Obituary of Mary L. Tyler

Mary Louise Tyler Unadilla, NY Mary Louise Tyler, age 92, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2014 at UHS Wilson Memorial Hospital Johnson City, NY. Mary was born July 17, 1921, daughter of the late Leon and Lena Sawyer, in Bainbridge, NY. She graduated from Sidney Central High School in 1938. Mary was accepted as an Art Design major at Buffalo University, NY, but circumstances prevented her attending. In the interim, she worked at Scintilla Division of Bendix Corp, (now Amphenol) where she met and later married the late Arthur James Tyler on March 22, 1940. They shared 70 years of married life together. Mary was an artist and poet throughout her long and productive life. In her early years, artistic expression unfolded, as her flower gardens filled the spaces surrounding her home. Bountiful arrangements appeared at Sidney Hospital, piano recitals, Sidney School ceremonies and the First Congregational Church in Sidney, which she and her husband, Art, joined in 1949. The floral gardens expanded to herbs: culinary, medicinal and floral. From this, Mary, as a Master Gardener and Herbalist, and Art, formed the "Herb and Candle Loft" as a seasonal business for over 10 years. All of the teas, seasonings, vinegars, flowers and grasses for wreaths and original designs, jewelry, hand-dipped beeswax candles, and specialty art forms created from cones gathered by them both---were hand grown and developed in their own gardens. Happy years of exploring together, to find just the right beauty of nature for new themes, filled their lives. Mary enjoyed a life-long interest in "birding" and viewing wildlife, which she shared with her family and friends. Mary was an avid photographer and maintained a developing dark room in her home. She worked for Mills Studios, Sidney, NY, as a colorist (hand painting photographs) for high school senior pictures for many years. Her colorist techniques, for nature themes as well, were sought out by others admiring her work. Other employment included window and floor design for the Style Shop, Sidney, NY, for many years. Mary loved to read. She also wrote many poems of her own. She explored her deep spiritual faith throughout her years, and was a devoted worker in her beloved First Congregational Church in Sidney. She also had a lovely singing voice and participated in the very active choir in her church, as well as dramatic presentations, directing several of these as well. Most of all, Mary cherished her family in an extraordinary way and was so proud of them and their accomplishments. Her friends and family received the forever-giving benefits of her unselfish love, and listening trust. "A beautiful lady", describes Mary. She is survived by son A. James (Jim) Tyler and his wife Lee, of Unadilla, NY; daughter Dawn Tyler Wright and her husband James of Brooklyn, CT; sister Helen Sawyer Burgin, Sidney, NY; grandson Jason Tyler, Chalfont, PA; grand daughters, Lisa Wright Baer, Rye, NY; and Suzanne Wright, Los Angeles, CA.; great-grandson, Logan Baer; two great-granddaughters, Aurora (Rory) Baer, and Avery Tyler; and several nieces and nephews. Mary is predeceased by one sister, Dorothy, and one brother, Mark. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the First Congregational Church in Sidney. Pastor Pat Robinson will officiate. Condolences may be sent to the family on line at www.landersfh.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary's name may be donated to a charity of your choice, or by extending kind deeds for and to another. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21Main Street, Sidney, NY.