Janice Crowell Wheeler, 99, formerly of Tom’s River, N.J., passed away Dec. 23 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta.
She was born Oct. 19, 1907, in South Orange, N.J., a daughter of the late Lewis D. and Mildred G. (Phillips) Crowell.
Mrs. Wheeler was a graduate of the former New Jersey College for Women, class of 1928, currently Douglas College at Ruetgers University, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
On Feb. 1, 1936, she married George Wheeler in South Orange, N.J.
She was a former member of the Presbyterian Church in Tom’s River, N.J.; Pennside Presbyterian Church in Reading, Penn.; Ocean County Historical Society of Tom’s River, N.J.; Ocean Nature and Conservation Society of Tom’s River, N.J.; Genealogical Society of New Jersey; Descendants of Founders of New Jersey; Douglas Alumnae Association; and the American Association of University Women.
Mrs. Wheeler was employed many years as a librarian for the Bishop Memorial Library in Tom’s River, N.J. She will be remembered as a great genealogist, historian, and birder.
Mrs. Wheeler is survived by her daughter, Joan Apgar and husband George of Round Pond; granddaughter, Laurie Chandler and husband Christopher Esancy of Damariscotta; grandson, Gregory Apgar of Birdsboro, Penn.; great-granddaughter, Megan Chandler of Damariscotta; great-grandson, Taylor Chandler of Damariscotta; step great-grandson, Andrew Esancy of Damariscotta; and step great-granddaughter, Charlotte Esancy of Damariscotta.
In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her husband of more than 48 years, who died in 1984.
Private family service was held at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. Interment will be in the Ocean County Memorial Park in Tom’s River, N.J.
Arrangements are under the direction of Coast of Maine Cremation and Funeral Service, Waldoboro.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Mrs. Wheeler’s memory to the Second Congregational Church of Newcastle, 51 Main St., Newcastle ME 04553.
