Florence V. Wasler

Florence H. Wasler, age 98, of Washington, passed peacefully into eternity Thursday May 14, 2015 in Donnell House. She was born September 22, 1916 in Charleroi, a daughter of Lockwood and Rita Hughes. During World War II, Florence worked at the Bureau of Engraving in Washington DC as a proofreader of documents between countries, and also studied at Howard University under Louia Vaughn Jones and Leo Bartolli, noted Violinists of the time. Florence moved to Washington, PA, and was married to Howard Wasler, and they opened Howard Wasler Flower Shop in 1947. She had 4 loves: her Faith, music, family, and her beloved flower shop, where she shared not only flowers, but offered counseling, poetry, and unconditional kindness to all who entered her doors. She was the beloved mother of H. Lockwood “Buz” (Karin) Wasler of Beverly Hills CA, Philip (Linda) Wasler of Pittsburgh, Lyle Wasler, Gregory Wasler, Florence “Sistie” (William) Albano, and Alison Wasler, all of Washington, and Mark (Lori) Wasler of Uniontown. Florence continued her love of the violin through playing in the Canonsburg, California, Wheeling, and Pittsburgh Civic Symphony Orchestras over the years. She was a founding member of the Washington Symphony Orchestra and was also featured as one of the Outstanding Women of Washington at Olin Fine Arts Center, W&J College. Florence’s wisdom was sought by many, and she served as a Member of the Board of Directors of Washington Symphony Orchestra, PNC Bank (Advisory), Mental Health Association, Council of 3 Rivers American Indian Center, and the Pittsburgh Indian Center. Florence was preceded in death by her husband 3 term City Councilman Howard Wasler, and two Sisters, Louise Hughes and Francis (Charles) Craig. She is survived by 7 children, 10 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, and one niece, Caral Craig of New York. Friends will be received for a Memorial gathering on Tuesday, May 19th from 6 to 8 PM at William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd, 925 Allison Ave, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the Washington Symphony Orchestra in memory of Florence Wasler.