Marie L. Wheaton, 91 of New Castle passed away the morning of May 1, 2016, at Shenango Presbyterian Senior Care.

Marie was born on March 23, 1925, in New Castle, Pennsylvania.  She was the daughter of the late Gaylon and Kathryn Welsh Wheaton.

Marie was of the Roman Catholic faith and attended Mary, Mother of Hope Parish.

Marie graduated from Union High School, class of 1943.

Following high school, Marie attended Slippery Rock University and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in physical education.  She continued her pursuit of education to eventually obtain a PhD in Education at Peabody School of Education a t Vanderbilt U niversity.

She began her professional career in New Castle at George Washington Junior High School. She later became a physical education professor at Slippery Rock University, where she retired after 27 years.

Her years of dedication at SRU left a permanent mark on the University.  She was instrumental in starting women's volleyball and was the head women's volleyball coach for many years.  She was considered a founder in women's athletics as she was recognized at Slippery Rock University's Hall of Fame banquet as a Pioneer of ROCK Women's Athletics in 2008. Marie was a member of the Alumni Association of Slippery Rock University and Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Society.

Marie is survived by her sister, Patricia J. Flynn of New Castle; three nieces, Terri Flynn of New Castle, Peggy (Pat) Sullivan of Pittsburgh and Diane (Pat) Ostrowski of New Castle; two Nephews, Joseph J. Flynn of Cranbury and Michael (Rita) Wheaton of New Castle. Also surviving her are seven great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Robert Wheaton.

Visitation will be held on  Friday May 6, 2016 from  8:30 to 9:30am at the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 Falls St.  followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 am in St. Mary's Church with Rev. Larry Adams as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Marie Wheaton Volleyball Fund c/o SRU Foundation, 100 Old Main, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock Pa 16057 or Slippery Rock Alumni Association, Russel l Wright Alumni House, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA 16057.