Janice Wheeler

Janice Elizabeth Wheeler, 85, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026. She was born on October 4, 1940, in Groton, New York, to Dorothea Elizabeth Cornelius (Wright) and Earl Edwin Cornelius.

Janice grew up in Groton, New York on her family’s farm. She graduated from Dryden High School in New York. She later made her home in Syracuse, New York, before returning to Summerhill, near her beloved hometown of Groton, where she found comfort in being close to her roots and her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Robert William Wheeler, who passed away on January 6, 2015; her parents, Dorothea Elizabeth Cornelius (Wright) and Earl Edwin Cornelius; and her siblings, Joanne Case, Paul Cornelius, and Leland Cornelius.

Janice is survived by her loving children: Machelle Lyn Park and her husband, Wayne Robert Park; William Daniel Wheeler; and Gerald Wayne Wheeler. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Briant Scott Morgan, Brittany Ann Adams (her husband Mathew Adams), Brent Robert Morgan, and Benjamin Robert William Wheeler. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Samual Morgan, Elizabeth Morgan, Holden Morgan, and Makoa Morgan.

Janice worked for Groton Central School for 25 years, where she was a dedicated and valued member of the school community. She also faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Syracuse, sharing her kindness and faith with countless children over the years.

Family was the center of Janice’s life. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly and had a special affection for babies. She also adored dogs and cared for many throughout her life, treating each one as part of her family.

Janice found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved to read, crochet, and bake, often sharing her creations with those she loved. Though quiet in nature, she was a strong and steady presence, a woman of deep love, faith, resilience, and gentle strength.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Services will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA in her memory.