Janet Lorean Wheeler

Janet L. Gatewood Wheeler, 92, of Dunedin, Florida passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. Born in Hollywood, California, she is the daughter of the late Van and Louise Clarissa Gatewood.

Janet was raised in Los Angeles and Burbank, California where her father, a musician, played in the Big Bands and on radio shows. After graduating from high school, Janet met and married Bowman Evans in 1949 in Glendale, California. While Bowman attended school at UCLA, he became involved with the Space Program. Bowman and Janet raised 2 sons in the South Bay area of Los Angeles where Janet became involved in the local community. The family lived for 1 year in Cocoa Beach, Florida in the early years of the Space Program. In 1967 the family moved to Massachusetts. In 1975, Janet became re-married to Parker Newcomb Wheeler, Sr. Together, they had a Real Estate Appraisal business in Wayland, Massachusetts. Janet liked being a “New Englander.” She and Parker travelled around the New England area frequently. Parker passed away in 2001.

Janet stayed in contact with her late sister’s adult children, and in 2003 Janet went to Italy to visit her oldest nephew and his wife. When she returned, she moved to Dunedin, Florida to the same Condo complex as her son Dan. She became involved in the local community, was on the board of Directors for their Condo building and joined Newcomers Club. She enjoyed playing bridge and was part of many clubs and tournaments. She always enjoyed music from the 30s – 50s, especially Big Band Music, and enjoyed watching movies from the early movie eras. Often, her TV was set at TCM (the movie channel). Janet kept a warm home and her door was open to many to just come by and visit.

Janet is survived by her children: Dan (Mary) Evans, Jim Evans and step son Parker (Chip) Wheeler Jr.; her granddaughter: Sarah Evans and Great Grandson Davis Fritz. She is also survived by nephews, nieces, dear friends, step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Janet was predeceased by her sister, Luanne Steele, and her husband Parker Wheeler Sr.

Those wishing to remember Janet may make memorial contributions in her name to Suncoast Hospice/Empath.