Obituary for Grace E. Phelan Grace E. (Phillips) Phelan 1923 – 2018 Naugatuck – Grace E. (Phillips) Phelan, 95, widow of the late Gregory J. Phelan, Sr., who died in 1973, died comfortably and at peace, surrounded by her loving family, on December 27 at the Middlebury Convalescent Center in Middlebury, CT. Grace was born in Manhattan on Valentine’s Day 1923, daughter of the late Howard and Grace (Stauch) Phillips and lived in Naugatuck for most of her adult life. Following her husband’s death, Grace forged a new life for herself, and became a nursing aid at the Middlebury Convalescent Center.
Grace’s mission in life was to serve God, her family, her country, and care for others. During WWII, Grace left her home to contribute to the war effort and worked making self-sealing bullet proof treads for tanks being sent to the front lines, as well as riveted fuel tanks for use in warships and bombers. She was our cherished “Rosie the Riveter”, and a proud American.
During good times and bad, Grace was the rock and foundation of her family. There was always room for one or more at her dinner table, and extra food for those in need. During her life, Grace opened her home to family members as well as strangers during hard times.
Grace was an accomplished golfer both here in Connecticut as well as her years in Florida. She loved family gatherings in Naugatuck and Old Saybrook. She was happiest when surrounded by family and dear friends, and especially by a never ending entourage of family pets, including her faithful dogs, Freckles and Chante.
In addition, she was a member of St. Mary’s Church Alter Society, the Women’s Council at St. Francis of Assisi Church and the Women’s Club. Until recently, Grace made trips to Arizona, Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey and the Grand Canyon to visit family. Grace is survived by her son, Gregory Jr, (Barbara), her daughters Donna Cleary and Elizabeth Frank (Stephen); her grandchildren, Peter Cleary, Scott Cleary (Tanya), Jennifer Zawacki (Matt), Allison Mitkowski (Ethan), Marybeth Perrelli (Joseph), James Phelan (Tracy) and Ryan Phelan; her great grandchildren, Connor, Kaitlyn, Daniel, Jack, Grant, James and Dominic and several cousins.
In addition to her husband and her parents, Grace was predeceased by her son, James L. Phelan and his wife Diane (Tucillo), and her son-in-law, Daniel Cleary. Grace’s family would like to thank the staff at Middlebury Convalescent Home for the love, compassion and care that they extended to Grace while she was a resident. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 3rd at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church at 338 North Main Street, Naugatuck.
Everyone is asked to kindly meet at the church. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 5-8 PM at Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Grace’s memory, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492. To send flowers to the family of Grace E. Phelan, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Immediate Need: 203-729-4334 Select Language ▼ Contact Us / Location 82 Fairview Ave.
Naugatuck, CT 06770 Phone: 203-729-4334 Fax: 203-729-4336 Email: wecare@buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com Grace E. Phelan February 14, 1923 – December 27, 2018 Share this tribute Funeral Details Memory Wall Photos & Videos Send Flowers Obituary for Grace E. Phelan Grace E. (Phillips) Phelan 1923 – 2018 Naugatuck – Grace E. (Phillips) Phelan, 95, widow of the late Gregory J. Phelan, Sr., who died in 1973, died comfortably and at peace, surrounded by her loving family, on December 27 at the Middlebury Convalescent Center in Middlebury, CT. Grace was born in Manhattan on Valentine’s Day 1923, daughter of the late Howard and Grace (Stauch) Phillips and lived in Naugatuck for most of her adult life. Following her husband’s death, Grace forged a new life for herself, and became a nursing aid at the Middlebury Convalescent Center.
Grace’s mission in life was to serve God, her family, her country, and care for others. During WWII, Grace left her home to contribute to the war effort and worked making self-sealing bullet proof treads for tanks being sent to the front lines, as well as riveted fuel tanks for use in warships and bombers. She was our cherished “Rosie the Riveter”, and a proud American.
During good times and bad, Grace was the rock and foundation of her family. There was always room for one or more at her dinner table, and extra food for those in need. During her life, Grace opened her home to family members as well as strangers during hard times.
Grace was an accomplished golfer both here in Connecticut as well as her years in Florida. She loved family gatherings in Naugatuck and Old Saybrook. She was happiest when surrounded by family and dear friends, and especially by a never ending entourage of family pets, including her faithful dogs, Freckles and Chante.
In addition, she was a member of St. Mary’s Church Alter Society, the Women’s Council at St. Francis of Assisi Church and the Women’s Club. Until recently, Grace made trips to Arizona, Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey and the Grand Canyon to visit family. Grace is survived by her son, Gregory Jr, (Barbara), her daughters Donna Cleary and Elizabeth Frank (Stephen); her grandchildren, Peter Cleary, Scott Cleary (Tanya), Jennifer Zawacki (Matt), Allison Mitkowski (Ethan), Marybeth Perrelli (Joseph), James Phelan (Tracy) and Ryan Phelan; her great grandchildren, Connor, Kaitlyn, Daniel, Jack, Grant, James and Dominic and several cousins.
In addition to her husband and her parents, Grace was predeceased by her son, James L. Phelan and his wife Diane (Tucillo), and her son-in-law, Daniel Cleary. Grace’s family would like to thank the staff at Middlebury Convalescent Home for the love, compassion and care that they extended to Grace while she was a resident. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 3rd at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church at 338 North Main Street, Naugatuck.
Everyone is asked to kindly meet at the church. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 5-8 PM at Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Grace’s memory, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492. To send flowers to the family of Grace E. Phelan, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. First Visitation When Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019 5:00pm – 8:00pm Location Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home Address 82 Fairview Avenue Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770 Text Directions Email Directions View Map Alltel Additional Information Send Flowers for Grace’s visitation Guaranteed delivery before Grace’s visitation begins Mass of Christian Burial Information When Thursday, January 3rd, 2019 10:00am Location St. Mary’s Church Address 338 North Main Street Naugatuck, CT 06770 Text Directions Email Directions View Map Alltel Send Flowers for Grace’s Service Guaranteed delivery before Grace’s service begins Interment Information Location St. James Cemetery Address Cross Street Naugatuck, Connecticut 06770 Text Directions Email Directions View Map Alltel Send Flowers for Grace’s interment Guaranteed same-day hand delivery.
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