By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Mrs. Weiland

HYDE PARK - Marcia Pastor Weiland received her master of fine arts degree in theater from the University of Cincinnati when she was a 40-something mother of three.

She then spent years acting, writing, directing and producing plays with the Women's Theater of Cincinnati.

In 1988, a ruptured disc in her back made her a paraplegic.

Mrs. Weiland used her acting and production skills to help others who were similarly disabled by making the video Closing Windows, Opening Doors: A Guide to Living With Paraplegia. Mrs. Weiland, 70, died Tuesday at her Hyde Park home.

A native of Cincinnati, she majored in history at the University of Cincinnati and took post-graduate courses in law and medicine.

In her 40s, she switched careers and headed to the theater.

She taught acting and speech at UC and Xavier University and acted at Playhouse in the Park.

She also co-wrote a children's Christmas play in which she played Santa Claus year after year.

"The Joy of Being Santa Claus is wonderful. Everyone loves you," she told the Enquirer in 1990.

The National Council for Christians and Jews presented Mrs. Weiland a Community Service Award for her video in 1990.

Survivors include her husband, Richard A. "Dick" Weiland, two sons, David and Fred Weiland; a daughter, Jeanne Weiland; a sister, Audrey Salzmann; and six grandchildren.

Friends may call 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday through Monday at the Weiland home, 2444 Madison Road, Hyde Park. Visitation is 12:30 p.m. Sunday, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Hebrew Union College, 3101 Clifton Ave. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com