Anne Duffey Phelan

1949 - 2023

Phelan, Anne Duffey of Wellesley, MA and Harwich Port, MA passed away peacefully under hospice care surrounded by her loving family on July 10, 2023. She was 73 years old. Anne was the beloved wife of Kevin C. Phelan of Wellesley. Loving mother of Alicia P. Erickson and her husband Shaun of Boston, Caroline P. Leto and her husband Joe of Needham, and Lauren P. Lipscomb and her husband James of Wellesley. Fiercely proud grandmother to Annemarie, Ryan and Thomas Erickson, JB, Teddy and Brendan Leto, and Pete, Maisy and Riley Lipscomb. Cherished daughter to the late Thomas Edward Duffey and the late Mary Elcock Duffey.

Anne was born on August 9, 1949, in Boston, MA. She was the second of seven children born to Tom and Mary who raised their family in West Roxbury, MA. Anne's natural disposition as a caregiver began at a young age as she was the eldest daughter in a large Irish Catholic family. Anne was always the responsible, reliable older sister who helped to rear her six siblings: Tom, Mark, Joe, the late Elaine (Duffey) Zani, Laura (Duffey) Tyrrell, and Myles. In her younger years, Anne attended St. Theresa's School, and graduated from Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart and Newton College. After graduation, Anne joined the admissions and development team at Newton College. Anne was incredibly loyal to her alma maters and the friendships she developed there. She spent countless hours volunteering at NCDS, and later returned to work as an Assistant Director of Alumnae Relations at Boston College overseeing the Newton College of the Sacred Heart alumnae.

Anne met the love of her life, Kevin, at a wedding in October 1972. After knowing that "Duff" was the one, Kevin proposed to Anne four short months later. They were married in August of 1973. They enjoyed their carefree early years of marriage living in the Back Bay overlooking the Charles River. As Anne and Kevin began their family, they moved to Waban where they spent seven memorable years with their three young daughters. In 1982, Anne and her family moved to Wellesley, MA where she continued to live for the next 42 years. The doors to Anne and Kevin's Lowell Road home were open to all as they welcomed friends and family to countless celebrations, Thanksgivings, Christmas eves, and Sunday Patriots parties.

Anne selflessly gave back to her community in the years while raising her daughters. She was the consummate volunteer at her daughters' schools, and several other philanthropic organizations focused on women, children and literacy. Never wanting any fanfare or acknowledgement, Anne gave her time and energy to organizing and running parent associations and successful events for so many worthy causes. She was an ever-present figure and cheerleader at her daughters' schools and sporting events. It was truly through her community and her children that Anne met some of her closest life-long friends – relationships that she has treasured for over 40 years.

Anne's large extended family uniquely gathers as a whole every summer at Camp Asquam on Squam Lake in New Hampshire. Anne relished in attending Asquam as a camper every summer of her childhood. Anne and Kevin spent 37 magical summers in Harwich Port, Cape Cod. Anne loved nothing more than summers gathered with her growing family at their Cape home and memorable outings, dinners and adventures with dear friends.

In later years, Anne and Kevin uncovered their adventurous spirit and traveled the globe extensively. While they loved discovering the world together, it was their time together on these trips that will be remembered. Anne and Kevin were joyfully looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in August surrounded by their family. Nothing brought Anne greater joy than her role as "Mimi" to her 9 grandchildren. She was the most loving, patient, and hands-on grandmother. Anne will be remembered by her family and friends for her genuine character, her gentle demeanor, and unwavering loyalty to those she loved.

Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street (Route 16), WELLESLEY on Thursday, July 13 from 4-8 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church, 9 Glen Road, Wellesley Hills, MA on Friday, July 14 at 11 am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Burial and interment to follow at Holyhood Cemetery, 584 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the organizations that Anne held dear: Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, 785 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458, or Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program, 780 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118.

Online guestbook at gfdoherty.com