LOUISE WHEATLEY Obituary
LOUISE S. WHEATLEY
Of Washington, DC, died after a brief illness on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, surrounded by her family. Born December 24, 1929, in New York City to Alice and Jesse Nachman, Louise graduated from Fieldston School, Connecticut College, and Trinity College (Hartford) and taught English at Mercy High School, Middletown, CT, for 31 years. After retirement she moved to Manhattan, KS, for a year, and then in 1997 to Washington, DC, where she was a docent at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, she is survived by daughters Alison Wheatley of Manhattan, KS and Kit Wheatley (Tom Sahagian) of Washington, DC; son Chris Wheatley (Claudia) of Ithaca, NY; four grandchildren, Meg Warner (Jon), Anna Liebowitz (Daniel Schwartz-Narbonne), Nate Crawford (Kristen Row) and Jesse Crawford; two great-grandchildren, Leah and Teddy Narbonne; an adoring constellation of nieces, nephews, cousins, students and friends. Her former husband, Jim Wheatley, died in 2005. Always independent, she was devoted to literature, poetry, the arts, and the values of President Obama. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Folger Library. A memorial service is planned for a later time.
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Nancy Norrie `81
May 23, 2023
I was rereading a required Mercy English class Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier and was thinking about my English teacher Mrs.Wheatley, I remember Mrs. Wheatley very fondly and am very sorry for your loss.
Ribbie anna Hare
April 25, 2018
I have just come across Louises obituary; I am re-reading a novel we worked on when she put in some time at our literary agency many years ago. Her input was invaluable but mostly she was a wonderful woman. My condolences to her loved her.
Shelley Temchin
January 23, 2017
I knew Louise mainly through her daughter, Kit, and I have appreciated the warmth, wit and intelligence of both of these outstanding women. Deepest condolences to the family and friends.
Robin Millay
January 6, 2017
Louise was a treasure. She was loved and respected for her dedication to The Folger Shakespeare Library.
I had the good fortune to work with her as a docent at the FSL. It was an honor to know her.
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Phyllis (Landry) Eagle
January 5, 2017
Mrs. Wheatley is the reason I developed a love for literature, and Shakespeare. It was so easy to "catch" the bug, she was such an amazing conduit and did so with such a sincere love for the subject and the students. RIP and my sincerest condolences to her family.
Erica Stachura Zapatka, Mercy '95
January 4, 2017
I was sorry to hear of Mrs. Wheatley's passing. I remember her English class fondly. My condolences to her family.
Kathy Lefebvre
January 4, 2017
A kind generous woman who taught Sophomore English to me at Mercy High School, Class of '69. May she rest in peace.
Heather Stewart
January 4, 2017
Mrs. Wheatley was my English teacher for 2 yrs while I was a student a Mercy High School. She introduced me to Shakespeare and many classics and plays. To this day I still remember MacBeth so clearly and Wuthering Heights...she seemed to make the pages come alive.
Barbara Warzecha Puffer. Mercy Class of 1969
January 4, 2017
Mrs. Wheatley was my freshman English teacher at Mercy High School. I've remembered her those 50 years because she opened my eyes to Shakespeare. After we'd study one of those classics, we'd enjoy a field trip to Stratford, CT's, Shakespeare Theater, which brought our classroom studies to life! Thank you. RIP and condolences to the family!!!
Dianne Hunter
December 29, 2016
Louise was a lovely person, a rewarding student, and a good friend.
I am sorry she is gone.
Jackson Bryer
December 27, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of Louise's death. She was from the very first day I met her at an AP reading in Somerset, NJ (where she was my table leader), to the last PENN/Faulkner party we attended together this fall a wonderful lively interested and interesting presence in my life. I will miss her.
--Jackson
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