Yvonne “Mike” W. Wahlers of Franklin, MA passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the age of 89.
Mike (as she was known all her life) was born in Bethlehem, PA on October 17, 1933. She was the daughter of the late George and Pauline (George) Webb. She attended high school at The Friends School in Wilmington, Delaware where her father was a math teacher. She graduated with a degree in Psychology from Western Maryland College (McDaniel College) in Westminster, MD. She met the love of her life, Al Wahlers, at Western Maryland and they married in 1955. She and Al lived in Baltimore while he served two years in the Army stationed in Washington, DC and then moved to Silver Spring, Maryland while working at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Mike and Al moved to Franklin in 1965 when Al was transferred to Liberty Mutual’s headquarters in Boston. Mike was a stay-at-home mom and so proud of her family. She was a wonderful baker and her fudge brownies, pies, and grated chocolate coffee cake are family favorites. She took decorative painting classes in the late 70’s with Franklin Adult Education and was the activities director at Franklin House Healthcare for 5 years.
Mike and Al have been members of the Franklin Federated Church since 1965. Mike was a member of the Warm Puppies women’s group, a member of the Book Club, and a frequent volunteer at the annual church fair. She and Al hosted tennis party gatherings at their home with their extended church family for a number of years.
First and foremost, Mike was grateful for the 65 years that she and Al were married. They shared many wonderful vacations and trips together and made friends wherever they went. She enjoyed attending the concerts and sporting events of her grandchildren as well as any celebration involving immediate and extended family. She loved living at Benchmark at Forge Hill and made many friends with fellow residents and staff.
Mike is predeceased by Al. She is survived by her children, Karen and husband, Randy Myrick of Hingham; and Betsy and husband, Peter Bertoni of Medfield; three grandchildren, Matthew Bertoni, Christopher Myrick, and Meredith Bertoni; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Alice Jane and John Buschman of Yardley, PA; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Gary Wahlers of Oaks, PA. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she held close to her heart.
We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the nurses, caregivers, and staff at Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill in Franklin and Compassionate Care Hospice. You are all angels on earth.
A private graveside service will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 14 at 10:30 A.M. at the Franklin Federated Church, Franklin, MA.
Please consider a donation in Mike’s memory to The Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038.
The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Wahlers family. guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com