Ann Delia (Crocker) Wheeler, 98, of Westport Point died peacefully, Monday, February 2, 2010 at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was wife of the late John Arthur Wheeler, Jr.
Born Christmas Day 1911 in Sandwich, MA, she was daughter of the late William Stoddard and Dorothy (Crane) Crocker. Ann was in the Connecticut College Class of 1934 and received her RN from Children’s Hospital of Boston in 1943. During WWII she served the US Army as chief nurse on a hospital ship. Ann married J. Arthur Wheeler, Jr. of Wolfeboro, NH in October 1946. Her nursing career resumed at the Joseph Lawrence School of Nursing in New London in 1953 and her connection with the Connecticut College Alumni Association lasted a lifetime. In 1965 she affiliated with Union Hospital and the Fall River Diploma School of Nursing. 1971 found Ann in a new career at Sylvan Nursery in Westport where she continued her devotion to gardening for twenty four years. This was followed by part-time work in a medical office until the age of 89.
The family is deeply grateful for the loving care and attention given to Ann by the wonderful staff (particularly Birch and Elm Cottages) of Sunrise Assisted Living in Dartmouth.
Survivors include her children: Marion “Ronnie” Crocker Kimball and her husband Jim and David Arthur Wheeler and his wife Maureen; sister: Isabel Joan Crocker; grandchildren: Shannon C.K. Horridge and her husband Greg, Mathew Tristam Braun and his wife Liatt, Lydia Channing Kimball and Zachary John Wheeler; 5 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and their children.
Preceding her in death was her brother: Col. William S. Crocker, Jr.
A private memorial celebration will take place in the spring.
Donations may be made in Ann’s memory to: Connecticut College Arboretum, P.O. Box 521, New London, CT 06320 www.arboretum.conncoll.edu or Children’s Hospital Boston, 1 Autumn Street #731, Boston, MA 02115 www.childrenshospital.org/giving.