Adrian Mayer Wheeler

Adrian Frances Mayer Wheeler, age 100, of Northville, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025. She was born on April 22, 1925 in New Orleans, Louisiana; daughter of William and Ercillia (Dutihl) Mayer. Adrian was united in marriage to John C. Wheeler, Jr. on July 23, 1955; they spent over 26 years together until his death in 1981.

Adrian was born and raised in Metairie, Louisiana. Her mother died when Adrian was only 13 years old and she was raised by her loving maternal grandmother, Pauline Dutihl who lived to be 108. She graduated from Metairie High School, class of 1942. Throughout her life, she followed her husband’s career across the Midwest, living in Alabama, Illinois, and Ohio. In 1971, they settled in Brookfield, Wisconsin, where she made their home for 45 years before relocating to Northville, Michigan in 2016.

Adrian was a devout Catholic whose faith guided every aspect of her life. She prayed the rosary daily and, during her years in Wisconsin, was a dedicated member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, where she attended daily Mass. She also served as a sacristan at Elmbrook Hospital Chapel , offering comfort, devotion, and prayer to support the healing of the sick.

Adrian was everything to her family, and they were everything to her. From the moment she learned she was expecting her first child, she devoted her life wholeheartedly to raising her children. She was the perfect mother and an exceptional cook and baker, ensuring her family was always well cared for and well fed. Her New Orleans style Red Beans and Rice were a beloved comfort food in the household, cherished just as much as her pot roasts and casseroles.

Adrian was a true friend and a wonderful neighbor. She loved surprising others with her delicious homemade cookies, and the neighborhood children always knew exactly where to go for her special treats. Each cookie was decorated with thoughtful, seasonal designs that made every visit feel festive. She was often the first to volunteer, especially at her children’s school, where she became fondly known as the “Hot Dog Day Lady.”

A talented seamstress since childhood, having learned from her grandmother, Adrian created beautiful formal dresses for her daughters and sewed so often that she wore out several sewing machines. She also made every birthday magical; crafting foil crowns and hosting celebrations filled with love. Her home was surrounded by vibrant flower gardens and bountiful vegetable patches, offering fresh produce and beautiful blooms that reflected her nurturing spirit.

Adrian traveled to care for her grandchildren so often that they called her Mary Poppins, always there when needed. She was a kind-hearted, loving, and generous mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Adrian is survived by her children, John (Anita) Wheeler III, Susan (Dave) Gutman, and Diane Wheeler; her sister Dorothy Shall; her brother Edmund Mayer; her grandchildren, Sarah (Wyatt Farris) Gutman, Andrew Gutman, Jessica (Matthew) Mistretta, John Wheeler IV, and Samantha Berge; and her great grandchild Parker Farris with another great grandchild on the way. She was also loved by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Elaine Mayer, and her brother Theodore Mayer.

A time of gathering will be held Friday, December 5, 2025 from 12:30pm until 1:00pm with Mass beginning at 1:00pm at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard, Northville. Adrian will be laid to rest in a family plot at Metairie Cemetery in Louisiana at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to CatholicTV, PO Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471.