S. Elizabeth Wheeler

S Elizabeth (Betty) Wheeler passed away peacefully on the family farm after a remarkable 107 years. She is predeceased by her husband Phil and survived by her three children, 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

 In her hometown she is probably best remembered as a tough seventh grade math teacher.  However, many of her former students credit Betty for their future success. She grew up in the Adirondacks which was a special place for Betty and her family throughout her life.

 From small town beginnings, Betty went to Syracuse University for her teaching degree and on to Columbia University for graduate studies.   While in New York City, she also worked wrapping gifts in the basement at Macy’s.  Following this, Betty returned to Central New York beginning a very long successful teaching career.   While in Central New York, Betty met her future husband Phil at a dance.

 They were married shortly thereafter and spent their entire lives on the family farm, where they raised their 3 children Joan, Clair and Dale. Betty led an interesting life.  In addition to being a teacher, she was the first woman member of the Jordan-Elbridge school board.  While on the Board, Betty was involved in merging of the two school systems. She was a Girl Scout and 4-H leader and after her teaching career, became a travel agent.  She and Phil traveled around the world with many of her friends and school teacher associates visiting 5 of the 7 continents.  Betty was passionate about her family and education. She was a constant learner and found no challenge insurmountable. At the age of 102, she had an amputation and learned to walk with a prosthetic leg, obviously amazing everyone but Betty.

 Betty was a woman who was ahead of her time and set an example of what a woman could accomplish.  She had many passions and interests, and enjoyed sharing fun adventures and life with everyone she met.

 A Memorial Service for Betty Wheeler will be held at the Elbridge Community Church on Monday November 22, 2021 at 1pm, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, friends may consider donations to the Elbridge Community Church or the Elbridge Free Library.

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