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Bernice Wheeler Obituary
Bunny, as most of us knew her, was born in Winchester on June 30, 1915, the daughter of Adeline and Homer Wheeler. She was a Connecticut College graduate who earned her master of arts degree at Smith College and her Ph.D. at Yale University. She taught at Smith, Yale, and Westbrook Junior College before joining the Connecticut College faculty in 1947. She was a professor of zoology, a geneticist and ecologist. Professor Wheeler was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, The American Association for the Advancement of Science, The American Genetics Society, Society of Developmental Biology, and The Ecology Society of America.
Bunny loved learning and loved teaching. She believed that if you have a love of something it can be more than just a feeling, that it can be used to exercise and reward intellect. In her retirement she traveled whenever she had the chance. To explore nature and its diversity, geology and native cultures, their art and history was, for Bunny, a life-long student and teacher's dream. She loved bird watching, a day at the beach, cats, quiet contemplation, and her times at West Hill Pond where the family once had a cottage, and, of course, cocktail hour on her stone patio with friends. We lovingly called her our eccentric aunt. Spiders, mice, or an occasional garden snake were welcome visitors at or in her home. And wood boring bees undermining her trellis and its beautiful wisteria were a delight to her.
She volunteered her time to Meals on Wheels, The Lyman Allyn Museum, and Planned Parenthood.
She was predeceased by her sister, Jean Wheeler Jones and nephew, David W. Jones.
She is survived by her two nieces, Sarah W. Jones of North Andover, Mass., and Marcia Woodward and her husband, Arthur, of Cumberland, Maine.
The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Crescent Point at Niantic where Bunny lived since 2001. They have been incredibly caring and supportive.
Her family will hold a private burial service in the spring at Forest View Cemetery in Winsted, Conn.
Contributions in memory of Bunny may be made to The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington VA. 22203.
Cards may be sent to 31 Alcott Way, No. Andover MA 01845 or 69 Mere Wind Dr., Cumberland ME 04021.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernice Wheeler
Jennifer Gaffey
March 24, 2007
Dear Tads,
Your aunt Bunny was one of the most interesting, intriduing and extaordinary women I have ever had the pleasure to meet and to share a cocktail with. Fond memories of trips to the barn and warm summer evenings on the stone patio were a treat for me. Listening to stories of Bunny's many travels and family fun times was enlightening and entertaining. She was a special woman with many talents, too many to mention however none more important then being the best Aunt to you Tads. How blest you were to have her in your life for so long and how blest I am to have known her. Love and deepest sympathy, Jennifer
Carolyn Holleran
March 17, 2007
I came to Connecticut College in 1956 looking forward to studying humanities and dreading the sciences. However, during my second year at CC, I had to fulfill that science requirement and studied basic zoology with Prof. Wheeler. What an incredible experience! She opened my senses to all the wonders of nature. She gave me a gift of a lifelong appreciation for every living creature in our universe. She is one more reason why CC means so much to me and why I have given my time and resources to it in recent years.
Carolyn McGonigle Holleran '60
Alida van Bronkhorst
March 8, 2007
Miss Wheeler not only had "the right stuff" to be a college prof, but for some of us, only her outgoing personality, humor, and enthusiasm in the classroom made the mandatory Biology course pass-able. We who greeted class assignments with Oi vey!" and groans I can't spell, were met with unfailing and cheerful encouragement. How lucky we were that she gave so much energy to the Conn College community in and out of the classroom.
Nels Barrett ('78)
March 8, 2007
Dr. Wheeler, "Bunny" was one of my undergraduate advisors. Her gentle conversational yet candid manner helped set me on my career path.
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Ira Todd Cohen, MD, MEd
March 8, 2007
It is with great warmth and joy I remember Professor Wheeler. Who else could have been immortalized on a New London Hall desk with an etching of a small rabbit running atop a spinning wheel? I count myself among the many that she inspired to pursue science and teaching.
