Western New York Teacher Passed Away After Short Cancer Battle

If you have ever met Mrs. Rebecca Schuler, you were one of the lucky ones. 

Close friends call her Becky, but many people knew her as Mrs. Schuler, and her two boys call her “Mom.” 

Becky was born on March 17th, 1979 in Syracuse, NY. During her short 44 years on this earth, she left a long-lasting impact on her students, but also the people around her. 

Mrs. Schuler worked many years as an Art Teacher, and it was a perfect job for her, as she truly was someone who could color the world in a way that very few can. She was a dedicated member of the Pembroke Youth Association and a steadfast Union Representative for the Teachers’ Federation. 

A member of the Pembroke Teachers’ Federation shared a tribute to Becky Schuler on their Facebook page. 

“If PTF stood for Pembroke Teaching Family, then Becky was our big sister,” he wrote. “She was a pivotal person who started our dress down days, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for causes near and dear to our members' hearts. She was the first to find ways on how we, as a full membership, could help our community. Her room was always flowing with students who affectionately called her mom, especially the classes for whom she served as advisor. Call her a teacher, advisor, mentor, coach, friend, rep, negotiator, organizer… she was so many things to so many people in our Pembroke Community.”

Becky had a love for music, baking, and fine crafts. 

She was an adoring mother to two sons, Edward and Ethan, and a loving wife to Michael Schuler.  

Family and friends are invited to honor Rebecca's life on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 2:00 - 7:00 PM at Ross Funeral Home of Akron, located at 10 Eckerson Avenue, Akron, New York, 14001. 

Mrs. Schuler believed deeply in caring for her students and giving them space to create, express themselves, and expand their potential. While she was gifted and committed to the fine arts, she also advocated for music and theater arts her whole life and supported them every chance she could. 

Remembering Becky Schuler

Many students, coworkers, family, and friends shared some of their favorite memories on social media after hearing about Becky’s passing. 

“We will miss her. Thankful I had her as a teacher and got to watch my son grow to love her. He took creative crafts this year to be with her and one of my last conversations with her just 4 short weeks ago, she was asking me where her favorite child was at a football game.. I was like what? (I laughed and thought I’m not sure which one is her favorite) and she said “Megan, where is Owen!” Thankful he had someone like her, she will be so missed!” - Megan Lauth

“She has reached many with her smile, laughter and love. So blessed that she played a role in my son’s journey at Pembroke and was also a great friend to him as well. He will miss his “bestie” as she called it and so will our whole community.” - Daniel Lang

“From what I hear she was an amazing teacher and I know she was a great member of the Pembroke/Corfu community! My thoughts/prayers are with her family, friends, colleagues, students, and the entire community ! #draggon4ever” - T.J. Netter

“I’m so thankful for the years I had her as a teacher. My heart goes out to her sons, husband and the pembroke community. She was a good one ” - Molly Kathryn

“My heart is so heavy. Mrs. Schuler was one of my absolute favorite teachers- not to mention one my favorite marching band instructors who always made the trips fun. I’ll already cherish the memories of her making me laugh and her being nothing but supportive. Rest easy ” - Jacq Joy

“She was wonderful to my son Stephen, and I am sad Ruby will never know her as a teacher. She will be missed.” - Jennifer Rose Burton 

To Honor Becky’s Life and Legacy

In lieu of flowers, Becky’s family asks you to please consider a donation to a local organization that shares her commitment and passion for teaching students - Arts for Learning WNY.

On Thursday, November 2, the Pembroke Teachers’ Federation will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner and Basket Raffle, not only in Becky’s honor, but to benefit the Schuler Family. If you would like to help the family, you are welcome to attend the dinner & raffle, but you can also donate to their GoFundMe.  

You can see the full obituary here.