Joan Marie Wheelan

Joan Marie Wheelan, 92, of Napa, passed away peacefully on the Eve of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 10th, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family and passed while praying the Rosary. Joan was born November 19, 1932, in Brainard, Minnesota, the daughter of Clayton and Zella Rardin. She was raised with her two beloved sisters Patricia and Bernadette. The family moved to Vallejo, California in 1941. Joan attended schools in Vallejo and graduated from St. Vincent’s Catholic High school. She met her future husband John F. Wheelan Jr. (Jack) while working at a soda fountain shop. Joan married Jack in 1950 at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Vallejo, California. She was married along with her sister Patricia and Jack’s brother, Robert Wheelan, in a double wedding. Jack and Joan raised 7 children together and their marriage lasted for 67 years until his death in 2017. Besides being a full-time mother, Joan was the Librarian at Dee T. Davis School. She went on to obtain her associate’s degree at Napa JC and then worked for the Napa County Public Library until she retired. Joan taught Religious Education at St. John's and St. Apollinaris. She was a member of St. John's Parent club and Women’s Guild. She often volunteered whenever she could including visiting the elderly at Piner’s. Joan loved to bake for parish/school events, and for her family and friends. She was known for her delicious apple pies, cream puffs and a variety of other treats. Remaining to cherish Joan’s memory are her children, Don (Debbie), Dan, Fr. Mark, Jim (Naomi), John, and Jeannette. Her sister Bernadette Wilson (Bill), 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding Joan in death are John, (Husband), Patrick (Son), and her sister Patricia. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 4:30PM to 5:30PM. The Rosary will be recited at 5:45PM at Claffey and Rota Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 11:00AM at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church. Interment will be at Tulocay Cemetery after Mass then a reception lunch to follow at St. Apollinaris Church Hall. Memorial donations in Joan’s memory may be directed to Catholic Outreach.

Joan Marie Wheelan

November 19, 1932 - February 10, 2025

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Joan Marie Wheelan

November 19, 1932 - February 10, 2025

Obituary Notification

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