[ Originally published on: Friday, December 04, 2009 ]
BUCKLAND -- Sylvia B. (Long) Wheeler, 96, of 120 State St., formerly of Shelburne, died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at home.
She was born in Shelburne, July 20, 1913, the daughter of Louis R. and Grace D. (Copeland) Long. Sylvia was a 1932 graduate of Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls.
During the mid 50's she worked in the cafeteria at Arms Academy. In the early 60's, she worked at the former Martin's Bakery in Shelburne Falls and then as a cook at the former Mohawk Manor Rest Home, also in Shelburne Falls. She was one of the first cooks at Gould's Sugarhouse in Shelburne.
She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Shelburne, the Shelburne Grange, the Shelburne Senior Center and the Shelburne Falls Woman's Club.
Sylvia enjoyed line dancing at the Greenfield Senior Center, which she attended frequently. She was a former volunteer at Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield and the Franklin County Mental Health Assoc. Elder Care Program. She enjoyed quilting and crocheting lap robes, which were donated to the local nursing homes and the TRIAD program.
She was a proud recipient of the Boston Golden Cane awarded to her this past summer.
She was the widow of Leland F. Wheeler, who predeceased her in 1988.
Survivors include her daughter, Ruthe E. Jubinville of Buckland; her son, Clarence E. Wheeler of Colrain; 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 11, at the First Congregational Church in Shelburne at 11 a.m. Burial will be in East Cemetery, Shelburne, at a later date.
There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested donations be made to either the First Congregational Church, c/o Cindy Smith, Reynolds Road, Shelburne, MA 01370 or to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway St., Greenfield, MA 01301.
Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls is in charge of arrangements.