Obituaries

South Hiram-Freda M. Wheeler, 87, formerly of Hartland, died peacefully at the home of her daughter on Saturday, May 5, 2012, in South Hiram. She was born on November 29, 1924, in St. Albans, the daughter of the late Archie and Phyllis (Goundry) Parker.

From “Farmer Bill” as a little girl running across the fields to “Aunt Bill” as an adult, Freda lived her life as a nurturer of the young. It started right after she married her husband of 62 years, Gerald Wheeler. They cared for her five brothers after her father died. She had two children of her own, but raised many children through the years right down to her great grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews looked to her as a second mom.

After her marriage she never worked outside the home, but she influenced many lives. Her caring, albeit outspoken nature, brought many back to the right path. Her family, no matter how large and extended it may be, was the joy of her life. Sister, Aunt Bill, Wife, Mom, Gramma, Great Gram, she was always there, fun and a joy to be with.

She is survived by her daughter, Wanda Eastman and husband Arthur; son Gerald Wheeler and wife Eileen; grand children, Troy Lary, Tammy Ngo and husband Dale, Jessica Wheeler-Sinclair, Ryan Wheeler, Justin Wheeler and wife Faria and Kyle Wheeler; great grandchildren, Dylan Sinclair, Justin and Ashley Lary, Jasmine, Alexander , Nikolai Ngo and Crystal Eastman; siblings, Henry Parker and wife Ethelyn, Madeline Hollister, Iona Knight and Pauline Coolen; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Parker and Ginny Parker; brother-in-law, Earle Jewell; and many nieces and nephews to the third generation.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Gerald Wheeler Sr; brothers, Archie, John, Elbridge, Ulysses, Howard and Wallace; sisters, Arlene Jewell, Kathleen Brooks and Sarah Humphrey.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2012, at the United Methodist Church, 16 Dexter Road, in Corinna. Family and friends are welcome to stay for a time of refreshment immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02210, in Freda’s memory.

To leave a message of kindness for the family, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield.