Catherine Wheeler

Catherine Wheeler passed away on May 1, 2025, after her 3 ½ year battle with cancer, specifically a rare and uncurable ocular melanoma that had metastasized to her liver. She shared the message to all to get their eyes thoroughly checked every year for mutations which can easily go unseen. She was loved by her family and friends who meant the world to her.  She lived her life with intention and a strong sense of who she was, how she wanted to live and what was important to her. She had a kind, gentle, loving spirit that touched the lives of many. She dealt with her cancer diagnosis with grace and acceptance, allowing those around her to feel included in her journey and inspired by her strength.

Catherine was born in Baltimore, Maryland and moved with her family to Los Angeles, California when she was three years old. She graduated from Marlborough High School and Occidental College in Los Angeles with a degree in Economics. She then moved to northern California to begin her career in Information Technology at Pacific Bell where she met her husband, Bob, and then moved onto PeopleSoft, Inc. As a long-term resident of Walnut Creek, Catherine loved her retirement years, delving into her passions for animals and art. She volunteered at both ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) and the Lindsay Wildlife Museum. She took up many forms of art including glass, fiber, ceramics and needlepoint creating incredible works of art such as fused glass pieces, mosaic décor and handmade needlepoint pillows that decorate her beautiful home. 

Catherine is survived by her loving husband Bob Wheeler, her sister Anne Hickey, with her husband Kyle and their three children Melinda, Alan and Laura as well as her brother Paul Bender, his wife Karen and their son Steven. She is also survived by her two stepsons: Allen Wheeler, his wife Danielle and their 2 children, Aubrey and Jaclyn as well as Steven Lerma, his wife Charity and their 3 children, Kylie, Trevor, and Jameson. Other family members include her mother-in-law Mona Wheeler and father-in-law Gene Wheeler and his wife Cindy and 20 plus various “in laws” that loved her very much. In addition, her aunt Harriet Bramble and uncle Forrest Bramble reside in Maryland.  Catherine’s parents, Paul and Matilda Bender, whom she loved dearly, both passed away in 2002. Catherine is also survived by her two supportive lap dogs, Brownie and Mia, whom she adored and who helped her deal with the struggles of her cancer journey.

Friends and family are invited to a remembrance gathering to be announced in the next few weeks. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation or to any animal rescue group of your choosing.