Mary Jean Wheeler

Mary Jean Fitzpatrick Glade Wheeler, beloved wife, mother, teacher, role model and friend, passed away May 8th in Naples, Florida with her daughter, Linda, and her son, David by her side. Mary was a wonderful and strong woman, who lit up a room with her smile and warmed the world with her laughter and sunny disposition. She was loving, kind, compassionate, and generous, and she was a social dynamo who was always happy to connect, make introductions and engage in conversation.

Born in Bayonne to a Railroad policeman, John T Fitzpatrick and his wife Irma Smits Fitzpatrick, Mary was a Jersey Girl at heart. She loved to share her memories of Lake Hopatcong and selling pencils at Gimbels in NYC during college summers, as these moments informed her integrity and her gratitude. Her humble beginnings provided the sure footing for her life and her values, which she shared with her children and her grandchildren. She was an example, who elevated everyone who encountered her and held us accountable.

After completing her studies in early childhood education, Mary married her first love, Charles Glade, with whom she had four beautiful children and built a home in Manchester, CT. It was there that they put down roots, established their work lives, and assembled a community of friends they came to know as extended family.

While there was much joy, Mary’s life was not free of challenges or loss. In 1987, Mary and her children lost Charles to Amyloidosis. In her moment of grief, she took stock and was a fortress of strength for her children and the community. She always chose to show gratitude and compassion.

Mary was blessed to find love again with Dr. John Wheeler, and they combined their families into a new and loving household. They were married for 32 years before John passed in 2021.

There was something very special about Mary. Her expressive eyes could share love, correct behavior, or tell a story. It was our good fortune to have her in our lives, and she will be missed by so many.

She loved and was loved by her friends from Manchester’s Blue Ridge Drive, East Catholic High School, and the Pratt Whitney Community, her friends from Green Hill Rhode Island and in Naples, Florida. Most of all she loved her children, or her “Chicks,” as she called us, and her glorious grandkids, of whom she was so very proud. She will be missed by all. We were the recipients of her greatest joy, bringing us around a table - playing cards, a rousing game of Mah Jong, or singing for our supper. Mary leaves a legacy of friendship and fellowship to all those who had the pleasure of gathering with her and sharing her light.

Mary passed peacefully on National Amyloidosis Day, a day that raised awareness for the very disease that took her first husband. She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. John Wheeler, and survived by her chicks, Charles, Glenn, Linda, David, Jennifer, Cecilia and Susan and by her beloved grandchildren Wils, Carter, John, Maren, Eva, Carson and Olivia.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and caregivers of The Glenview, Premier Place and Avow Hospice for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation (www.amyloidosisfoundation.org) or to Avow Hospice of Naples, Florida.