Mrs. Mary Wheeler

March 20, 1930 - December 13, 2020

Mary Theresa Concetta Italiano Wheeler, 90, of Cortland New York passed away on December 13, 2020 at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. Mary was born in Elmira to Flora and Pasqsuale “Patsy” Italiano. She graduated from Elmira Southside High School. While working at Westinghouse in Elmira she met her future husband Robert Gilbert Wheeler. They married in 1954 and settled in Cortland in 1965. Mary enjoyed being with her family, friends and extended families, often traveling to Elmira and Wilkes Barre, Pa to visit. Most of all Mary enjoyed making a home for her husband Bob and their two children Mark and Robin. She was a devoted and caring wife and mother. Her most favorite activity was grocery shopping and striking up conversations with fellow shoppers. Sometimes helping anyone she could with getting items off shelves or chasing dropped groceries in the parking lot. If you needed help Mary would not hesitate to do what she could. Mary is survived by her children Mark (Lisa) and Robin (Tim Baroni), as well as her four grandchildren Trevor, Bryce, Ryan and Nicole. Her sister Josephine Italiano and many very special nieces and nephews. Most especially her nephew Rev. Frank Thomas and his wife Vi. Finally, to the staff at Walden Place who became Mary’s second family, their love and care gave Mary the opportunity to live life with dignity and quality. Our family thanks them and we are forever grateful for their incredible devotion; and for accepting graciously the constant flow of candy that Mary insisted on giving them every day. Mary was predeceased by her husband Robert, her brother Tony and her sister Flora. Due to COVID19 concerns and restrictions, there will not be calling hours or a Mass. There will be a private ceremony for immediate family only. If you choose to honor Mary, please consider making a donation to St. Mary’s Church 59 N. Main St. Cortland, N.Y. 13045. Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. www.riccardifuneralhome.com