Columbia Memorial Health (1) Careers

Joan Wheeler, 77, owned New Lebanon coffee, gift shops

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PITTSFIELD- Joan MacDonnell Wheeler, 77, formerly of New Lebanon, died peacefully at her son’s home, where she has resided since 2007, under the care of Hospice in the Berkshires, on Monday, February 15.

Born March 25, 1932 in Queens, she was the daughter of the late Allan B. and Florence Christopher MacDonnell. She was the loving wife of the late Albert I. Wheeler, who died on June 3, 2006. They were married in Brainard Methodist Church on March 15, 1958.

A 1950 graduate of Richmond Hill High School in Richmond Hill, L.I., Mrs. Wheeler was a member and very active in the Queens Baptist Church. She worked at the American President Line Steamship Co. in New York City before moving to New Lebanon in 1954. She was the owner of the Cottage Coffee Shop from 1954 to 1956 in New Lebanon Center which she turned into her residence when she and Al got married.

Mrs. Wheeler worked for Ceramaseal in New Lebanon until 1959 when she started her family and stayed home to raise her children. She also worked at various newspapers in the area before opening the Wooden Indian Gift Shop at her home and at the Village Plaza in New Lebanon until the early 1990s. She and her husband traveled extensively and enjoyed camping. She was a member of the American Legion Post #1236 Ladies Auxiliary, the LVPA and Fire Police and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Wheeler was an avid Brookyn Dodgers fan.

Survivors include her children, Nancy J. W. (Roger) Vincent of Berlin and Glenn A. (Liz Newton) Wheeler of Pittsfield; grandchildren Caleb I. M. Vincent, Marcia M. M. Vincent, Emma Wheeler and Hannah Wheeler; along with lifelong friends Corinne and Ed ImHoff of Pisagh Forest, N.C.

Arrangements were with the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 Route 43, Stephentown.

Burial will be in the spring in the Cemetery of the Evergreens.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Hospice in the Berkshires or the Memorial Fund of the Cemetery of the Evergreens in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 9, Stephentown, NY 12168.

 

 

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