Julia Wheeler

Julia Rebecca (Wilkins) Wheeler, 93, passed away December 1^st, 2023, at Pine Heights Nursing Home  in Brattleboro, VT. Julia was born on November 6^th, 1930, in Londonderry, VT, to the late Elmer Paul Wilkins and Lizzie Lorena (Payne) Wilkins. She was the wife of the late Graydon H. Wheeler. 

Julia grew up in Londonderry and attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. She developed rheumatic fever in her senior year, while she did not graduate with her class, she did receive her diploma in the mail. She met her husband, Graydon while working at the Rollins Inn, Windham, VT. He also delivered grain and hay to her family farm. They were married on December 29th, 1951. They eventually moved to Hadley, MA. Julia had several jobs, she was a cook for Ketos restaurant, the Florence Inn, Zeta Nu fraternity at UMass, even working at the VA hospital in Northampton, MA. She then moved her family to Belchertown, Mass, where she worked as an aide at the Belchertown State School until she retired. After several years in Belchertown, Julia and her husband moved back to Vermont to the Brattleboro area. They resided in Mountain Home trailer park until her husband's passing in 2011. Shortly after Julia moved into Pine Heights nursing home.

In her younger days, Julia enjoyed horseback riding, camping, going on her son Robert's boat, traveling to see her daughter Liz and her son Graydon. She loved spending time with her family, especially on holidays. She always hosted dinners and barbecues throughout the years, hosting 22-24 people in her trailer for meals. Julia enjoyed cooking, baking, knitting, and cross stitch.  Upon moving into Pine Heights, she enjoyed arts and crafts, but most of all her bingo days. She always seemed to come out the biggest winner at bingo. 

Julia is survived by her children, Robert C. Wheeler and his wife, Carol, her son Graydon L. Wheeler and his wife Irene and her daughter Lorena L. Hubler and her husband Darren. Julia is also survived by her grandchildren: Sara McKelvey, BJ Kelley, Erik Wheeler, Graydon H. Wheeler ll, Chrystal Lizotte and her husband Kevin, Rebecca Martini, Shelby Hubler and her Great grandchildren: Mateo, Chloe, Macie, Mckenzie, Jeremiah and Phineas. Julia recently attended a gender reveal for her granddaughter, Rebecca, and learned she would be having a great-granddaughter due April 2024. Julia is also survived by her former daughter-in-law Katherine Wheeler of Belchertown, whom she remained close.

Calling hours for Julia will be held on Sunday, December 17 from 2 to 4 at Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home, 57 High St., Brattleboro. The burial will take place in the spring at Glebe View Cemetery in Londonderry, VT. Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.phaneuf.net