Joanne's first association with Dignity Health Dominican Hospital was when her husband, Harrison, had a series of inpatient admissions for a serious and debilitating illness. Joanne continued to express her appreciation for Dominican's care and support throughout Harrison's life and when widowed joined the Bob Swenson Legacy Society by including the Dominican Foundation in her estate plan. Upon her death, Dominican received one-half of the Wheeler's estate consisting primarily of commercial real estate. The sale of the property resulted in a multi-million dollar bequest to the hospital. In recognition of her generosity the hospital's organic garden has been named in Joanne's honor.
Former Foundation Board president, Dave Regan, with Bill Wheeler, Joanne's son, Bill's daughter Jessica and wife Jennifer, at the unveiling of the memorial plaque installed at Dominican Hospital's Organic Garden. The plaque is dedicated to Joanne for her generous and longtime support of the hospital.
