Sylvia Marion Wheeler Johnson

WINDHAM – Sylvia Marion Wheeler Johnson passed peacefully in her home on Sept. 5, 2025. Her courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease has come to an end. She was 86 years old.

Born on Feb. 6, 1939, to Luman and Isabella Doughty Wheeler. Sylvia attended South Portland Schools, graduating from South Portland High School in 1957. From 1957 through 1960, Sylvia was a student at Maine Medical School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse. For the next several years, she worked part-time at the Medical Center mainly in the critical care unit. During this time, she met and married Walter R. Johnson. Together they moved to their farm on the Highland Cliff Road in Windham with their two daughters, Sandra Jean and Cynthia Jane who loved her dearly. When the girls were young, Sylvia became active in the local Girl Scout organization and worked for many years as a volunteer leader and troop nurse at Cardinal Troop Camp where many lifelong friendships and memories were created.

Realizing a lifelong dream of a college education, Sylvia attended the University of Maine at the Portland-Gorham Campus majoring in Education in Reading. She graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Later that year, she was hired as a teacher of grade three at Arlington School in Windham. Sylvia completed work on a Masters Degree which she earned in 1977. Sylvia continued to teach for 25 years at several Windham schools until her retirement, completing her career at Windham Middle School.

Sylvia had a thirst for knowledge. She had strong values, was a dedicated professional, incredibly patient, and always took time to listen and offer sound advice. Her memory will be forever cherished by family, friends, colleagues, and students having been touched by her unwavering kindness, support, generosity, and wisdom.

According to her journals, Sylvia was a “dabbler” in many things – a dedicated gardener, a painter, a lover of animals (especially Golden Retrievers), traveler, and a lifelong reader. She and her family enjoyed the Rangeley log cabin that she and Walt built together.

Sylvia was predeceased by her husband Walter, her parents Luman B. and Isabella Wheeler of South Portland, her sister Linda J. Herrick and her sister-in-law/cousin, Joan E. Johnson.

She is survived by her sister, Patricia Deschaine and husband Paul; children Sandra (Johnson) Avery and Cynthia (Johnson) Chamberlain and husband Steve; grandchildren, Jace Abbatiello and husband Alec, Amanda B. McPheters and husband Ben, Kevin H. Chamberlain and wife Carrie; great-grandchildren, Jolene and Isabel McPheters and Trevor Chamberlain. She also leaves a brother-in-law John E. Johnson. Sylvia also leaves many other family and friends.

The family would like to thank FCP Live-In for the immeasurable care provided by the many care-givers. Also, for the warm care and guidance given by Northern Light Health Care Hospice team.

In lieu of a service, her family would love for you to take some time in nature, spend time with animals, or relax with a great book.

A private memorial ceremony at Chase Cemetery in Windham will be held at a later date for immediate family.

Condolences to the family can be made at https://www.dolbyblaissegee.com/obituaries/sylvia-johnson-30/#!/Obituary

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to one of these animal care facilities that Sylvia and her family support:

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland https://arlgp.org/donate/make-a-donation/ or:

MSSPA: Maine State Society for the

Protection of Animals

https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/MaineStateSocietyforthePr/tribute.html