Tribute has been paid to unsung Spalding hero
Friends and family have paid tributes to an unsung hero of the district who died recently.
Mollie Wheeler died on March 19 aged 88, but leaves behind an impressive legacy of community work that touched many lives across South Holland.
She helped Spalding Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society (SADOS) - selling programmes at their events - and also gave her time generously to the Royal British Legion, Western Front Association and the League of Friends of Johnson Hospital.
Mrs Wheeler also attended the St Mary and St Nicholas Parish Church, was a member of the Mothers’ Union and latterly went to social events at Broad Street Methodist Church.
Close friend Elizabeth Britten said: “She was a lady who was loved by a lot of people. She was always willing to help somebody.
“Her mission in life was ‘if I could help somebody I will’. She was a giver, not a taker.”
Oxfordshire-born, Mrs Wheeler lived in Spalding for more than 30 years, having moved to the area with husband John - a former Metropolitan Police who died in 1996.
One of her sons, David, was a teacher at Spalding Grammar School - and his children Ben and Phillipa grew up in the town. Both married and now have children of their own.
Mrs Britten said Mrs Wheeler took the area to her heart, but added: “The area took her to its heart.”
Son Jon Wheeler said: “She seemed to throw herself into everything. She was a helper - but she would rather do the washing up and things behind the scenes, she shied away from the spotlight.”
He added: “I know I’m biased but she truly was a lovely, kind, generous lady who would always put others first before herself and will be sadly missed.”
Mrs Wheeler regularly attended the SADOS AGMs, along with friend Joan Simpson.
SADOS chair Jodie Schweikhardt said: “She was a huge SADOS supporter over the years. She was unsung but she was a very likeable lady - everybody liked Mollie, she was very highly thought of.
“I would call her and Joan the stalwarts of SADOS.”
Paul Coleman, vice chairman of SADOS, said: “Mollie was always part of the team. We will certainly miss her. She did a lot.”
lMrs Wheeler’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, April 14 at 1pm at Woking Crematorium in Surrey and is due to be streamed online. When circumstances allow, her son hopes to hold a memorial service at the parish church in Spalding.