Dorothy C. Hiler, age 108, of Phoenix, NY, passed away on Friday July 21, 2017 at James Square Health & Rehabilitation Center, Syracuse, NY. Dorothy was born on February 23, 1909 in Syracuse, to her late parents, Harriet and A. Vernon Cummings. Her family moved to Phoenix, NY, in 1912. Dorothy was then a 1928 graduate of Phoenix High School. She then attended Syracuse University Teacher’s College for one year. Transferring to the then Oswego Normal School, later Oswego
State College, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in specialized reading and elementary education. Dorothy was the last living charter member
of Alpha Lota chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society.
Dorothy taught in the elementary grades as well as a specialized
reading and corrective teacher for 22 1/2 years of service. She
also had served as a secretary in the Phoenix High School. She
retired in 1972.
Mrs. Hiler headed a number of educational organizations including
the original P. T. A. at Phoenix Central Schools; Oswego County
Teachers Association; P. C. S. Teachers Association; the NYS
and National Teachers Associations; and later the Oswego
County Retired Teachers Association. She also was a 50 year
plus member of the Phoenix Topics Club, a ladies organization
promoting reading and composition of subjects presented monthly.
Dorothy served as president for two terms. She also was a
participant of the Phoenix Senior Citizens group.
Mrs. Hiler was a member of the Phoenix United Methodist Church serving in many capacities over the decades. She sang in the
choir, taught Sunday School, an officer in the Youth & Adult
organization, a lay reader for many years. Dorothy was a
charter member of the Society of Christian Service organization.
Mrs. Hiler was a very intelligent lady. She had a very keen mind.
Dorothy was featured in the Milestones and Celebrations section
of the Post-Standard Newspaper, Syracuse, in the “100 Year
Club” , which was published in the March 12, 2017 edition.
She was predeceased by her husband, Walter S. Hiler in 1962.
Surviving are her two sons William R. (Carolyn) Hiler of
Mexico, NY, and Lawrence R. Hiler of Phoenix, NY; a
granddaughter Kathryn Marie Hiler of Mexico, NY.
A calling hour will be on Tuesday July 25, 2017 from 10 a.m.
until 11 a.m. in the Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home,
431 Main St., Phoenix, NY. A funeral service will follow at
11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Terry Millbyer
officiating. Burial will follow in the Phoenix Rural Cemetery,
126 Chestnut St., Phoenix, NY.
Contributions in Dorothy’s memory to: Phoenix United
Methodist Church, 49 Jefferson St., Phoenix, NY 13135 or
Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department, 457 Main St., Phoenix,
NY 13135.