Harriet McCleary Wheeler
We are sad to announce the passing of Harriet McCleary Wheeler. Harriet died at age 77 on the 12th of February, 2023. She passed away with family by her side.
Harriet was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, who was always there to inspire comfort and share her kindness. She is survived by her husband Michael, her children Scot and Ross, her daughters-in-law Ako and Elizabeth, her grandchildren Ryan (17), Audrey (15), Claire (12) and Brent (12), her sister Ray (Jack Rolff), many nieces, nephews, cousins and her extended family and friends. A strong and truly beautiful woman, Harriet lived each day fully, filled with gratitude for her blessings. All of us will miss her boundless love and thoughtfulness.
Harriet was born to Harry and Helen McCleary on April 27, 1945 at Jackson Park Hospital in Chicago. Her family later moved to LaGrange Park, and she was a 1963 graduate of LTHS. She earned her teaching degree from The University of Iowa and loved being a devoted educator for many years; first within District 102 and later in District 101. Her deep commitment to education and community service continued in retirement as she volunteered at McClure Jr. High and elsewhere.
Harriet and Michael enjoyed dining out, going to the theater, visiting museums, exploring, and always learning. She also enjoyed family trips to Macatawa, Michigan and visiting Disney World. Her greatest love however was being a Mom and “Nana” to her four beloved grandchildren. She was a constant presence at their games and activities and never missed an opportunity to watch them play baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Harriet will be sorely missed on the sidelines but will always and forever be her grandkids’ biggest cheerleader.
Harriet also loved to laugh and to walk, counting each moment of life as a blessing. For nearly 50 years she was an active parishioner at All Saints Episcopal Church in Western Springs and volunteered her time to assist with parish leadership, the youth ministry, the BEDS Rotational Shelter Program and supported so many other charitable causes. In lieu of flowers we invite you to donate to All Saints Church in her remembrance.
To honor Harriet’s memory, we are holding a celebration of her life at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 11th at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4370 Woodland Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558, with reception to follow. We invite anyone who knew Harriet to attend and join all of her family and friends to celebrate her wonderful life.
To the Wheeler Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Harriet’s smiles and waves during her many, many walks around the neighborhood always spread joy and positivity. We will miss seeing her across the street. Sending strength during this incredibly difficult time.
Jen and Paul Balash
To the Wheelers,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Jan and Raffaele Poppiti and family
To the Wheeler Family. Please accept our sympathy in the passing of Harriet. She was a wonderful, charming, positive person and it was a pleasure to know her. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Carol and Bob Kurinsky and Family
To Michael and Family,
Harriet was a wonderful friend. She had the most beautiful and sincere smile! So many Disney memories were shared with her. Even after retiring from McClure, she kept in touch with both of us. She will be dearly missed. Heaven, truly, has another angel.
It was always so nice to see a smiling face in the stands. Only spoke to Harriet in passing Always a smile
Sincerely
Pat Manetti
I was so sad to come across Harriet’s obituary yesterday while doing one of those “I wonder if I could locate an old friend?” Internet searches. I am so sorry for you, Michael, and all of Harriet’s children and grand children–and for you, Ray, Harriet’s adored big sister. My name is Lonney Getlin, and Harriet was the love of my life through all of my high school years. If anyone may be interested, I have a non-profit foundation–www.getlinscorner,org–and if you scroll down our homepage, you’ll see a picture of my brother and me in uniforms. I am a military school cadet captain, and Mike is a young 2nd. Lt in the Marine Corps,. The picture was taken during commencement weekend at Northwestern Military and Naval Academy in Lake Geneva, WI. (Mike would be killed in Vietnam 4 years later.) Standing in the background over my left shoulder –wearing her brightly colored dress–is Harriet at 18-years-old. How I loved that dress, because it went so perfectly with her striking and extraordinary eyes! I’d love to write a letter to any of Harriet’s children (if you don’t mind, Mike) to share a couple of fond memories. My email address can be found on the foundation website. Special note to Ray: Ray, how very much Harriet adored you……and, as a matter of fact, so did I! There were no sisters in my family, but I always though that if I had a sister, I would want her to be just like you! To all of Harriet’s family–and especially to you, Michael, because I am sure this is a very tough time for you–my warmest regards. I am sure that Harriet was as wonderful an adult as she was a young, and very pretty teenager!