Jean M. Wheeler

West Lebanon – Jean M. Drowne Wheeler, 66, of Schoolhouse Road, West Lebanon, NY, died early Monday morning August 27, 2012, surrounded by her loving family under the care of Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene.
Born January 27, 1946, in Troy, NY, she was the daughter of Molly Seaman Drowne of Chatham, NY, and the late Roland Drowne. She was the loving wife of Russell  I. Wheeler, whom she married on May 25, 1968, in the Brainard Methodist Church.
A graduate of both Chatham Central High School and SUNY Buffalo, Jean was an occupational therapist at Albany Medical Center Hospital in Albany, NY, for a few years. She was also a fantastic homemaker and caregiver who drove many safe miles as the family’s “medical taxi.” She valiantly fought kidney cancer for many years, never giving up.
Survivors include her husband of 44 years Russell, her children, Anita Wheeler and husband Scot Lueck of Unadilla, NY, and Ben Wheeler and wife Sharon of West Lebanon, her siblings Bruce and wife Irene Drowne of Dryden, NY, Lois and husband John Williams of Lowell, NC, and R. Wayne and wife Christy Drowne of Chatham, along with many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 30, at 11 am in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown, NY, with burial following in the Old Chatham Union Cemetery.
Relatives and friends were invited to visitation at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 4 to 7 pm and Thursday morning from 10 am until the start of the service. Per Jean’s wishes – she said, “No flowers, please!” – memorial contributions to Canine Assistants, 3160 Francis Road, Milton, GA, 30004, would be appreciated.