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Patricia Wheeler Obituary

Patricia Mercedes Wheeler Oct. 29, 1936 - July 8, 2013 Walnut Creek , CA Resident Patricia Wheeler passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. She served as Principal of San Ramon Valley High School from 1989 to 1997. Previously she was a Vice Principal at Clayton Valley High School and Mt. Diablo High School, both in Concord. She is a Past President of the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, and was active in AAUW. Pat was born in New York City, and was raised in Washington State and various locations in California as her father was a Prison vice Warden. She attended High School in Salem Oregon where her father was Warden of Oregon State Penitentiary. She attended College of Marin where she met and married David Wheeler in 1955. They were married for 57 years. Their first son, David Jr. was born after she finished her sophomore year at UC Berkeley. In the next four years John and Jim were born. After they were all in school she returned to Cal and received her BS in education. She began her career in education as a PE teacher at Concord High School, and attended St. Mary's and got her Masters Degree in Administration. Pat and David traveled extensively visiting 44 countries in all. They enjoyed sailing, going from Miami to Ottawa Canada via inland waterways in one boat, and traveling from Seattle to Xtapa Mexico in a beautiful 43' Motor Sailor. They were members of the Richmond Yacht Club for 42 years. They have lived in their home in Walnut Creek for 49 years and enjoyed a summer home at Silver Lake in Lassen County, built by David's father in the 30s. Pat is survived by her husband David, sons David Jr. (Marta), John, and Jim(Annette), 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and two more expecting. She was a wonderfully warm and generous lady, was well loved and will be missed by all. A celebration of her life will be held at the Danville Community Center at 2:00 PM, Sunday, July 21st. Donations to the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, 696 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Box 332, Danville Ca 94526 for Student Activity Programs at San Ramon Valley High School.

Published by Contra Costa Times on Jul. 14, 2013.
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A great lady, My dear friends mother. Her contribution to my life and to education were immense.

Tim Stewart

August 1, 2013

Terry OMalley

July 22, 2013

Terry O'Malley

July 21, 2013

What a classy lady, a wonderful mother, educator, community leader with a delightful personality. I had the opportunity to know her for over thirty years and I will cherish the memories and the laughter. My heartfelt condolences to the Wheeler family. All the best.

Jeff Eorio

July 18, 2013

Aunt Pat will always be remembered for her smile, warmth and kindness. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with dad, Sibylle, Dave and the Wheeler family.

Sean & Tara O'Malley

July 16, 2013

I never had a class with Pat Wheeler and I my interactions with her were limited to a handful of time but her kindness and commitment to education saved me from myself at a crucial time in my life. I will always remember her with admiration and reverence. Thank you Pat Wheeler you are awesome!

Carl Erickson

July 16, 2013

Terrance O'Malley

July 14, 2013

Pat was my sister-in-law for the past 20+ years. I admired her for taking everything life dealt her, in stride, and for seeing the good in everything and everyone. She enjoyed many things in life (her grandchildren, her animals, traveling, etc.) and enthusiastically shared these joys with others. She was an inspiration to all of us.

Sibylle O'Malley

July 14, 2013

Pat was my big sister. She always looked after me from when we were very young, and continued to do so for many years. I had the opportunity to tell her how much I loved her shortly before her death. She will be forever in my heart.

Terrance O'Malley

July 14, 2013

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