ERIN PHELPS Obituary

PHELPS, Erin 61, of Arlington, MA. Devoted wife of Tanya Zucconi. Beloved mother of Nora and Max McElroy. Former wife of Richard McElroy. Daughter of the late Richard and Ellen (Beasley) Phelps. Erin passed away at home after living with breast cancer for 19 years, surrounded by her family. A fan of the Celtics, gardening, reading and enjoying her family, cats and friends, Erin lived in Arlington with her partner of 19 years, Tanya Zucconi. The eldest of three girls, Erin was born in Joplin, MO on January 23, 1951 to Richard and Ellen (Beasley) Phelps. Erin moved to Massachusetts to attend graduate school, following her undergraduate studies at Douglas College, of Rutgers University. Erin received her Ed.M. and Ed.D. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in the early 1980s, and began working for The Henry Murray Research Center of Harvard University. Erin left Harvard in 2004 for Tufts University, where she spent her most fulfilled and productive professional years. In 2009 Erin took a medical leave from Tufts, but she continued her involvement in the lives and studies of her students, mentoring them one-on-one as long as her health permitted. Erin is survived by sister Ellen and her husband Bob Didyoung of VT, nephews in VT, ME and OK, and sister Edith Phelps of NJ. Loving daughter-in-law of David and Toni Zucconi of OK. A service in celebration of Erin's remarkable life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Erin's memory to a fund for student research at Tufts University: Trustees of Tufts College, Attn: Brigette Bryant/ IARYD Student Fund, 80 George Street, Medford, MA 02155. Keefe Funeral Home 617-547-5544.

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Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 29 to Mar. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ERIN PHELPS

9 Entries

Stephen Pereira

June 22, 2012

Tanya:
I am saddened to just now learn of Erin's passing.
Although I haven't seen or had contact with Erin in a few years, I will always remember her fondly. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,

June 15, 2012

Dear Tanya, I'm so sorry to learn of Erin's passing. I remember so fondly dancing with the two of you at the Arlington Millenium ball. You were both glowing in your love. Let your many happy memories comfort you in the future. Sincerely Judy Kocur

JERRY Bray

March 22, 2012

ELLEN IM SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR SISTER

Nora Mann

March 5, 2012

Dear Tanya, Nora, and Max - I am saddenned by Erin's death as I was always inspired by her tireless work on behalf of the community we all love and call home. I am grateful to have known her and had an opportunity to work together. I wish you strength and peace at this difficult time.

Lida Junghans

March 4, 2012

Erin was a pal from upstairs and downstairs at Fitness First (yoga classes & machines) and from First Parish. A beautiful, wise spirit. I am so sad and sorry for your loss.

Emily Cahan

March 1, 2012

I am so saddened to hear of Erin's passing - I was just reminiscing this evening of the good times we spent together in Cambridge and in northwestern Maine where she and her family had a place on Long Pond and my family had a place on Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Erin loved Maine (as do I) and no mention of her passing should omit her love for Maine. I've known Erin since the late 1970's and while we did not spend alot of time together after I went off to Yale for graduate school and our lives changed I still considered her a good friend. We shared academic interests as well. Erin, I cherish all our memories -- from just getting to know you to watching Nora and then Max grow to love Maine. Tanya, I remember fondly the dinner I shared with you and Erin in Rangeley (can't remember the name of the restaurant). That was a great evening. My deepest sympathies to all the family; Tanya, I always wished that we could get to know each other better. Rich, I'd love to go fly fishing (or branch snagging as the case may be) anytime.) This is a rough time for me as I'm facing disability; I only hope I can muddle through with half of Erin's courage and strength. Love to all, Emily

R Schoenthaler

March 1, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Erin's death. She was a lovely woman who will certainly be missed.

Lauren Reiner Jastremski

March 1, 2012

I was saddened when I learned of Erin's passing. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife and parent as well as a courageous woman.

While I was not fortunate enough to have Max or Nora as students, I will cherish my memories of my chats with her during their time in the Dallin School.

May your find comfort in your happy memories and may Erin rest in peace.

Mike McCabe

February 28, 2012

Tanya, Nora, and Max, I can't tell you how sad I am to learn of your loss.
Erin was an important part of so many lives, including mine. Se engaged life in a remarkable way... intellectually and emotionally. She will be remembered most for her strength, her courage and her love of family and friends.

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