Mary Ann Wheeler

Mary Ann Wheeler, 97, of Topeka, Kansas, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Mary Ann was born in Hornell, New York on September 18, 1928, to Anne (Hennessey) and Robert Coveney. She graduated from State Teachers College Geneseo, New York in 1950 with a degree in Teaching and Library Science. On December 26, 1950, Mary Ann and Howard E. Wheeler were married, enjoying 40 years together. Mary Ann taught school for over 10 years while, alongside her husband, built and helped establish their business, Berlin-Wheeler. She was active in the Democratic party working on Governor John Carlin and Congressman Bill Roy’s campaigns. Mary Ann also served as alternate delegate for Kansas in the Democratic National Convention in 1976. She served as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the court system) for three years as well as serving on the Helen Hocker Children’s Theatre Board and five years on Topeka Parks and Recreation Foundation Board as Vice President and Treasurer. Mary Ann received the official Certificate of Recognition as General Chairperson on the Steering Committee for the Potwin Drug Store dedication in October of 1996. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband Howard E. Wheeler in 1989 and son, Paul Wheeler in 1977. She is survived by her children, Carel Wheeler, KC MO, Mark Wheeler (Pam) Topeka, Matthew Wheeler (Carol), Lawrence, Ellen Wheeler, Honesdale PA, Stephen Wheeler (Toni), Lawrence and Marie Wheeler, Lawrence; her grandchildren, Eric Wheeler, Denver, Brad Wheeler, Los Angeles, Austin Wheeler, Topeka, Adrian Wheeler, Lawrence, Evanne Wheeler, Topeka, Caitlin Cowger, Honesdale PA, Roman Ellis, New Orleans, Gabrielle Wheeler, Seattle, Cole Wheeler, Chicago, Oscar Wheeler, Lawrence; and her great-grandchild, Hunter Green, Honesdale PA. Mary Ann’s family will greet friends from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 19, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where the Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CASA or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Mary Ann Wheeler

September 18, 1928 - February 1, 2026