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Joan Wheeler Obituary
Joan was born in Dalton-in-Furness, England, on Nov. 14, 1924, and moved to Middletown as a young girl.
She married her husband, James, on March 14, 1945, and they have lived in Niantic for most of their lives.
Joan worked as a bookkeeper for Scott's Orchard and was also employed as a bookkeeper for the Old Lyme Country Club for many years.
Joan was an active member of the Flanders Baptist and Community Church in East Lyme, where she served as treasurer for many years. She was also a 4-H leader and a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Joan and her husband were passionate about traveling and enjoyed many wonderful trips together throughout the United States and Europe. They also enjoyed camping in their RV and hiking all over New England. Together, they maintained the Nayanticut trail in Nehantic State Forest. Joan was also an avid reader and enjoyed watching UConn women's basketball.
In addition to her devoted husband, she is survived by her loving children, Linda W. Bendfeldt and husband, Robert, of Niantic, Thomas E. Wheeler and wife, Lorraine, of Wayne, N.J., and Karen W. Scott and husband, Thomas, of East Lyme. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Melani B. Hampel and husband, Brian, of Bloomfield, N.J., Marisa N. Wheeler and husband, Gabe Wilson, of Brooklyn, N.Y., Michelle S. Manno and husband, Nick, of Brunswick, Ohio, Amber L. Wheeler of Brooklyn, N.Y., Justin Scott and wife, Katie, of East Lyme, Allison Scott-Schmitz and husband, Nick, of East Lyme, Colin Scott of East Lyme; and her special little guys, her four great-grandchildren, Jacob Scott, Logan Hampel, Hayden Wilson, and Jaxson Schmitz. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Angeline Hunter of State College, Pa.
Besides her parents, Joan was predeceased by an infant daughter, Marsha, and by her brother, Kenneth Hunter.
She will always be loved and sadly missed but will joyfully be remembered for her delicious crescent rolls, apple squares, and awesome lemon meringue pies.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the Flanders Baptist and Community Church in East Lyme. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Flanders Baptist and Community Church.
To sign the online guest book, visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Wheeler
Abigail (Park) Christine
March 3, 2010
Our prayers are with you all. We love you.
March 3, 2010
Karen, Tom, Michelle, Justin, Allison, and Colin,
My sympathies to all of you. Mrs. Wheeler was a very nice woman. So sorry to learn of her passing.
Rosi Jordal
March 3, 2010
Laura Ale and family
March 3, 2010
Jim,
So sorry to learn of Joan's passing. She was a fine lady and will be missed.
Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
Bob & Judy Strouse
March 2, 2010
Karen, Tom & Family,
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers daily. I share your pain in the loss of your Mother. I am so glad I was able to meet your Mom and that she was able to attend Nick & Michelle's wedding. May God Bless you with strength and may He comfort you at this sad time. Happy memories live on within the Heart. Sending "Hugs" and my sincere and deepest sympathy.
Love, Marge & Stix
North Royalton, Ohio
Chris Winkler
March 2, 2010
Tom,
On behalf of myself and the entire VBLSS team here at ITT, you have our deepest heartfelt sympathies and we would like to send our condolences to your entire family. Your mom did an excellent job raising a beautiful family that continues to touch and enrich the lives of countless people in ways she may never have guessed.
Clintine H. Steele
March 2, 2010
Linda & Tom, I will always remember, with Love in my heart, the kindness and generosity of spirit your mother bestowed upon me. She displayed a fondness during a period in my life when I was in great need of gentle nurturing.
Let the ripples of her goodness be ever expanding through all who knew Joan in her honor.
with much Love,
Clintine
March 1, 2010
Linda and family -
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help care for such a wonderful person. My thoughts are with you all.
Jennifer Simiola
March 1, 2010
Karen, Tom and Family:
Please accept my families condolences on your Mom's passing. It was wonderful to see her helping around the farm during her later years. She truly seemed to enjoy being with people and sharing updates on her grandkids. I will always remember her warm smile.
Freda Kral Gianakos
Al Klingerman & daughters
March 1, 2010
Our family is sad to hear of Joan's passing. We remember fondly the many happy years as neighbors, and hope your memories will give you comfort at this time.
Michelle Kerr
March 1, 2010
Karen-
your mom was a wonderful woman. I hope you cherish your wonderful moments you had with her and your dad as a family. I know she was very proud of your hard work
Jeannine Sicard Smith
March 1, 2010
Dear Jim and family: I remember running into you and Joan as you took your evening walks into town, when I lived in Black Point. I always admired your relationship. Joan was a beautiful lady, a pleasure to know. I know all the wonderful memories made by you and your family will help you get through this very difficult time. My prayers are with all of you.
March 1, 2010
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of having in your life some constant, dependable people. Not just someone that loves you, but someone who reamins steady and firm in your landscape, always there as a reminder of what is Christian and wholesome and worth emulating. Aunt Joan was one of those for me. I had plenty of opportunity to see this - she was at church every Sunday and for all activities; she was in my home, being my Dad's bookkeeper a couple times a week while I was growing up; my sister and her daughter were childhood best friends; she and Uncle Jim were there in any crisis, unobtrusively helping.
As any of her family and friends know, I am not eulogizing some "Goody Two-shoes". Practicality, directness, an acerbic sense of humor and a hearty laugh were part of her. You knew what she thought and sometimes were told what to do in no uncertain terms. You also knew that kindness and love were the motive.
In a busy, grasping world, Aunt Joan and Uncle Jim still lived in the same little house. Their pleasures of traveling and hiking required little special equipment. Neither yearned for status in jobs or position. Aunt Joan can now enjoy the many treasures she has laid up in heaven. But we will certainly miss her here!
Enid Scott Wolch
Mary Vona
March 1, 2010
Joan must have been a wonderful mom, for she raised a wonderful daughter, Linda. You are a reflection of your mom, peaceful, calm, balanced, respectful and a joy with whom to work. I'm so sorry Linda for your loss... My thoughts and prayers are with you during this really tough time. - mary
Carol & Bob Ferencz / Farrior
March 1, 2010
Please accept our condolences and prayers. Joan was a special lady. I have many wonderful memories of her from Church and Scotts Orchard where she worked with my Mom.
Athena Cone
March 1, 2010
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. She volunteered for many years at the library. She always greeted everyone with a friendly smile. She will be missed
John Birdsall
March 1, 2010
On behalf of the officers and members of Union Lodge No 31 we extend our sincere sympathy to our Brother during this time of sadness.
candy southworth/ryan
March 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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