Monica Anne Wheeler, 52, of Indiana, PA, passed away on February 16, 2026, in Wexford, PA. Born on May 4, 1973, in Indiana, PA, she was the beloved daughter of the late Anna Mae Schmidt and Fred Schmidt.
Monica was a 1991 graduate of Homer-Center High School and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She dedicated 31 faithful years of service as a Registered Nurse at Indiana Regional Medical Center, where her unmatched compassion and deep love for her patients defined her career. Nursing was not just her profession; it was her calling. Her true strength and greatest gift in life was caring for people, whether at the bedside or at home with her family.
A devoted woman of faith, Monica was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Kent, PA. She often watched EWTN at home and faithfully listened to K-Love Radio. She was also a proud member of PASNAP (Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals) and the Association of the Miraculous Medal.
Monica found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved watching the Hallmark Channel and the classic sitcom Mama’s Family. She cherished time spent with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, Bentley and Zora. Monica had a deep love for animals and was especially devoted to her dogs. She enjoyed camping, swimming, and tube floating down the Clarion River. She delighted in going outside in the rain, taking photographs, and making memories wherever she went. She never passed up a chance to swing by Chick-fil-A or Cracker Barrel, and she looked forward to the family trip to Cabela’s and a visit to the casino each year.
She had a special love for cardinals, the red bird, and treasured each sighting as a sign of comfort and hope.
Monica is survived by her loving husband, Len Wheeler; her children, Erica Baird and husband, Brandon, and Brock Wheeler, all of Indiana; her cherished grandchildren, Bentley and Zora; her sister, Marie Buggey of Indiana; her brothers, Mark Schmidt of Homer City, and Michael Schmidt of Homer City; along with 15 nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Mae Schmidt of Coral, PA, and her father, Fred Schmidt of Coral, PA.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 1–3 PM and 6–8 PM at Bowser Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Homer City. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Kent, PA.
Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered to the Wheeler Family at 291 Deer Run Lane, Indiana, PA 15701. Memorial donations may also be made in Monica’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a mission that was very near and dear to her heart.
Monica’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, faith, and unwavering devotion to family. She leaves behind a lifetime of care, kindness, and memories that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
