Joan Fraser (Russell) Wheeler

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Fraser Wheeler after a lengthy battle with cancer. Joan was predeceased by her loving husband Bill and her beloved son Andy.

Joan was born on October 25, 1933, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Bill and Jean Russell. She met and married the love of her life, Bill, in 1954 and they lived an extremely good life together raising their children, travelling the world, with both of them living the dream. Joan assisted Bill when he started his own business, Wheeler Agencies Ltd., and found that she loved the challenge. She decided that she would re-enter the workforce as her children grew.

As she was always community minded, her first job was with the United Way of Winnipeg, where the fundraising bug really caught her interest. She went on to work for the YWCA and the WSO, and then she got her dream job as Executive Director of the Children’s Hospital Research Foundation. Joan loved the challenge of working alongside a supportive Board of Directors and a group of amazing volunteers to raise funds to help kids in Manitoba. Once Joan retired, she joined the RWB Things antique shop as a volunteer, enjoying 20 years of helping raise money to assist the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

She leaves behind her daughter Dina Bering and husband Brad, her daughter-in-law Marie Wheeler, her grandchildren Victoria Laube and husband Trevor, and their daughter Kaydence, Jeremy Wheeler, David Bering and wife Ashley, and their daughter Sofia Joan, Genevieve Wheeler and her partner Brett Flavell.

Fortunately, Joan was able to stay at home almost until the end, with the help of family and her wonderful friend Sandy Cross. The staff at Riverview Health Centre – Palliative 3W were exceptional in the last few weeks of Joan’s life. They treated her with kindness and dignity and even allowed a little sherry to bring a smile to her face. The family is so grateful for all the care in her final days.

Joan will be laid to rest in a private family celebration. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.