Sheila M. Wheeler

WELD – Sheila M. Wheeler, 78, died on Dec. 18, 2022, at her home with her husband and children present. Born in East Millinocket on Feb. 18, 1944, she was the daughter of Woodrow and Sylvia (Poulin) Mercier.

She graduated from Dirigo High School in Dixfield, and Gorham State Teacher’s College where she earned her Teaching Degree. On June 18, 1966, Sheila married Thomas J. Wheeler. They were married for 56 years, and together raised twp children.

Sheila was born and raised in Maine, and did live in Vancouver, Wash. and Jackson, Ala. for part of her adult life. She was an educator for 25 plus years. Her first position was an English Teacher at Hampden Academy in Hampden, Maine. She then went on to teach at Mahoney Jr High in South Portland, Mexico High School, Rumford Jr/Sr. High School and Mountain Valley High School. She also held various positions in the educational systems as Secretary to the Principal at Gardiner Elementary School, Library Aide at Virginia Elementary School in Rumford, and as an Ed Tech in a Behavioral Program at a school in Vancouver, WA. In 1993, she participated in the Boise Cascade Educational Hiring Program. In 2005, she and Tom moved back to Maine and built a house in Weld.

An avid reader, Sheila also enjoyed writing poetry, gardening, golfing, being outside, spending time with friends and family, music (as she sang in a chorus and played piano), watching her children and grandchildren in all of their activities, and spending time at her family camp.

Sheila was a kind-hearted and loving daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Tom Wheeler; her daughter, Lynne Wheeler of Bethel, her son and his wife, Todd and Amy Wheeler of Bethel; her two grandchildren, Bailey Whitney and Tanner Wheeler; her sisters and their husbands, Ann and Donnie Beaumont of Cape Elizabeth, and Donna and Ozzie Swett of Sun City Center, Fla.

The family expresses a special thank-you to Beacon Hospice staff and Elite Home Care staff who assisted in her comfort and care while at home.

Sheila’s request for only a private family celebration of her life will be honored. Arrangements respectfully handled by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.