Samantha P. Wheeler-Cartagena

Samantha (Mandy, Sam, or Wheels) P Wheeler-Cartagena, 56 of Howell, passed away December 22, 2021 at home with her husband at her side, after a fierce battle against cancer. She was born April 1,1965 in Lakewood and grew up in Howell, living in Brick, Toms River and Lakewood before returning to Howell a few years ago. Afterwhich, she met the love of her love, Don, who she recently married on March 13, 2021. Sam was a Howell High School and Stewart School of Business graduate. She worked for MetLife for many years, and also worked for MonOc as an EMT and as a tech at Community Medical Center, before retiring to care for her parents. She enjoyed traveling, going to concerts, hiking and sewing, and making her friends and family the best Halloween costumes. With her husband, she loved dancing to Grateful Dead, tracking deer, and archery. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren. She supported and volunteered for several Marine Life protection organizations and was a member of The Church of The Master, United Methodist Church in Howell, recently finding out she was the first baby baptized there. Samantha was predeceased by her father, Robert Wheeler, in 2016. Surviving are: her husband Don Cartagena, Howell; her daughters Amanda Santora, Pittsburgh PA, Alexandrea Santora, Jackson; 3 stepchildren Daniel Cartagena, Deltona Florida, Amanda Cartagena, Howell, and Lydia Cartagena, Huntsville AL; 5 grandchildren, Scarlet and Dominick Santora, Harry Jr, Daniel and Timothy Cartagena; her mother, Leslie Wheeler, Brick; a sister Darcy Stanley, Tinton Falls, a brother Rod Wheeler, Little Egg Harbor and her twin brother Jon Wheeler, (Andi) Brick. She is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews who adored her, and her dog, Hiker. Due to COVID precautions, a private Memorial service will take place on January 8, at the Church of the Master in Howell, NJ.