Ivajean (Breitwieser) Wheeler, 89, of Simsbury, beloved wife of Richard Dean Wheeler, died on Friday, January 26, 2018, at home surrounded by her family. She was born May 18, 1928, in Susanville, CA; daughter of the late Albert Gustav and DeForest (Burroughs) Breitwieser. Ivajean was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, UCLA Alumni, Sweet Adeline’s, Gourmet Club (founder), Friends of the Simsbury Public library, and Bridge Club. She was a double major at UCLA, established a successful swimming school in her backyard and volunteered at McClean home for many years. She enjoyed family genealogy, singing, swimming, playing music, literature and reading books. She was an avid traveler; for pleasure, genealogy research and as a volunteer along with her husband for the International Executive Service Corps. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband she is survived by three children, Steven Wheeler and his wife Teresa of Monterey, CA, Nancy Girardin of Sparks, NY, and Jeffrey Wheeler and his wife Sandy of Simsbury; grandchildren, Jennifer Barrell, Julie Girardin, Amanda Greenbaum, Christine Wheeler, Samantha Topor, Richard Wheeler, Ashley Greenbaum, Jeffrey Wheeler, David Girardin, Charlie Wheeler, Morgan Castrogiovanni and Zak Morawski; great grandchildren, Sophie and Charlotte Fong, Jeffrey Wheeler, Brendan and Darion Claussel, Juelien, Jaleen, and Janaysa Jackson, and Ashlyn Hazen. Ivajean was predeceased by her twin brother Albert, younger brother Richard and daughter Catherine Greenbaum.
Relatives and friends may join the family for calling hours on Thursday, February 1st, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Please visit Ivajean’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.