Ayers), administrative paperwork related to his job with Chrysler Corporation and their Lindal Cedar Home distributorship and also as co-owner and manager of the GasLight Motor Lodge in Lee, MA. For all their years of marriage, they considered themselves equal partners and one team together always. Later in life they bought property in Myrtle Beach, SC and Newcastle, Maine. They loved being by the ocean, walking the beach and spending time outside appreciating nature. My favorite pictures of them are walking on the rocks at Pemaquid Point, ME, where mom was so agile, and of them kayaking on the bay in front of their Maine cottage. They both felt so lucky to be together and to get to do these activities. She was a thoughtful person who always went out of her way to insure that people felt included and welcome in her home. She invited people who were staying at the motel in for Christmas dinner making sure that there was always a gift for every person present. Elaine battled Alzheimers disease for many years. She was assisted in her battle by Herb, and all of her children. However, her daughter, Kathleen and son-in-law, Henry opened their home to Elaine and Herb in 2004 and she lived with them with loving care until November of 2014. At that time, she moved to Linda Manor Assisted Living. Despite the impairment that Alzheimers brought, the staff at her new home were still able to find the laughter, cleverness and kindness of Elaine. She received supportive and loving care. So many of the staff treated her like family with love beyond what could be asked for or expected. This was a tribute to both Elaine’s inner beauty and to the staff at Linda Manor. Elaine left this world with blessings, surrounded by love and music. She will be greatly missed. Elaine was predeceased (2005) by her husband of 58 years, Herbert A. Weiler, of Becket, MA. She leaves two daughters, Kathleen Dubay (Henry) Westfield, MA, Lisa Vallejo, (Glenn), Denver, CO; sons, Donald Weiler, Russell, MA (his partner, Phyllis), and David Weiler, (Nina), Becket, MA, grandchildren: Nate, Melissa, Raena, Aaron, Shana, Todd, James, Carrie, and Danielle, and great grandchildren: Anja, Sebastian, Kalani, Keanu, Saylor, Evelyn, Ezrah, Juniper, Matilda, and James. She also leaves her sister Margaret Carnovale, (Gil), Sandwich, MA, brother, Martin Bancroft, (Joan predeceased), Fort Lee, NJ, and predeceased by Patricia Ayers, (John), Hillsdale, NJ and numerous loving nieces and nephews. FUNERAL NOTICE- Funeral services for Mrs. Elaine C. Weiler will be Friday, March 17 at 11:30AM at St. Patrick Church in Hinsdale with Father Christopher Malatesta, officiating. Calling hours will be Thursday, March 16 from 4-7PM at BARTLETT WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 525 Main St., Dalton, MA 01226. Please visit www.wellingtonfuneralhome.com to leave remembrances to her family. Donations in Elaine’s name may be made to: Mercy Adult Day Program, Westfield, MA; Cooley Dickenson Hospice, Northampton, MA; or Linda Manor LEP Activity Program, Leeds, MA in care of the funeral home.

Mrs. Elaine C. Weiler

February 18, 1924 - March 12, 2017