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Lena Phelan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Lena Phelan
Emily Gmitter
October 10, 2024
I was 58 and you were 64. "Will you still need me, when I'm 64?" Yes, dammit, I did and I do. But I guess God needed you more, and who am I to question Him and His plans? (But I did and I do.) I'm 74 now, but I still cry like a baby when I think of you and how my days--no matter how "busy" they may seem--are EMPTY without you and Marion in them. Still find it hard to believe I've gone through all these years without my two best friends in my life. Gone are those days together. Gone are all those plans we planned--we were supposed to be like the Golden Girls, remember? Seniors enjoying retirement together, sharing love and laughs, and maybe even a minor bickering here and there...it was amazing how few and far apart those actually were in our lives! Who knew we wouldn't have the time?
In five days, it will be sixteen years. Sixteen years of immense heartache that includes losing Marion ten years after you passed. And now, just a couple of weeks ago, your beloved husband and my favorite brother-in-law Dave has joined your heavenly circle. You're together again, happy and healthy now and forever. But on this end? The loss, the grief, is greater than I can describe. Love and miss you, still...more than I can say. All I can do is bide my time, till it's my time. See you on The Other Side, Sistah!
Your sister Emily
Emily Gmitter
October 10, 2019
Eleven years, Lee. The sorrow and heartache is the same as the day you left. You and now our other third if The Hierarchy are always on my mind and will be forever in my heart. To you both, I wish I had done more. Love you, my YaYa sister.
Your sister Alice
October 16, 2010
It's now been two years since you've been gone, and I miss you terribly. I miss my sister's wit, intelligence, beauty & unconditional love. You are forever my Ya Ya Sister. Love Alice
Susanne Nasson
August 18, 2010
God Bless to Lena and her loving family.
Alice Dixon
August 18, 2010
Oh how I miss my sister Lena. Two years ago my family's lives changed completely. Without our sister, mother, aunt and grandma we have a huge hole in our hearts. The love she gave, the wisdom she shared, the shoulder to cry on are forever silent now. But her love, wisdom & compassion will live on in all of us, because of how she was. I love you my YaYa sister.
"The Hierachy" many moons ago...at Johnny-boy's wedding.
Emily Gmitter
August 18, 2010
Reading these is making me cry but that's nothing new. I cry every time I think of you, Lee, and I think of you all the time. It may be almost two years but the pain feels like yesterday. Lee, I miss you so much that words can't even describe it. Mike dreamt of you the other night, he saw you and said, "Lee! Where have you been?" and you said, "Oh, I've been around." So I think it was really a visitation. I haven't had one for awhile and I sure could use one. I'll take seeing you any way I can for now, but can't wait til I "really" see you again. I know you and Ma are at peace, and probably sing with Elvis every day! But I miss you more than words can say and still don't understand why God had to take you away from us, long before what seems fair. Love you, Lee. Your sister Emily.
Nicole Galbadis
August 17, 2010
Auntie, thinking of you ALL the time, loving you, grateful always for your guidance. 3 years ago you and Dad helping us in Conn to get ready for our big move. I will never forget how committed you were to making sure we were ready. You and Dad did soooo much. I love my kitchen table that you helped me pick out. I don't know, what can I say. Losing you was the single worse thing that ever happened to me/us. I love you forever. Your memory will live on. I will forever live the way you would have wanted.
dave flett
August 16, 2010
Can you believe,I can't, it's been almost two years. Miss Lee's wisdom,and love. The best part of not having a spouse is not having someone telling you what to do-the worst part of not having a spouse is not having someone telling what to do! When i have time to think, my heart breaks.AGAIN. In time,in time, thing will right itself. Love you Lee
Alice
November 4, 2009
Lena, Love you much and miss you more.
I think about you all the time. My heart aches without you. But I'm glad for all we had and remember what a wonderful sister and loving person you were.
Love your sister Alice
Not sure when the "then" was! The "now" was May 2008.
October 19, 2009
Lena throughout about 2 decades
October 19, 2009
Ma at her 86th Birthday Party and Lena..not sure when. But she's definitely Lena's daughter, huh??
October 19, 2009
Emily Gmitter
October 12, 2009
Dear Lena,
It is incredible to me, to all of us, that this week, on Wed, Oct 15th, you will have been gone a year....you have been gone longer than you were sick. We are ever grateful to God for the short time of your suffering, and some might say, What else could we ask? We could ask that you would never have gotten sick. We could ask that the treatments would have worked. We could ask that we would have had you with us for many many more years. And we did. We asked for all that. But it was not to be and though I'm not sure why our prayers were not answered, I do believe that one day we will all be together again. You remain on my mind, in my heart and soul, every minute of every day. And I don't want that to end...but maybe some day it won't hurt so much. Love you and miss you dearly...your sister Emily
Alice Dixon
December 12, 2008
Lena, My sister, 2 months without you and the pain is worse than I could have imagined. I miss everything about you,and your just being here, that nothing seems real when I have to think about how it is without you. I wish that I could have the power to change everything and you would be here with us. I love you so much and miss you more.
