Nancy Lee Wheeler passed away on New Years Eve, December 31, 2023 on the 50th Anniversary of her first date with her husband Roy R. Wheeler, at home in Pascoag, Rhode Island. Nancy and Roy were married for 42 years. She died peacefully in the presence of her loving husband Roy, son Alexander J. Wheeler and his wife Neang Siv.
Nancy was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Eleanor L. (Baker) Lee and William E. Lee. She attended St. Mary School in North Attleborough, graduated in the Class of 1970 from Bishop Feehan High School, and received her Nursing degree from Rhode Island Junior College in 1975. She is survived by her husband Roy, son Alex and his wife Neang, brother-in-law William W. Wheeler and his companion Betty Celentano, brother William E. Lee Jr. and his wife Sharon E. Lee, sisters Kathryn P. Lee Keeton, Deborah A. Lee Normand and her husband Paul Normand, and Donna M. Manzella, and nieces, nephews, and friends.
Nancy’s career as a Registered Nurse spanned over 35 years. She touched the lives of hundreds of people while working in the Intensive Care Unit for 2 years and the Operating Room for 30 years as well as other departments at the Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, Rhode Island. During this time, she also contributed her talents as a Nurse Educator in the Operating Room. She completed her career as a traveling nurse working in Level One Trauma and Operating Rooms at hospitals in several locations in Massachusetts and Florida.
Nancy, with her husband Roy, was an avid power boater, and cruised the waters of Pascoag Reservoir, Narragansett Bay, and the coastal waters of Fort Myers, Florida throughout her adult life. She was a power boat racing enthusiast who participated in poker runs, and was a fan of racing events locally and in Key West, Florida.
Over a period of about 10 years, Nancy provided leadership to the local Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout troop. She shared a creative talent with her mother and sisters, developing her skills as a photographer, and crafting jewelry and greeting cards. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends during holidays and family events.
The family expresses deep gratitude for the thoughtful and professional care she was given during her battle with cancer at Rhode Island Hospital, Newport Hospital, and Overlook Nursing and Rehab Center in Pascoag, Rhode Island. Roy and his family extend heartfelt thanks to members of the Camp Dixie neighborhood for Christmas caroling for Nancy during her final days.
Her funeral service will be held Thursday, January 11th at 12 noon in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Committal service will follow in Highland Memorial Park in Johnston, Rhode Island. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 10th from 4-7pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, or the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.
American Cancer Society
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center