Atherton community mourns monumental loss of beloved nurse

A 61-year-old Far North motorcyclist has been remembered as being the “sunshine in our lives” after she was killed in a tragic road crash.

A 61-year-old motorcyclist, and victim of a road crash in the Atherton Tablelands on Friday, has been remembered as a woman who was the “sunshine” of so many lives.

Jane Wheeler, a registered Queensland Health nurse, has been fondly remembered by the community as an exceptional person for her exuberant energy and as someone who “lit up a room”.

Debi Marino remembered Ms Wheeler as the “best sister-in-law ever” and referred to her as an “angel on earth”.

“Honestly, everyone who met her would have a story to tell about her,” Ms Marino said.

“She was the sunshine in our lives. She was funny, hilarious and she adored her husband.

“They were the most perfect match, you couldn’t find a more suitable couple.”

Ms Marino also affectionately remembered Ms Wheeler’s way of talking.

“Her voice was like a melody, her way of talking was different from everybody else’s.”

Atherton nurse Jane Wheeler was remembered for her exuberance and sense of humour. Picture: Facebook

Kelly Pollock, nurse unit manager at Atherton Community Health, said Ms Wheeler had worked as a registered/clinical nurse extensively throughout Atherton Hospital, including within the Community Health and Emergency Departments.

“Most recently Jane worked at Mareeba Hospital, within the Aged Care Assessment Team and Memory Service Tablelands,” Ms Pollock said.

“Jane will be remembered as an exceptionally smart and focused nurse, who succeeded at anything she put her mind to.

“She enjoyed a challenge and always strived to learn and grow as a nurse. Jane played an integral part in growing the Atherton Wound Management Service into a busy,

respected and efficient service within the Community Health Unit.”

Ainsley Hoogland, clinical nurse at Atherton Community Health, said Ms Wheeler was a born teacher, always willing to share her knowledge and experience with colleagues and

students.

“She was a mentor to many, encouraging staff to strive for excellence, she was a great cheerleader to have in your corner,” Ms Hoogland said.

“Jane will always be remembered and missed as a colleague, a friend and an exceptional nurse.”

Jane Wheeler, 61, is survived by her husband and four children. Picture: Facebook

Tributes on social media painted a beautiful picture of the beloved community figure who inspired others with her kindness, her fitness, and her work in nursing.

Sue Wieland, a good friend of Ms Wheeler from Malanda State High School, fondly recalled her love for crisp green apple slices with cheese on top and expressed her condolences to Ms Wheeler’s family on Facebook.

Nadia Torrisi thanked Ms Wheeler for being a mentor and inspirational.

“Will miss our chats, your laugh and quirkiness, hope you get an endless supply of Fantales and almond croissant from Country Crumb,” she wrote.

Jayne Lee honoured the memory of Ms Wheeler as someone who would brighten up a room with her infectious smile and caring attitude.

“God bless you Jane. You have touched so many hearts. Keep riding on Jane and shining your bright light,” she wrote.

Colleague Amy Lyons said Ms Wheeler was one of the nicest people she had ever met at work while Denise Johns remembered her with immense fondness, as a young nurse.

“She was an absolute delight to work with,” she wrote.

Kim Cahalane said Ms Wheeler was an inspirational woman, nurse and just a wonderful human, as she reflected on their time together at work.

“You taught those who wanted to be taught so much about humanity and care towards our patients and their needs. Have so many fond memories of discussing wound products and care of certain wounds in the dressing cupboard. Much love to your family at this terribly sad time,” she wrote.

Ms Wheeler is survived by her husband and her four children.

Originally published as Atherton community mourns monumental loss of beloved nurse