Whitman – Elizabeth (Hatch) Wheeler 92, a lifelong resident of Whitman, died Sunday November 26 after a period of failing health.
Born in Brockton and raised in Whitman she was the daughter of the late Russell and Nina (Glover) Hatch and a graduate of Whitman High, Class of 1944.
In her early year she had worked at the Regal, Commonwealth and Knapp Shoe Companies, and later at Brockton Savings and Whitman Savings Bank, retiring in 1990 after 48 years in the banking industry.
She loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit many regions including Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, Bermuda, the Holy Land and Italy where she had the thrill and privilege of meeting Pope John Paul.
She loved to dance and had won several competitions as well as ribbons for “Ice Dancing”. She was a local artist and had won many awards for her works.
She was a longtime and active member, for over 50 years, of the Congregational Church of Whitman where she had served as deacon, and was a member of several church committees and clubs, as well as having taught Sunday School for over 25 years. For many years she had volunteered at the Colony House Nursing Home.
She is survived by her devoted friend Cheryl Lopes of East Bridgewater, her nieces Karen Thrasher and Lynda Bartsch as well as many cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Russell Hatch.
Her funeral service will be held Thursday November 30 at 12:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Burial will follow in the Northville Cemetery, East Bridgewater. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Donations in her name may be made to the Whitman Congregational Church, 519 Washington Street, Whitman, MA 02382 of Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379.