Funeral service for Eileen Dorothy Wheeler Strate, 88, of Riverside Dr; Canton, will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 10:00am at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton, with Rev. Michael Terrell, officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Canton. Eileen died on Monday, November 19, 2012 at the Fletcher-Allen Medical Center, Burlington, VT.
Friends may call at the O’Leary Funeral Home on Friday, November 23 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Canton rescue Squad, 77 Riverside Dr; canton, NY 13617 or to the SPCA.
Eileen was born, May 27, 1924, the daughter of Madeline LaLonde and Harry Wheeler Sr. She attended Canton schools. She worked for JJ Newberry’s from 1941 to 1949 when she married William Strate, the marriage ended in divorce.
The couple moved to Russell in 1952. She was a member of the Russell United Methodist Church, a den mother; she worked as a food service employee at Knox-Memorial School until 1979 when she retired. Eileen served as President of the Women’s Democratic Club from 1965-66. She was a member of the Canton Activity Club, Russell Historian and deputy town clerk.
In 1994, she moved to Riverside Drive, Canton. She served as Vice President and Trip Chairman of the Canton Senior Citizen’s. She has served as election inspector for years in both Canton and Russell.
Eileen is survived by two children, Barry Strate and wife Sue of Canton and Vickie Strate and Greg Locke of Russell, six grandchildren, Sarah, Joel, Brandy, Kyle, Ryan and Josh and one great-granddaughter, Eisley.
Two brothers, Donald and Harry Jr. and a nephew John Wheeler predecease her.
She enjoyed her family, sports, knitting, crafts and friends. She was an avid SLU Hockey fan.
Condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.