Obituary of Joan D. Wheeler

Joan Diane (Burnett) Wheeler, age 85 of Clifton Park passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 23rd 2018 surrounded by her devoted and loving family. Born on April 8th, 1933 to the late Frank and Mary Burnett. In spite of many health challenges through her life, it never kept her from doing anything she set her mind to. 
Joan grew up in Albany and attended school there. She met the love of her life, Carlton Wheeler during high school. They were married January 9th, 1955 and had 55 wonderful years together, until Carl’s passing in 2010. 
While raising their family, Joan worked at the DMV in Albany. She was an avid bowler, crafter and enjoyed trips to the casino. She always attended her children and grandchildren’s school, sporting events, and theatre productions. She was also the person who was there as each of her grandchildren got their training wheels off their bikes- running alongside of them shouting “You can do it!” It was that “can do” attitude that she taught all of us; determinations, unwavering faith and a strong sense of family. Joan’s cooking and baking skills were legendary. There was never a Holiday, Birthday or party that did not showcase the delicious food she made, always with that special Ingredient- love. 
In addition to her husband Carl, Joan is predeceased by her sister Ann Busta and her brother Mitch Burnett. Joan leaves behind a large family who isn’t sure how to go on without her. Her loving children Pamela (Thomas) Naccarato, Donna (John) Cuzzolino, Daniel (Carol) Wheeler, Jeffrey (Amy) Wheeler and Carlton Wheeler. She will be sorely missed by her 10 grandchildren to whom she will always be “Mammy.” Joseph, Courtney, Zacharie, Kyle, Mitchell, Jacob, Dalton, Rylee, Brielle, Carlton and great- grandson Cole. 
She is also survived by siblings, MaryLou Hannan, Jake Burnett, Eugene Burnett, Patricia DiSisto and sister- in-law, Henrietta Paretta. 
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2-6 pm at the Catricala Funeral Home Inc., 1597 Route 9, Clifton Park, with a funeral mass on Monday at 9:30 am at St. Edward The Confessor Church, Clifton Park. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. In lieu of flowers, donations will be made in Joan’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.StJude.org