Phoebe L. Wheeler

Phoebe L. Wheeler, age 93, formerly of Williamstown, passed away Wednesday at Sunset Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Boonville. Phoebe was born November 18, 1931, at home in Altmar, to Frederick and Roxie Trumble Britton. She attended school at a one-room schoolhouse, Checkered House School, until 6th grade and then attended Altmar High School. Phoebe was married to her husband, and love of her life, Charles Wheeler, on May 27, 1950. Charles and Phoebe had 70 wonderful years together and he passed away November 24, 2020. She worked for Dr. Thompson in Pulaski as a housekeeper in the 1940's. She later worked at the APW school cafeteria for 19-years, retiring as cafeteria manager for Altmar Elementary. Phoebe attended Park United Methodist Church and was a member of the Williamstown Seniors.

Phoebe devoted her life to raising children. She and her husband were foster parents to dozens of children over the years, including Ann Granger and Emerson McMillan. She loved them all and did her best to make them feel loved. Her world revolved around her family and her husband. She was happiest when her house was full of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always said, "if your heart is big enough, then your home is big enough!" She loved her children unconditionally and her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. Just when she thought her heart couldn't get any fuller, then her great-grandchildren arrived, and her heart grew even more. She loved them dearly. Phoebe was a phenomenal cook; her chicken and biscuits were legendary.

Phoebe is survived by her sons, Casey (Donna) Wheeler of Columbia City, OR, Albert (Patricia) Wheeler of Brunswick, ME, Stephen (Karen) Wheeler of Lacona and a daughter, Sarah (Nick) Wansink of Pulaski, grandchildren, Ryan (Summer) Wheeler, Claire (Petra Rowan Rhines) Wheeler, Emily (Zoe Latil) Wheeler, Stephen Wheeler II, Benjamin (Bethany) Wheeler, Samantha Wheeler, Colin (Nyasha) Wansink and Libbie Wansink, great-granddaughters, Áine Wheeler and Maggie Wheeler and many nieces, nephews. She is also survived by her siblings Louis (Jean) Britton of Williamstown, NY, Jack (Esther) Britton of Camden, NY, Alice (Ronald) Eldred of Altmar, NY and Peter (Dena) Britton of Southwest City, MO. Phoebe was predeceased by her husband, Charles, sisters Edith, Jane, Judy and Peggy, brothers Frank, Grover, Stuart, William, Robert.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, August 22nd at Foster-Hax Funeral Home, 52 Park Street, Pulaski with burial in Fairview Cemetery, Williamstown. Calling hours will be held from noon to 2 p.m. prior to the service.

Donations in Phoebe's memory may be made to the Park United Methodist Church, 2 Hubble Street, Pulaski, NY 13142 or to the Williamstown Senior Citizens Club, c/o Norma Crossett, 1297 County Route 30, Altmar, NY 13302.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sunset Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for the excellent care their mom received.