Laura Flieger Phelan

Laura Phelan died peacefully while surrounded by her family on October 31, 2025 after a two-year fight against brain cancer. She was preceded in death by her father Howard W. Flieger, and mother Audrey R. Flieger. She is survived by her adoring husband Michael G. Phelan, son Michael G. Phelan, Jr. (Hnin Phelan), daughter Katherine "Kate" Phelan, son Patrick W. Phelan, as well as by her mother-in-law Mary Jean Colwell, sister-in-law Mary Ellen Landis (Henry), and her beloved nieces, nephew, cousins and beautiful friends.

​ Laura was born and raised in Bethesda, Maryland, graduating from Holton Arms School in 1980, where her BFFs called her "Fifi." She completed her undergraduate studies at Ohio Wesleyan University (BA in Accounting, 1984) where she met the love of her life, Michael.

​ Her three children were Laura's proudest accomplishments and greatest source of happiness. Laura and her treatment teams at Johns Hopkins and VCU fought valiantly to ensure that she would make it to Michael, Jr. and Hnin's wedding in September 2024, a wedding that she planned while fighting her disease. The wedding was a reflection of our beautiful Laura - all light, love and family. Indeed, to her family and friends, she was the embodiment of love, light, warmth, compassion and humor. Her Wilma Flintstone laugh/cackle was a source of great joy to everyone who had the good fortune to hear it. Laura made everyone with whom she came in contact feel a sense of warmth and love.

​ A memorial service will be held at the church where Laura and Michael were married - St. John's Episcopal Church, 6807 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD on November 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of Laura's life will also be held in Richmond, VA at a later date.

​ Laura's memory will be a blessing to us all.