Jeanne Tyler honored for life of public service

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Jeanne Tyler, donor to the Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, has been named 2017 Pioneer Award recipient in recognition of her lifetime of public service. It was presented to her during a program at the William Holmes McGuffey Elementary School Oct. 6. The award is part of the annual McGuffey Founders Day, in honor of William Holmes McGuffey, the author of the Eclectic Readers. Both the Pioneer Award and the Founder’s Day program were sponsored by the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society.

Tyler has contributed to many organizations, including Youngstown State University, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Visiting Nurse Association, Planned Parenthood, Stambaugh Auditorium and the Junior League of Youngstown. She is a longtime member of the WHMHS.

Tyler was born in Lakewood and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in economics. She married John Tyler in 1947 and moved to the Mahoning Valley shortly after. Her husband, a lawyer, served as secretary and assistant treasurer for American Welding in Warren.

The Pioneer Award recognizes outstanding leadership, scholarship, community service, philanthropy and contributions to the social, cultural, civic and educational welfare of the valley, historical preservation and literacy efforts. Previous winners include the late Honorable Harry Meshel, Gilbert “Gibby” James, Helen Stambaugh, David Tod, Sister Jerome Corcoran, the Tony Lariccia family, Bruce and Nancy Beeghly, professors Regina Rees and Al Bright, Janie Jenkins and Joe Lordi.

The Founder’s Day program includes a student assembly, storytelling, music by Michael Nichols and the award ceremony. It was open to members and guests only. For information about WHMHS, call Richard Scarsella, chairman, at 330-726-8277.