Obituary of Joyce W. Wheeler

Joyce W. Wheeler Obituary Wheeler, Joyce W. Binghamton: When someone you love becomes a memory. the memory becomes a treasure. Our hearts were broken on February 17 with the passing of our mother. Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Donald, of 47 years; and by her brothers and sisters, Carl Wood, Dorrance Wood, Rhoda Novitski, and Dorothy Lane. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Evelyn Wheeler; and by her children, Don Wheeler and Randie Lipkin, Renee and Ken Thompson, David Wheeler, Lorraine and Richard Wenig; and her special daughter-in-law, Martha Wheeler; her beloved grandchildren, Kate Wheeler, Erik and Michelle Thompson, Luke Thompson and Gabey Cosel, Kyle Thompson, Emma and Rachel Wenig; and many nieces and nephews. The last three years of her life were lit up by her precious great-granddaughters, Lydia and Norah Thompson. Joyce was born and raised in Binghamton's 1st Ward. She attended cosmetology school in Elmira and was very proud to own and operate her own shop in her home on Franklin Street. She was a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving on the Saint Ann's Guild for many years. She was a lifelong learner, attending classes at BCC and participating in several Elder Hostel events. Joyce was an avid gardener, tending to her peonies, roses, lilacs, tulips, and lupines. She would travel with a shovel in the trunk of her car, ready to bring home some treasures found at the roadside to add to her perennial collection. She was also an accomplished seamstress. Joyce made clothing for her children and grandchildren, curtains for her home, reupholstered furniture, and later enjoyed quilting with her daughters. Above all, caring for her family was her calling, nurturing and raising her children while celebrating with their friends. She was always ready to listen to her children over a cup of tea with cookies. We would like to thank all of the kind and caring staff at Good Shepherd Home for their loving and tender care of our Mom. She will be forever loved and missed by her family and friends. Memorial services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St., Binghamton, Thursday at 1 p.m. Reverend Janet Watrous, interim Rector, will officiate. Burial will be in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home Thursday from 12 noon until 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Joyce may be made to Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231 or Project Paw, 127 Bevier St., PO Box 165 ESS, Binghamton, NY 13904.