Mrs. Irene J. Francher Wheeler

Irene Francher Wheeler, 97, of Fairmount, passed away Friday March 9th at Upstate University Hospital at Community General. She was born in Solvay to John and Lucy (DeStefano) Francher March 17, 1914. She was a 1933 graduate of Solvay High School and was employed as a secretary at Pass and Seymour for over 31 years before retiring in 1978. Irene was a longtime communicant of St. Patrick’s Church and Guild member. She was a member of the Moose Club, and an avid golfer and bowler, bowling in the Solvay Senior League for many years. Irene was predeceased by her husband Leonard in 1998, brothers, Mike and Frank Francher, and sisters, Mary Petrangelo, Katherine Louise, Julia Granish, Elizabeth Bagozzi, Anna Allen and Carolyn Mancabelli.

She is survived by her son; Walter J. Wheeler, of Baldwinsville, grandson; Scott Wheeler, of Solvay, granddaughter; Dianne McLean, of Baldwinsville, 4 great-grandchildren; Joshua Wheeler, Marissa McLean, Nicholas and Christopher Wheeler, her special friend; Robert Donahue, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted at 8:15 am Tuesday March 13th in BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, Solvay, and 9 am at St. Cecilia Church, where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Entombment will follow in St. Mary’s Resurrection Mausoleum, DeWitt. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 pm Monday March 12th at the funeral home, 2601 Milton Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Cecilia’s Food Pantry, 1001 Woods Rd. Solvay, NY 13209.

Condolences may be offered at www.bagozzitwins.com.