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Irene W. Phelan
AGE: 96 • Morristown
Irene Phelan, age 96 of Morris Twp., New Jersey died September 17, 2016 surrounded by her loving family.
Irene was predeceased by her husband of 61 years. Irene is survived by her 8 children, Kathy van Rijn, Ellen McCann, Mary Beth Phelan, David Phelan, Martha Phelan, Ay Phelan, Chris Phelan and Jennifer Bensen; by her sons-on-law, Willem van Rijn, Joe McCann; daughter-in-law, Kathy Phelan; grandchildren, Paul, David, Elizabeth, Kerry, Casey, Kate, David, Sean, Colleen, Kyna, Colleen, Anne, Tory, Pieter and Anne; great-grandchildren, Mira, Emma, Zoe, Delia, Molly, Andrew, Brendan, Sara, Roos, Samuel.
Irene was born on June 12, 1920 in Dunkirk, New York to Victoria (Czapiga) Weglinski and Frank Weglinski. Her brother, Harry predeceased her. She is survived by her sister, Lois Worcester of Darien, CT.
Irene was a fiercely proud daughter of her Polish immigrant parents. She spoke Polish fluently until the end of her life. She cherished all things Polish and was a proud member of Polish Falcons Club and Dom Polski.
Irene graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1938. She was an outstanding student and athlete. She played tennis, golf, swam, biked and danced. She graduated from Cortland State Teachers College (now called SUNY, Cortland) in 1942. She attended Cortland on a full academic scholarship, majored in dance and physical education and was a member of Nu Sigma Chi. After graduation Irene taught physical education in Delmar, NY. While attending graduate school in 1944, at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Irene met Dave at a USO dance. They were engaged within months and married on April 21, 1945 in Dunkirk, NY. During her married life Irene and Dave lived in San Francisco, CA, Rocky Rover, OH, Hockessin, DE, Atlanta, GA and Morristown, NJ.
Irene was an incredible mother to her 8 children. She was a tireless volunteer heading committees, organizing festivals, fairs and school activities at the elementary, high school and colleges of her children, and at Assumption Church and School.
Irene taught physical education at Assumption School at the Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade levels for 40 years. She was loved by her students. Regularly when school buses passed her home she would hear choruses of "Hello Mrs. Phelan". Irene was a Democratic poll worker for 56 years. She volunteered at Morristown Memorial Hospital in the coffee shop for 30 years and at its Bargain Box thrift shop for over 20 years. She brought communion on Sundays to nursing home patients' taught line dancing at the Morristown Woman's; was a member of the Board of the Mt. Kemble Home for Elderly Women. Irene taught stretch and flex aerobics four times a week for 46 years in Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains. Her classes were large and enthusiastically attended. She was a member of Assumption Parish for 56 years, served on countless committees during that time. Her wise counsel, tolerant kindness, joy, laughter, intelligence and faith will be missed by her family, friends, students and all who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Assumption Church Maple Ave. Morristown on Friday at 10:00am. Hours of visitation will be held at the Church of the Assumption on Thursday from 3-8 Donations in lie of flowers may be made to Assumption School,, Morristown or Town of Morristown-Senior Trust
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Doyle Funeral Home - Morristown.
I look across my street each morning expecting Irene to come out and tend her flower garden. Her daughters have taken that job, and maintained many of Irene's legacy perennials. We are so lucky to have known Irene. She is missed and often remembered warmly.
Karen T Escalona
Friend
September 15, 2022
I taught with Irene at Assumption for many years! She was a wonderful teacher and a most wonderful lady! Her students always loved & respected her. She will be missed by all who loved & knew her!
LouAnn Kreuder
Work
October 30, 2021
The bright flowers blooming in Irenes garden have reminded us of her smiling face all through the years since her passing. They are faithful sentinels of the spirit and generosity of our beautiful neighbor.
Karen T Escalona
Friend
September 14, 2019
Amy and Dave,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. May your many wonderful memories sustain you in the months ahead. Your mom lived an exciting life.
My sincerest sympathy,
Ellen Eismeier
Ellen Eismeier
October 3, 2016
Through our dear friend, Mary Beth, we had the wonderful opportunity to meet and know Irene BonBon Phelan.
One of our fondest memories was going with Irene and Mary Beth to her senior aerobics class. What a bundle of energy Irene was.
Of course, Irene would always have a special treat for us during our visits. The chocolate chip cookies were our favorite food, but the best were the conversations on subjects from politics to sports.
We will always hold dear her spirit and beautiful smile, and how she embraced us as though we were family.
