Barbara C. Wheeler

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara C. Wheeler (nee Curtis), age 79, of Wayne NJ.

Barbara passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 while receiving the loving care of her family. She was raised in Albany, NY and was the youngest of three children to F. Norton and June Curtis.  While growing up in Albany, Barbara attended high school at St Agnes School for Girls.  While a student at St Agnes School for Girls, Barbara excelled in sports, playing on the girl’s tennis and field hockey varsity teams.

Following her high school graduation with the class of 1962, she attended a local college for a couple of years.  While attending a sporting event at Colgate College, Barbara met a handsome young student by the name of Richard Wheeler.  The couple hit it off great and started dating.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and in 1968 they exchanged wedding vows, becoming husband and wife.

They newlyweds resided in a few different locations throughout New York State while Richard was working toward his law degree.  They eventually settled in Wayne, NJ where they raised their two sons, Andrew and Daniel.  Their journey as husband and wife lasted over twenty years but unfortunately ended in divorce.  During Barbara’s marriage, she dedicated herself to being a homemaker, nurturing and raising her sons.  She later re-entered the workforce, accepting a position as an insurance agent with Gorga Insurance in Fairfield, NJ and later with Richards Associates Insurance Company in Clifton, NJ.  Barbara’s career as an insurance agent spanned nearly thirty years until her retirement in 2010.

Barbara kept the love of sports throughout her life, being an avid tennis player and a member of the Packanack Lake Tennis Club.  She loved to cook and was famous with family and friends for her Strawberry Shortcake, her Baked Mac & Cheese, and her mashed potatoes.  Aside from Barbara’s talents, hobbies, and interests, her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Barbara than providing for and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her dear cat Pumpkin.

Barbara was a chatty, bubbly, and charming lady who loved to interact with others.  Standing at just five feet tall, she was a petite figure who held her own in any social gathering. Her height a charming contrast made her all the more unique.  She was the kind of lady who would often “go with the flow” but was not afraid to speak her mind when she felt strongly about something.

Barbara was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around her.  She will be sincerely missed by her family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her two sons, Andrew Wheeler and his wife Christine of Pompton Lakes, NJ, and Daniel Wheeler of Wayne, NJ; two grandchildren, Alexander Wheeler, and Nicholas Wheeler.  She is also survived by her cat Pumpkin.  She was predeceased by her sisters Susan Thompson, and Nancy LeGacy.

Those wishing to make a donation in Barbara’s name are asked to consider House of Dreams Shelter