Love your sister Alice
Alice Dixon
November 5, 2008
My wonderful sister Lena,
3 weeks have gone by and how I miss you is unexplainable. You are the last thing I think about when I go to bed and the first thing I think about when I wake up. I love you my Ya-Ya sister and miss you terribly.
Love your Ya-Ya sister Alice
Nicole Galbadis
October 20, 2008
You, you, you....my sweet, loving Auntie. You are an angel. You will be forever in my heart and will inspire me everyday. I love the way you loved. We are all so blessed to have had your love and support. I will try to carry on your example of true love and support to this family. Thank you my sweet, dear Auntie for all that you were to me. I love you forever. Your niece Nicole.
Deb and Mike Freiburger
October 18, 2008
John and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that your mother and your family will be in our prayers.
Dolores Eaton
October 17, 2008
Dear Family,
I want you to know that each and every one of you are in my thoughts and prayers for the loss of our special loved one. Although there were so many years in between the times we could be together, Lena and all of you have always been in my heart and my prayers. May your faith in the One who loved us first give you strength during this difficult time. I know you all will miss Lena.
My Love to All of You, Dolores
Emily Gmitter
October 17, 2008
My beloved sister Lena,
A piece of my heart and soul is gone. I miss you so much already! I miss your practical advice and your silly sense of humor. Our Ya-Ya Sister, all of us will miss your lack of rhythm :-) and your immense generosity. Saturday nights will never be the same and retirement doesn't hold quite the same appeal for me and Mike anymore. But God has a beautiful new angel, and Ma has her namesake by her side again. And both of you can enjoy an Elvis concert together anytime you want! You will be forever in my heart and on my mind. Love you so much, Lee.
Emily
Toni and Mark Nohre
October 17, 2008
Dave and Family, I will always remember Lena as a cousin who always made me laugh. Unfortunately we didn't get to see each other as much as I would have liked. When you guys came to visit us I am glad our last time with Lena was full of laughter and love. She will be missed.
Love your cousins,
Susan Carleton Giannelli
October 17, 2008
Dear David and Family,
Lena worked with me at Daniels Printing Company for many years. She was a wonderful person, full of fun and compassion. We often spoke of Jennifer because she was the same age as my daughter Sharon. She even brought the twins to watch my daughter perform in community theater in Everett 12 years ago. She will be remembered as a devoted co-worker and friend. May she rest in God's loving arms.
Eileen Mahoney
October 17, 2008
Dave, Eileen and family...Lena was loved by all!! She will be missed forever! She may have been Eileen's mom, but she was like a mom to me. I remember spending so many holidays and cookouts at her house in Medford, then Burlington. Her home was always open and she was always welcoming. She always smiled and was happy to have everyone around. She gave to so many and everyone loved her. She will be missed by all.Time will only heal the pain you feel right now and the memories will last forever. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. R.I.P. Lena, love you.
Eileen Mahoney (Donovan)
Terri Iovine
October 17, 2008
Dave and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, Lena was such a wonderful person. I truly loved her friendship.
What my friend Lena meant to me:
L is for the loving friend who would listen to you, laugh with you, let you know how she felt and love you anyway!
E is for the ever caring, energetic, enthusiastic, an empowering friend
N is nice in so many numerous ways…
A is for the angel she was and will forever be, to everyone she touched especially me!
Taylor Donovan
October 17, 2008
To my grandma, We love you so much and we will always miss you
Rest in peace.
Love your granddaughters,
Taylor and Jackie
Heather Lang
October 16, 2008
Bobby, Dave and Family...I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Lena..I remember all the fun times and cookout/parties that we had between Medford and Wakefield when I was growing up. Lena was such a special person and I loved going to visit when I was younger. I know that she is in a very special place in heaven where all the angels go.
I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to all...
Heather (little Bobby's step-sister)
Jo De Velis
October 16, 2008
Dear Family.
Lena was a ray of sunshine. We always enjoyed spending time and talking with her at our family get-togethers. We know she's in a better place now but we also know how much it hurts to lose someone so dear. May knowing that we care and share your pain bring you some comfort.
With Deep Sympathy and Love, Cousins Bernie and Jo
The Mattos Family
October 16, 2008
Dave and Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Lena was a terrific person who will be missed by so many.
Alice Dixon
October 16, 2008
To my wonderful sister Lena,
Thank you so much for all your love and kindness you showed all of your family every day. You are special to all of us and I will miss you always. Good-Bye my Ya-Ya Sister, rest in peace. I Love You.
Love Alice
Jennifer Jordan
October 16, 2008
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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