Margaret Cardella Wheeler Ryan of Branford passed away Aug. 16, 2023 with her husband and daughter by her side. Margaret was affectionately known as “Babe” by her husband, “Mama” by her daughter, “Magma” by her granddaughter, “Ms. Wheeler” by her students, and “Mags” or “Maggie” by her friends and family.

Born to the late Joseph and Rose (Thacker) Cardella on Sept. 14, 1958, Margaret was raised in Ansonia with her large extended family just blocks away. After graduating from Marian Heights Academy in 1976, Margaret studied biochemistry at Albertus Magnus College, graduating magna cum laude with the highest GPA in science. Unsure whether to continue her education in the medical field or as a teacher, Margaret decided to become a research assistant for two years with Yale Medical School, Emory University, and Bayer Corp, while working on her master’s degree in education. She continued her academic path by earning a Master of Science from Southern Connecticut State University, while raising her daughter as a single mother. For over 35 years, Margaret followed her passion of teaching math and science, primarily at Lyman Hall High School and Quinnipiac University, retiring in 2021.

Margaret settled down in an 1860 Farmhouse in Short Beach almost 15 years ago, where she built a beautiful life with her husband. Lazy afternoons at the beach after long hard days in the garden, teaching and playing with her granddaughter, or enjoying the community, people and events in Short Beach filled some of her most favorite moments. Margaret worked hard to build a life she was proud of, and most important to her, one she could share with and pass onto her daughter.

To say learning and questioning was important to Margaret would be an understatement. Learning and questioning is what drove Margaret every day—to build deep relationships, to become an environmental activist, to learn how to play new instruments and write songs, to research any topic for anyone who needed it, to build gardens with pollinators and natives to help the environment, and to help and support her family whom she loved with her entire heart.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Kevin Ryan; her daughter, Carla Jean Wheeler; her son-in-love, Jack Wolfenden; and her granddaughter, Sierra Rose Wolfenden. Margaret is also survived by her brothers, Larry Cardella, Joseph Cardella, Jr., and Robert Cardella; by her mother-in-law Mary Ryan; and by many beloved cousins.

A celebration of Margaret’s life will be planned for later this fall, but for now, remember Margaret’s wishes for all: spread love and peace and never stop learning. To honor Margaret’s life, please consider planting pollinators or native flowers in your yard or community garden or donate to savethesound.org.