Elaine Davey Topodas '69
March 8, 2007
My condolences to Professor Wheeler's family. I number among the many students whom she guided and inspired. Beyond the genetics she taught, she also engendered an intellectual curiosity and love of learning. I will always remember her and appreciate her influence in my life.
Barkie Supplee
March 8, 2007
Miss Wheeler was one of the kindest, warm and admirable persons I have known. She was our housemother in Freeman where we lived for three years, so we really knew her in many ways.....
all of them delightful!
Love and prayers for her and all who miss her.
Linda Lear '62
March 7, 2007
Professor Wheeler was an inspiring teacher at Connecticut College and a woman who deeply influenced our generation of women to reflect, to act, and to deeply observe the living world. Her life made us richer and her living gave inspiration.
Elaine Hester
March 7, 2007
Dr. Wheeler was an inspirational teacher whose love of learning was evident to all who took her classes. What a wonderful and full life she had!
My sympathy to all of her family...
Elaine (Frey) Hester, Zoology major, '70
Claire Wilcox
March 7, 2007
Ms. Wheeler was my zoology professor at Connecticut College and inspired me to major in zoology. Over the years since I graduated in 1968, I saw her a few times, once at the Shepaug River eagle outlook, where we reminisced about CC. I am sorry to hear of her death.
Bradford Peck
March 7, 2007
My thoughts are with Dr. Wheeler's family. Dr. Wheeler was an inspirational and friendly educator.
She influenced and guided many young adults including me.
Kevin Smith
March 7, 2007
From the start of my freshman year, I saw Prof. Wheeler as firm and fair. As time passed, I learned that she was also a very caring, funny, and playful person. I greatly value her encouragement of my pursuit of a career in biological research.
Ann Huckle Mallek
March 7, 2007
For our small group of zoology majors in the 71 class, Miss Wheeler was a fierce, demanding, warm, caring mentor. I was fortunate to stay with her during two vacation intervals where we discussed cooking, wildlife, and life in general.
A grateful student,
Ann Huckle Mallek
Constance Taulck Wright
March 7, 2007
Dear Sarah, Martha & Arthur,
The world is a better place from the life and spunk of your dear Aunt Bunny. She inspired me in an otherwise mundane zoology course. I never knew platycerium (ceria?) could be so fascinating.
Blessings to you all.
In Peace,
Constance Tauck Wright (Conn. College '55)
Bonye Fisher Norton '56
March 7, 2007
Miss Wheeler was our House Mother in Freeman. We enjoyed knowing her and visiting in her partment. My condolences to her relatives and my congratulations to Miss Wheeler for such a long and fruitful life.
Michael Cassatly
March 7, 2007
Dr. Wheeler was an inspiring teacher. Her love of Zoology and Genetics were contagious and inpired me to persue my career in medicine.
Faith Blersch Kuehn
March 7, 2007
Dr. Wheeler, "Bunny" was one of my favorite Conn College professors. I admired her, and took something of her spirit with me as a guide for life.
Bob Hartmann
March 7, 2007
19 or 91, when Bunny taught us at Conn College in the 70's she was ageless. She was, quite simply, "remarkable".
Noelle Tournier Anson
March 7, 2007
I remember Professor Wheeler from my freshman Zoology class in 1963. She was a wonderful teacher and even those who had no intention of majoring in her discipline loved her for her excellent teaching and genuine caring attitude for each and every one of us. She was a very special person and one of the best teachers I ever had.
Ruth Ladd
March 7, 2007
Bunny Wheeler was my genetics professor at Conn and one of my favorites - even though her courses were REALLY tough. Since her CC reunions occurred when mine did, I had the opportunity to stay in touch with her at least every five years. I will miss her!
Ruth Ritter Ladd '72
March 6, 2007
To the entire family,
On behalf of the Connecticut College Community, please accept our condolences on your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Bridget McShane
Director of Alumni Relations
Connecticut College
270 Mohegan Avenue
New London, CT 06320
SUE WADSWORTH
March 4, 2007
SADALY MISSED BY SUE AT CRESENT POINT IN NIANTIC.
WILL MISS YOU BUNNY.
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