Joan Hunter Wheeler

Joan Hunter Wheeler of Niantic, beloved wife of 65 years of James S. Wheeler and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully at the age of 85 at Bride Brook Health & Rehabilitation Center on February 26, 2010.

Joan was born in Dalton-in-Furness, England on November 14, 1924, and moved to Middletown, CT 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, NJ, and Karen W. Scott and husband Thomas, of East Lyme. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Melani B. Hampel and husband Brian of Bloomfield, NJ, Marisa N. Wheeler and husband Gabe Wilson, of Brooklyn, NY, Michelle S. Manno and husband, Nick, of Brunswick, OH, Amber L. Wheeler of Brooklyn, NY, 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 11:00 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.