Ellen A. Phelan

Mrs. Ellen (Eleanor) A. Phelan, of Swampscott, formerly of Lynn, died Friday, January 25, 2013 after a long illness. She is survived by her cherished and devoted husband and best friend of almost 70 happy years, Dr. John V. (Jack) Phelan, Jr., and by their four children and their spouses: Maureen Phelan of Lynn; John V. Phelan III and his wife, Mary of Swampscott; Mark M. Phelan and his wife, Robin of Boxford; and Matthew C. Phelan and his wife, Erolynn of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Eleanor is also survived by her sisters-in-law Ellen McHugo and Lorraine McHugo, and her dear friend and sister-in-law, Marie B. Phelan of Lynn. In addition, she is survived by eleven grandchildren, John, Erinn, Michael, Tiffany, Patrick, Catherine, Aileen, Caroline and Michaela Phelan, Kimberly Phelan Nothnagel, and Helene (Phelan) Larsen; two great-grandchildren, Susanna and Charley Nothnagel, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family in Greater Boston.

Eleanor was born January 19, 1924 in Roslindale, a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Morrissey) McHugo. She is preceded in death by her two brothers, Joseph and John McHugo, four sisters, Margaret Hoar, Ann Bresnahan, Kay Tanzy, and Frances Potts and their spouses and by her loved and admired father- and mother-in-law, Judge John V. Phelan and Helene (Crowley) Phelan.

Eleanor was active in the Lynn community from the time she arrived as a new bride and mother. She was a faithful communicant at St. John's Church in Swampscott, and a former member of the Infant of Prague Guild. Eleanor also volunteered with the Little Sisters of the Assumption until the Order left Lynn.

Eleanor was a past President of the Women's Auxiliary of the Massachusetts Medical Association. She was proud of volunteering 13,000 hours at the Pink Shop gift shop at the old Lynn Hospital. She and Jack were founding members of the Magic Lantern Playhouse. Eleanor was a member of Swampscott Town Meeting for three years.

Eleanor was always a good sport; since Jack enjoyed adventurous travel, in addition to many sunny and restful Caribbean and European trips with him or the entire family, she found herself accompanying Jack in a motorized canoe up the piranha-infested Suriname River, or on safari in East Africa, or travellng through the South Pacific, visiting islands as diverse as Tahiti and Yap. However, her favorite travel was accompanying Jack to one of the many jazz festivals they attended around the country and in Mexico. She loved to listen while Jack played the piano with his band, but she loved even more to dance along.

For years, Eleanor met with her closest friends in a monthly garden club. She also enjoyed painting, embroidery, gardening, and baking; she was an accomplished knitter and an ardent reader.

Eleanor created and nurtured a happy family. She loved holidays, when her geographically scattered children would return to her home. Eleanor's warm laugh and loving gentle spirit was loved by many, not just her family. She is irreplaceable. She will be greatly missed.

Her Funeral will be held from the CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St. LYNN on Thursday, January 31 at 10:00AM followed by a Funeral Mass to celebrate her life in St. John the Evangelist Church, Swampscott at 11:00AM. Interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours on Wednesday from 4-8PM. Donations in Eleanor's memory may be made to the Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231.