Bill & Patti Johnson
September 24, 2016
So sorry to hear. What a wonderful woman. She taught me, my Mom, my aunts and my younger brother at Assumption School. She will always stand out as a highlight in all of our educations. I still remember tag while standing in the hula hoops and playing on the scooters. Thanks Mrs. Phelan.
Katie Smith
September 22, 2016
DearIrene, your are such an inspiration to me,
I Loved coming to your Exercise Class..You always had a great Smile for all of us..Mary Beth and I always had a fun time together.. She has a heart of gold..Mary Beth is taken your place for now, while your Exercising yourself up to Heaven..We will all miss you, Love Georgie Dempsey Doe..
September 21, 2016
Wendy Kindig
September 21, 2016
To Amy and all the Phelan children: I remember your mom with so much love. She was always happy and fun to be around. Always a kid at heart. My Mom and I send so much love to all of you! Love you Amy!!
Melissa Cantillo
September 21, 2016
Irene Phelan, a warm, kind and well respected Assumption School icon that will always be fondly remembered. She was one of a kind.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. We all have another angel looking over us.
Sincerely,
The Moore Family
Assumption School 1981-1989
Kathy Moore-Burwell
September 21, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Phelan family. I was in Amy's class at Assumption. She was a wonderful lady.
Sincerely Cynthia O'Connor
Cynthia O'Connor
September 20, 2016
September 20 at 5:56 PM
Irene Phelan's face illuminated our residential block of Morris Twp as faithfully as the rising sun. The energy emanating from that face penetrated every one of us- as if to supply that extra injection of nourishment we needed to thrive each day. Our homes face each other on a steep, wooded hill. The original "Facebook", we observed as each other's families matured in snapshots of time: through a kitchen window, in the rear view mirror of a car, mowing the lawn, raking leaves or retrieving the mail. We watched generations of Phelans as they tossed footballs, chased pets, tended flowers, introduced toddlers to the wonders of woodland wildlife and shoveled snow on dark winter mornings. For 33 years, Irene observed us with the same care and interest of a cherished family member. She sent envoys across the street on cold days with hot fresh-baked cookies; provided needed refuge to members of our family, offered shelter and warm hugs during storms, and inspired us to nurture our gardens into an object of beauty worthy of her gaze. Irene made each one of us the center of her orbit. She'd drop anything to attend to our needs, to gently counsel, to embrace us with a congratulatory hug. Her humble nature kept her constantly surprised when we tried to reciprocate her kindness.
The sun continues to rise over our corner of Morris Twp despite the fact that Irene's face no longer shines from her porch. As solar energy converts to life, so has the good work of Irene Phelan's life converted to abundant life. She remains part of everything around us. The Escalonas wish the Phelan Clan peace and solace as they navigate a world split wide without their mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great-grandmother. The best of her remains in each of them! Karen Escalona
Karen Escalona
September 20, 2016
MaryBeth and Family,
Please know my sorrow for your loss and that you are in my prayers. May the special things about your loved one live on inside your heart forever. I am hoping you are all able to find comfort in the many happy memories you have shared.
Denise Ostopo-Gliozzi
September 20, 2016
DearIrene we will all miss you at our Exercise class..you were very kind to all of us..Have known you for years..Ellen and I were grade school friends..I met Mary Beth at Exercise class, she a beautiful person..Well, she is taking your place now, as you will exercising all the way to heaven...Will miss you...XXoo
Georgie Doe,Dempsey
September 20, 2016
Wonder person. We will miss her.
R.I.P. Irene
Dieter and aND Fran Selle
Fran Selle
September 20, 2016
I have fond memories of her teaching the little ones at Assumption. She was a special lady. Condolences to her family
Pauline Lang
September 20, 2016
Sincere condolences, I heard what a wonderful person she was through David who spoke very highly of her. Very sorry to hear.
Mike Bradway
Mike Bradway
September 20, 2016
I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Phalen. She taught us how to play kickball in the gym and we had many many games out at recess! I'm so sorry for your loss, but what an amazing life she lived!
Karolyn (Necco) Wehner
September 20, 2016
I loved her!
Phyllis Ellsworth
Phyllis Ellsworth
September 20, 2016
Dear MaryBeth and family:
We will miss your mom, her smiles, her energy, and her chocolate chip cookies! I had fun taking a master aerobics class for one in your kitchen led by your mom this past spring. What a strong voice! I am so inspired by her love for life. Her memory will live in my heart forever.
Love,
Sue & Jim
Sue Tendy
September 19, 2016
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