HUNTINGTON – Grace M. Wheeler, 92, previously of Huntington, passed away on April 24th, just 4 weeks after losing Neil, her beloved husband of 73 years.
Grace was born in Chester on July 26th, 1932, to Guy and Cora (Daniels) Barr. She grew up in the hilltowns, married Neil in 1952 and raised her family in Huntington. Grace and Neil were also foster parents who opened their home to children in need.
Grace owned and operated The River Breeze Antique shop for many years. She served on the editorial board of Stonewalls Magazine and served on the Huntington Historical Society. She served as American Legion Auxiliary District 2 Director and was active in the Norwich Hill Congregational Church and the Huntington Federated Church and Ladies Aid Club.
Grace was a dedicated historian and genealogist and traced her family heritage back to the 1500s. She also helped many people around the country research their own family ancestry. She loved crafting, gardening, and making beautiful greeting cards. Grace enjoyed long car trips with her husband Neil. More than anything, Grace loved large family get-togethers, and taking care of her home and family.
Grace was predeceased by her husband Neil, brother Earl Barr, Jr. sisters Lillian St. Germain, Doris Olds and Eunice Kondrat.
Grace is survived by her children Neil Wheeler, Jr. and his wife Pat, Gary Wheeler and his wife Mary, Marie Pease and her husband Tim, Laurie O’Brien and her husband Clyde, and Bill Wheeler; 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Robert Burkholder and his wife Mary, brother-in-law Tony Anziano and sister-in-law Janice Wheeler, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Her family would like to thank the staff of the Craneville Place Nursing Home for their compassionate, loving care of both Grace and Neil.
Grace’s funeral service will be held with Neil’s. Calling hours will be 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3rd, at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home in Westfield MA, with funeral service to follow.
Donations in Grace’s memory may be sent to The Huntington Historical Society, c/o David Norton, P.O. Box 373, Huntington, MA 01050. www.firtionadams.com
