Le Roy, NY – Mary Wheeler, age 75, died peacefully on March 18, 2018 in the Palliative Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital where she had received excellent care for five days.
Mary was the much loved daughter of Wright and Madeline (McKeon) Wheeler of Caledonia, NY. She was a 1960 graduate of Caledonia-Mumford Central School and earned a degree in secondary education from SUNY Geneseo in 1964. She later went on to Syracuse University, where she completed graduate studies in psychology.
Mary was a teacher, a social worker, an avid environmentalist, animal lover and champion of causes supporting the disadvantaged. She was also blessed with with a vivid imagination and keen insight as well as a talent for all things mechanical. Her many poems and short stories captured the beauty of nature, the humor in every day life, the struggles and joys of our human condition.
Mary was also a capable “fixer upper” who successfully tackled projects from electrical wiring and plumbing in her home to repairs of mechanical items ranging from lawnmowers to car engines.
Mary is survived by her sisters, Patricia (Raymond, deceased) Connell of Livonia and Barbara (Malcolm) McVean of Scottsville; six nieces and nephews; eight grand nieces and nephews; and her long time friend and helper Mark “Ky” Keicher of Alexander.
Mary’s family is extremely grateful to the palliative care staff and hospice nurses at Strong for their excellent, compassionate care and for the gifts of peace and comfort they gave Mary during her final days. Most sincere gratitude is also extended to Mary’s friend Ky, whose support and friendships have been a source of joy to Mary over the last seventeen years.
There will be no prior calling hours. Private interment is scheduled at the convenience of family.