December 29, 1929 – May 22, 2020
Faye was born in Kirk, Colorado on December 29, 1929 to Joseph Dale and Iva Lou (Stewart) Wheeler. She lived with her parents, four brothers, and one sister in several towns in Colorado, including Loveland, Estes Park, and finally Denver. Coming through the Great Depression, she had times without central heat or indoor plumbing. In high school she met high school sweetheart and future husband, Mark McClanahan. They married at 18 in 1948 in Klamath Falls, Oregon, attended by Mark’s sister Eloise and her husband Don Griesmeyer. They moved to Oregon where she lived the rest of her life.
A top student in high school, Faye chose to apply her abilities to family and community. While Mark attended Willamette University in Salem for undergraduate and law school, Faye worked to support him and their growing family, as eldest son Craig was born during this time. After Mark finished school in the early 1950s, they moved to Beaverton and then to the Hillsdale area of Portland. Four more kids were born, Dave, Julie, Ed, and Kathy. Devoted to family, she managed to attend most events, while also getting involved in both service roles and fun. As the nest emptied, Mark and Faye moved to a large house in the Sylvan neighborhood where they loved hosting family and friends.
Faye was always active beyond home. First jobs in Salem included working for the State of Oregon. Later she was Bookkeeper for the White Bird Gallery in Cannon Beach, owned by close family friends, and Treasurer for the Investment Club she enjoyed. Once Mark “retired” from his legal firm, she became his legal secretary for more than 20 years as he continued to practice from home.
Always competitive, she enjoyed sports, including bowling, tennis, skiing, and golf. A longtime member of Portland Golf Club, she made many friendships as she reached a handicap of at least 13, competed in tournaments, and had at least three holes-in-one. She also loved card games including Bridge, Pitch, and Cribbage, and she was very good at them. And she was a diehard Portland Trail Blazers fan. Faye and Mark also enjoyed their monthly dinner and ballroom dancing with the Laurelhurst Dance Club.
Faye loved to travel and was able to enjoy many long and short trips. Highlights included a sabbatical car trip through Europe, using a car purchased in Germany, shipping it home afterwards. She played golf at St. Andrew’s in Scotland, met the Pope at the Vatican, and visited schools in the former Soviet Union. She traveled to Alaska and Mexico, and even went camping to see the total solar eclipse in 2017. There were family trips to the Bar M Dude Ranch, Neskowin Beach, and many others. Her favorites were the annual trips to their time share in Palm Desert for friends and golfing, and any trip to visit family.
Faye’s passion was serving, whether it be family or community. She was willing and able to lead or participate as a team member. While the kids were in school, she was active in the PTA for Robert Gray Elementary and Wilson High School, also volunteering as Campaign Coordinator for calling voters for the People for Portland Schools in 1977. She volunteered with the Parry Center for Children, a counseling and mental health organization, including the Book Browse, an annual fundraiser promoting literacy. She was a member of the Assistance League of Greater Portland for almost 40 years, serving as President from 1989-90. She was a part of many of their activities over the years, including the thrift store and the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser. Her passion was for their Dental Clinic which provided care for those who were unable to afford it. After retiring from active leadership, Faye continued those friendships in the STARS Luncheon Group.
Faye also had a deep, quiet spiritual faith that revealed itself in her service. Active at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, she served in innumerable unofficial ways and as Deacon, Elder, and Clerk of Session. Through St. Andrew’s, she supported Neighborhood House, a local group that partners with individuals and families to build community and achieve their goals for health, education, and self-sufficiency. Faye cherished her long-time couples’ group, Windjammers, as they met monthly.
Faye was a person whom everyone seemed to know and feel loved by. Sometimes the best legacy is the impression made on others. These are just some of the comments her family has received from friends, colleagues, and extended family:
“Faye was absolutely one of the loveliest ladies I have ever known.”
“Your Mother was an absolute treasure. I feel very fortunate to have had so many wonderful years shared with her, a ladies lady, grace, humor, dignity personified. "
“She had wonderful faith that has been a great example”
“What a dear lady! Boy did she love her family! Always so thoughtful and kind…”
“I’ll miss her so much! Jesus is holding her in his arms saying WELL DONE MY FAITHFUL SERVANT!”
“She is and forever my Angel!”
“She was the sweetest, kindest person I have ever known.”
“Besides being stunningly beautiful...She was always so gracious. I loved that twinkle in her eye and knowing she enjoyed a little mischief now and then.”
“She was very intelligent and a leader”
“She was beautiful inside and out and always a joy to talk with.”
“I can just close my eyes and see her warm, engaging smile. We love her deeply and count ourselves most privileged and honored to have been part of her and Mark’s life…”
Faye was elegant and dignified, without being stuffy or pretentious. She was humble, and grateful for all her many blessings. She adored her family, celebrating each joy, and weeping with each loss. She supported each of her children, encouraging their independence, uniqueness, happiness, and success. Her family’s hearts are full of the love she gave. And that love continued to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and to all the family members added by marriage and partnership.
Faye passed away May 22, 2020, with family and her faithful pup Morrie by her side.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 69 years, Mark McClanahan, her four brothers, Don, Ken, Stanley, and Marvin Wheeler, and her sister-in-law Eloise Griesmeyer.
She is survived by:
Her sister Rema White of Fallon, NV and her brother-in-law Don Griesmeyer of Tacoma, WA.
Her children Craig (& Ruth) McClanahan of Tualatin, OR, Dave McClanahan of San Mateo, CA, Julie McClanahan-Baugh of Tigard, OR, Ed (& Melanie Burger) McClanahan of Danville, CA, and Kathy (& Doug) Wolfe of Portland, OR.
Her grandchildren Matt McClanahan of Tualatin, OR, Amy (& Jason) Perez of John’s Island, SC, Kelley (& Andrew) Gallaher of Sunnyvale, CA, Nate McClanahan of Clearfield, UT, Tim (& Marlene) Wolfe of Berkeley, CA, and Heidi (& Ryan) Noon of Sahuarita, AZ.
Her great-grandchildren Ellen and Wyatt Wolfe of Berkeley, CA.
Her six nieces and nephews of the Griesmeyer clan, located in CA, OR, WA, and NM, with whom Faye’s family spent holidays and family occasions throughout the years.
Her extended Wheeler clan, whom she especially enjoyed seeing at family reunions.
A celebration for Faye’s 90th birthday was held on December 28, 2019, attended by almost 100 family and friends from across the years. That party was a lifetime highlight. A public celebration of her life will be held after restrictions are lifted. A private service of interment will be held at Skyline Memorial Gardens where she will be placed next to her dear husband Mark.
In the meantime, the family would love to hear your favorite memories of her. Memorial contributions can be made to Neighborhood House, the Assistance League of Greater Portland, or a charity of your choice that aligns with Faye’s heart for those in need.
Donations
Neighborhood House
The Assistance League of Greater Portland
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18