Mary Weiler

Mary Josephine Weiler died peacefully at home on Friday, January 9, after living with cancer. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, who honored her passing with music, prayer, poetry, and love.

Mary was born to Henry J. LaBore and Clara Bill LaBore on December 1, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Fargo and graduated from Shanley High School in 1961. Mary earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Moorhead State University of Minnesota in 1966 and later received her Master of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida in 1996.

Mary was united in marriage to William Joseph Weiler on August 27, 1966. Together they raised eight children: David Christopher (Paula), Kathleen Marie, Michael Leo (Sara), Jennifer Ann, Daniel William (Kilee), Sarah Paulette (James), Brenda Mary Agnes (Derek), and Mark Thomas (Sarah). She was a proud grandmother to Jacob William, Joshua David, Hannah Mary Marie, Emily Clara, William “Liam” Thane, Maya Anne, Ruby Ann, Fyrn Josephine, and Noella Elaine.

Mary founded and led Fargo’s first La Leche League peer support group from 1967 to 1980, providing guidance and encouragement to new mothers navigating breastfeeding and infant care. She later operated a licensed daycare in her home from 1981 to 1985, caring for what she loved most—babies. From 1985 to 2014, Mary served as Vice President of Programs and Quality Management for Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, where she helped oversee numerous programs supporting ND families and communities.

Following the loss of her daughter Jennifer to suicide in 2005, Mary and her family organized the first American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Fargo–Moorhead Out of the Darkness Community Walk in 2006. She went on to form the AFSP North Dakota Chapter in 2007 and served as its chair until 2022. In 2008, Mary became a trained facilitator for a Survivor of Suicide Loss support group, offering compassionate support to loss survivors for more than a decade. She also served as chair of the National Chapter Leadership Council and was a member of the AFSP National Board of Directors.
Mary cherished time spent at the family’s beloved cabin on Fox Lake, attending and fully engaging in movies, renovating and maintaining their historic Queen Anne home, practicing yoga, cooking, traveling, singing, and spending time with her family.

Mary believed deeply in doing what one can to help others. She was especially committed to spreading messages of hope to those living with mental illness and to families grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. A loving, kind, supportive, and energetic mother and grandmother, Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Weiler; her daughter, Jennifer Ann; and her parents, Clara and Henry LaBore.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – North Dakota Chapter, or Bridging MN.
https://supporting.afsp.org/campaigns/Mary-Weiler-Memorial-Fund