CLEARFIELD, Pa. -- Aerial Fullington Weisman, a vibrant individual who was one of the nations best-known and most-admired women motorcoach operators, died here late last month. She was two months shy of being 63 years old.

Mrs. Weisman had suffered from cancer for years and had received a variety of treatments that would keep the malignancy at bay for a time. But, in the end, it took her life.

Mrs. Weisman was born into the bus industry but it took than 50 years before she decided to make it a career.

Fullington Auto Bus Co., now also known as Fullington Trailways, was founded by Mrs. Weismans great-grandfather in 1908. Her father, J. Richard Fullington Sr. and her mother, Tillie, bought control of the business in 1956.

Mrs. Weisman once said that "my fathers first child was the bus company. And then he went on to have three more children."

While Mrs. Fullington and her two brothers grew up in the business, attending industry events, working at the company, and taking bus trips as youngsters with their father, she charted a different course.

A good student, she attended Pennsylvania State University, receiving a degree in nursing in 1972. She was employed in the cardiac unit at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, eventually becoming a cardiac medical sales representative.

In 1984, she married Milton H. Weisman, who is vice president of intercity coach service at Fullington Trailways.

In 2003, at age 54, Mrs. Weisman returned to Clearfield to assist her family at the company, becoming president and CEO.

Leading the family business she earned respect as a smart, strong business woman and a "wonderful" boss.

"She was a remarkable business woman," said one individual who considered her a friend. "She always managed to have a bright smile and kind word for everyone. Such a lovely, intelligent and life-loving person."

An employee called her "the most caring boss I've ever known. There will never be another like her."

Another person described her as being an inspiration to all who knew her.

Her family said Mrs. Weismans greatest joys in life were her family, her close friends, and the "Fullington family of employees," whom "she valued and respected very much."

She was a life member of St. John Lutheran Church in Clearfield and a member of the church council. In 2007, she was awarded as one of the "Best Fifty Women in Business" by the state of Pennsylvania.

She served on the executive committee and the board of the Pennsylvania Bus Association and the Trailways Transportation System.

Elaine Farrell, executive director of the Pennsylvania Bus Association, described Mrs. Weisman as a "phenomenal leader on all fronts" and said she will "certainly be missed by everyone."

Victor Parra, president and CEO of the United Motorcoach Association, said he was very saddening by Mrs. Weismans death. "She was a great supporter of UMA," he said. "She stood for what was right, not what was politically expedient. I will miss her."

Besides her husband, Mrs. Weisman is survived by her brother Michael L. Fullington, who is chief operating officer of the company, and his wife Lory, a vice president in the company; brother John Richard Fullington Jr., and sister-in-law Loretta Peters Fullington.

Memorials in Mrs. Weismans name have been established with the Clearfield Food Bank, c/o Trinity United Methodist Church, 121 S. Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830; St. John Lutheran Church, Childrens Education Fund, 217 E. Pine St., Clearfield, PA 16830; Clearfield Hospital Hospice, P.O. Box 992, Clearfield, PA 16830, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10065.