Mary Jane Wheaton

“There is a time to weep and a time to laugh.”  The family of Mary Jane Steel Wheaton, the wife of retired Ithaca Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief, Ray Wheaton will celebrate her life on Saturday, August 7, 2021 with a graveside service at 11:00 at Calvary Cemetery, 636 5 Mile Drive, Ithaca, NY.

Mary went to her heavenly home on September 21, 2020, after a 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s, with family by her side.

Mary was born on April 28, 1948, to John and Margaret Merritt Steel in Sewanee, Tennessee, the oldest of six children.  She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1966 and married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Wheaton, Jr., on Christmas Eve that same year.

Together, Mary and Ray led a rewarding life filled with the activities of their children and grandchildren and  family vacations – which always seemed to include history lessons. She taught her children and grandchildren many lessons, from how to make a peanut butter and banana sandwich to the importance of patience and faith.

Over time, the family grew and the distance to see family also increased. Mary enjoyed traveling with her children and grandchildren, whom she spoiled.

Mary worked as an administrative assistant for Cornell University over 45 years, finally retiring in 2007.

Mary is predeceased by her parents, John Steel and Margaret Merritt Steel McFiggins; her step father, Robert McFiggins; and her in-laws, Raymond Sr. & Alma (Baylor) Wheaton.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Raymond Wheaton, Jr.; their four children: Raymond III (Renée) of Freedom, NH;  Debra Beyer of Newfield, NY; Yvonne Knickerbocker (Chad) of Candor, NY; and James (Tina Ovitt) of Wilton, NY;  and their five grandchildren: Matthew (Chantel) Wheaton of Pingree Grove, Illinois; Jacob Wheaton of Ames, Iowa; Ryan Wheaton of Ithaca, NY; and Tyler and Emma Knickerbocker of Candor, NY.

Mary is also survived by her five siblings: Matthew (Donna) Steel, Margaret (Howard) Matt, David Steel, John Steel, and George (Marsha) Steel.

Saturday, August 07, 2021 11:00 AM

Calvary Cemetery Five Mile Drivre Ithaca, New York 14850