"In loving memory of a great gal, my cousin. I shared many laughs and happiness with her. How fortunate she is to be with those she loved. Love her cousin, Connie in NJ"
In loving memory of
Kathryn Phelan
August 21, 1937 - March 31, 2023
Kathryn (Whalen) Phelan
GREECE - March 31, 2023. Kathryn is predeceased by her parents, Emmett & Elizabeth Whalen. She is survived by her husband, Gerald D. Phelan; children, Sean Phelan, Colleen (Mike) Taylor, Patrick (Christina) Phelan; grandchildren, Hunter Taylor, Aggie Taylor, Emily Phelan, Katie Phelan, & Carmella Phelan; siblings, Jeremiah (Betty Jo) Whalen, Mary Ellen "Nen" Whalen, & Emmett Whalen; several nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends. Kathryn graduated from Nazareth College with Honors.
Kathryn was a school teacher for 44 years. She taught at Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Mother of Sorrows. She touched the lives of thousands of students over that time and they remember her fondly. Kathryn was also the Chairman of the Greece Republican Party where she served with honor and integrity. After her retirement, she was a substitute teacher for the Diocese of Rochester and Greece Central School District. She was a Boy Scout Den Leader and Girl Scout troop leader. She was very proud of her Irish heritage and traveled back to Ireland to see her family several times. She was a member of the Irish Dance group Shannonside Ceili Dancers. She still went out to lunch with her girlfriends from the Class of 1955 St.Agnes. She absolutely adored her Grandchildren. They were the apple of her eye. She supported them in everything they did. She loved music and was a talented musician. She played piano and cello. She used to play cello in orchestras for musicals around Monroe County in the summers. She was an incredible woman, very easy to love, kind to the core, extremely thoughtful, caring, and fun. She had a wonderful smile that she shared all the time and a great laugh that made your soul smile. She was a friend to many.
Kathryn's life story will be shared during her visitation, Saturday, April 8th, 1-5 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). Her funeral mass will be celebrated, Monday, 11:30 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3003 Dewey Ave., followed by her interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Sister of St. Joseph, 150 French Rd., Rochester, NY 14618, or to Irish Children's Program, PO Box 22983, Rochester, NY 14692 in her memory.
Tributes
"I worked with Kathy at Mother of Sorrows from 1970 to 1977. I loved her insights and infectious sense of humor. she was an amazing role model for all of us. One day in 1996, Clarice Howe and I visited her at the school and we talked for several hours. it was such a joy. "
"I?ve never forgotten the calming nature and gentle kindness that Mrs. Phelan embodied. Joanne Scarlata, Mother of Sorrows School (Class of 1979)"
"So incredibly saddened by this. She was such an amazing woman and made a tremendous impact on my life. While she will be greatly missed by many, the heavens are surely rejoicing. Condolences, thoughts, and prayers with the family. "
"My condolences to the family. Mary Ellen has been my friend since we attended college together and as if I have known her sister as well, although only met her when she attended my wedding and reception with Mary Ellen in 1976. Ted Kinnen"
"Mrs. Phelan, A teacher I will never forget. So kind and caring . A wonderful loving woman that was passionate about her students and how they were doing. She had a huge influence on me and was part of the reason I went on to teach for 32 years . God bless you Mrs. Phelan and your family . I will never forget you.? Coleen Dugan"
"Mrs. Phelan was one of my favorite teachers at Mother of Sorrows (6th grade, 1980). Always smiling, caring and welcoming. I will never forget you and the mark you made in my life. May you rest in peace. Stephanie M. Saraco "
"My Aunt Kathy was there for me when our family lost my brother when I was 8 years old. I didnt know it at the time, but she was my angel & I have always held her in my heart for that. She is now a Guardian Angel looking down on all of us..... Jean Hassett"
"I know it's inevitable, but that doesn't make this easier. What a lady! She loved unconditionally. She rejoiced over my babies with me, even just over the pages of Facebook... I am glad to have known her, to know what she loved, to have had her in my life as my 8th grade teacher, and one of my school principles... She will be missed. ??"
"Dear Mrs. Phelan- you made a lasting impression on all of your students. You were the perfect mix of firm yet kind . Which is what we all needed :-) We will never forget our wonderful years at MOS with you as one of our greatest teachers . May you rest in peace. Greg & Janet Schaller (Giuliano) "
"It was an honor to work with Kathy at MOS RIP. Kathy "
"Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. "
"Both of my kids would tell you that Kathy was their favorite teacher-she brought out the best in all those kids over so many years?"
"Great Person! Great Teacher! My time at MOS was better because of her'"
"When I taught at Mother of Sorrows from 1967 through 1972, Kathy was my friend and mentor. She was always kind and supportive. Thinking of her always puts a smile on my face. May she rest in peace. Jean Farrell Freeman"
"Rest in peace my friend and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his handc"