Hello, my name is Toby Kwon, and I graduated from Buena High School in 2011. My first English teacher was Ms. Phelan. During that time, I was always a bit shy about speaking in class because I felt insecure about my English skills. I believe she noticed my hesitation, but she always encouraged me to participate by asking me questions. I often responded with short answers or a smile, and since then, she affectionately called me "Sweet Cheeks."

Recently, I was browsing through my Facebook memories and came across a message from her from 15 years ago that said, "Hey Sweet Cheeks! You're sweet! Thanks for thinking of me! I'll see you tomorrow!! :)" When I saw that, I couldn't believe she had passed away. I know she had been struggling with her health, and I’m sure everyone at the school wished for her to get better. I miss her dearly, and she will always be one of the greatest English teachers I’ve ever had. Thank you for everything, Ms. Phelan.

She was always so kind to me when I was her student in 2007. I was homeless at the time and losing interest in school but always enjoyed her class. 

I’ll never forget her dry wit, and her posters of Benito Deltoro that decorated her classroom walls. The world was cooler with her in it.

I still can't believe your gone. Honestly my heart is still broken. Because I didn't get to see you one last time. I think about you daily and know the struggle  you faced with Anorexia. I'm struggling to very much so. I will never forget you or the impact you made on my life. I miss you every single day and there Isn't  a day that passes I don't think about you. I hope heaven is treating you good. I will never forget you Missy and I'm going to continue to battle Anorexia until I win. Pumpkin head will forever be grateful for getting to have you in my life. I still remember the nick name you had for me. I miss you dearly everyday and it pains me walking by Buena. Because I see room 14 and your not there. *starts crying*

Miss you every day my beautiful sister. May you be at peace. Love you always. -Boyo

Missy- I am truly sorry to hear of your passing. I will never forget when we first met and how we used to play together and that I used to "borrow" your Barbie dolls because you had the latest ones and that you were super cool and I remember that I wanted to be you and have what you had. Then you guys moved away only to live a few houses down the block from my best friend. I also remember that when you graduated from Buena in 1993 that you were honored for never missing a school day that entire year! I will also never forget how you and your mom came to my brother's memorial service. Meant the world to me. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace. Hugs~ Amy

Missy was as loving and non-judgemental in high school as she was as an adult. Big hearted and kind, and so witty. Irreplaceable. I do think she has an endless amount of shoes and clothes now and plenty more nicknames to hand out to keep her busy until we see her again!

Missy was in my 6th grade core class at Balboa Middle School and years later she was my colleague and friend at Buena High.  She was a compassionate and amazing teacher who touched hundreds of lives.  Please know that you are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.

So sorry Jayne for the loss of your daughter. She obviously accomplished more in her short life than most, and you can be incredibly proud of her.Love,

MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES FROM
FOR THE LOVE OF HEIDI- EATING DISORDER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN (in memory of my daughter Heidi Lyunne Haugen)

Scott, Very sorry for your loss, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time

So deeply sorry to hear of your loss.  Our prayers go out to your family.  We will always remember you and Missy from Brownies/Girl Scouts.

Dear Jayne and family...We are so very sorry for your loss of Missy. You will have her again some day. Our Father will help you and family through this difficult time. Fondly, Kin & Sonia.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Jayne and family, I am so sorry to read about your daughter. She is in my prayers along with you and your family. May you find some peace in your cherished memories. Your neighbor on Larkin and Wake Forest. Yolanda Mowad

Missy,
You will be so missed. I'm grateful for the privilege of knowing you & calling you a friend. I hope you are at peace. -Erica

Dear Jayney,
I am so very saddened to read of Meliisa's passing. My heart goes out to you.
with love...Alice Edwards

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you always remember the wonderful times you shared together.

Missy,
Thank you for being a part of my life. I will always remember you and my high school years with you. You were a great part in my life and I feel very lucky to have had you here. Thank you for everything. Rest in fabulous!

Rest in peace Ms. Phelan! You truly made an impact in my son's life. Thank you for your unconditional love to your students. You will truly be missed!

My heart and thoughts and prayers are with Missy's family and Buena during this difficult time.

I met Missy at an ED support group. Even there she could lift others up. My prayers are with her family. I'm sorry this horrible disease stole your daughter.

Miss Phelan is one of the reasons I'm still alive today. She was such a support to her students and I'm proud to not only call her a teacher, but a friend.

We first met Missy when she helped us with a difficult family situation.  Missy went way above and beyond the call of duty as usual.  Two years later I was happy to have my exchange student daughter in her class at Buena. Missy was the type of teacher every student should be fortunate enough to have. Her light shone bright at Buena High and she will be missed by all whose lives she touched.  Thank you Missy for all you did for all of us!

My deepest sympathy goes out to Melissa's family and friends ~ may she rest in peace.

Phe was my English teach but my forever friend. She helped me get through the bullying i went through my entire high school career. She was such a great friend that she went to my parents' wedding. It meant so much that she went. I also remember going into class and she saying she hasnt eaten, i would ditch next period just to go get her something to eat because it hurt me that she wouldnt eat. 

I love you Phe. You were and forever will be a dear friend to me 

Love always and forever, 
Rine (Corrine)

Phe was an amazing teacher, friend, and person. The people who had the honor of knowing her will never forget her. There will never be anyone like her.

Missy was an amazing person ~ a truly wonderful niece and granddaughter.  She was a beautiful, intellectual, sharp dressed woman with a wicked sense of humor! We can't imagine our world without her, she is leaving a huge hole in our hearts and our lives.  We can only hope that somehow she can feel all the love pouring out for her from family and friends.  We love you Missy and will miss you forever.  As you'd like to joke..."We have to go now...it's 5 O'clock ~ it's 5 O'clock somewhere!!"

Missy was one of my 8th grde US History students at BMS my very first year of teaching.  Of about 180 students she was #1.  A star student and kid. Many years later I got to work with her at BHS. A star teacher and colleague.  Missy was very special to, literally, thousands of people.

Jayne my thoughts are prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Phelan Family,
I am so sorry your loss. Missy will live forever in the hearts of the people she touched. I am a better person because she was in my life. Thank you my Beauty for your beautiful smile, your loving words but most importantly for your friendship. I will miss you and I love you to the moon and back. I will be your A-Boo forever.

OBITUARY

Melissa "Missy" Jayne Phelan

14 March, 1975 – 10 January, 2015

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