Donna Marie Wheeler, age 75, died on Saturday, October 6, 2012 after an extended battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born on October 4, 1937, the daughter of the late Robert F. Brunner and Florence M. (Fuhrer) Brunner. Donna was a beloved mother, grandmother, and wife who held a strong belief in God and had a great love for her family. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life. Her family will always remember how special she made every holiday, as well as her wonderful ability to always have the perfect gift for each of her 18 grandchildren. She enjoyed entertaining friends and family during her healthy years, and she will always be remembered for her warm, loving spirit. She was a lifelong member of St. George Parish in Erie. Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Donald L. Wheeler, and a great-granddaughter, Madelyn. She is survived by a brother, David Brunner, and in addition, the family members that mourn her loss include her six children, Daniel Wheeler and his wife Diane of Edinboro, Douglas Wheeler and his wife Pamela of McKean, Denise Zaczyk and her husband Chris of Edinboro, Susan Wheeler and her fiancé Mike McLaughlin of McKean, Timothy Wheeler and his wife Vickie of Edinboro, and Sandra Wheeler of North East; also, 18 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many loving relatives, neighbors, friends, and Comfort Care caregivers. Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro, Pa. on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and may attend funeral services there on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in McKean. In memory of Donna's long struggle with Alzheimer's disease, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the
in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be sent at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
Published in the Erie Times-News on October 10, 2012
