Mary Jane Wheeler OBITUARY

Mary Jane Wheeler OBITUARY

Mary Jane Wheeler (Kennelly), a devoted mother, beloved wife, and cherished friend whose life was defined by family, faith, and fun, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in Los Gatos, California. She was 101 years old.

A resident of Campbell, California, for over six decades, Mary Jane created a beautiful, welcoming home where countless memories were made.

Born on June 16, 1924, in Tacoma, Washington, Mary Jane was the daughter of James and Delia (Beauchamp) Kennelly. She was a proud graduate of Fresno High in Fresno, California. She continued her education at Fresno State College until the start of WWII. During the war, Mary Jane proudly volunteered at the local USO, supporting servicemen and women. While she never pursued a career outside the home, her true vocation was being a devoted mother and beloved wife, roles she filled with grace, warmth, and dedication.

Mary Jane’s greatest passion was her family and friends. She had a marvelous talent for fashion, entertaining, turning every holiday into a joyous, memorable celebration that was the centerpiece of the family’s year. She held a special appreciation for her parents and children, cultivating a vibrant, loving atmosphere for all who entered her home.

She was a devout Catholic and a woman of deep faith. She had a wonderful zest for life, which was reflected in her love of show tunes, her keen appreciation for Dixieland jazz, and her joy in dancing. Mary Jane also loved traveling, taking memorable trips with her family and dear friends over the years.

Mary Jane shared a beautiful 43-year marriage with her husband, James B. Wheeler Jr., whom she married in Texas in October 1943. James preceded her in death, as did her beloved Murray

Promisloff.

Mary Jane’s loving spirit and incredible longevity created a sprawling, cherished family that

survives her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Kenneth, Robert, and Jack.

She is survived by her eight children. Susan Ritchey (Joseph), Cynthia Nunes (Joseph), Kevin Wheeler (Cynthia), Patrick Wheeler (Joanne), Theresa Canciamilla (Ron), James (Jamie) Wheeler, Timothy Wheeler, Holly Vargas (Joseph). Her legacy continues through 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Mary Jane will be laid to rest with a Memorial Celebration of Life to be held in the coming

months for family and friends. Details will be shared by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Mary Jane Wheeler’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate