The world lost a wonderful person when Mary Louise Phelan joined the saints in Heaven on October 31, 2019. Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Mary Lou spent her early childhood years on Brighton Avenue in Old Ottawa South. As a child, she enjoyed swimming and ice skating and spending summers with the family at their cottages on Round Lake and Kazabazua. After graduating from Ontario Ladies College and Glebe Collegiate, she studied and became a registered nurse and worked at Ottawa Civic Hospital, Pearly Hospital and the Victorian Order of Nurses. In 1960 she married Mike Phelan and they had three children, who became the center of her world. In 1965 they immigrated to the United States eventually settling in Clancy, Montana, which remained her home for the last 46 years of her life.
Mary Lou had a lot of interests including painting, quilting, board games, bridge, travel that took her all over the world, dedicated study of the Bible, aerobics with her friends and keeping up with her 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Mary Lou was a long-time member of the First Assembly of God Church in Helena and spent many summers at Glacier Bible Camp in Hungry Horse with friends. She always wanted to be around friends and family and will be forever remembered for her wit and infectious laugh, which often could be described as “laughing hysterically” once she got going.
After raising her children, Mary Lou went back to school and became a licensed practical nurse. She worked at St. Peters Hospital, with Dr. Jesse Marcel and at Hillbrook Nursing Home in Clancy until her retirement. She also spent time volunteering as a Hospice nurse.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 59 years Mike, brother David Smith (Claire) and children Susan Phelan, Philip Phelan (Cherie) and John Phelan (Michelle). She is also survived by her grandchildren Aimee, Lukas (Zoe), Michael (Cortney), Savannah, Megan, Madeleine, Tara and Marie and her great grandchildren Jayceon, Jamari, Arthur and Emma. She was preceded in death by her parents Alexander and Margaret Smith and her brother William Smith.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday November 25, 2019 at St John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue, Helena, Montana. A lunch reception at the church will follow. Interment at Forestvale Cemetery will follow at 1:30 pm for those able to attend. Memorials can be given to Hospice of St. Peters (201 S California St, Helena, MT 59601), Helena First Assembly of God – Kids to Camp Scholarship Fund (2210 Dodge Avenue, Helena, MT 59601) or a charity of your choice. Please visit aswfuneralhome.com to share a memory of Mary Lou.
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Bobbi Price Wood says
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great friend to my mom, and we had such good times. John, Pappy, and all…take care.
Sharon Flynn says
MaryLou, What a great lady! We had many laughs, both being nurses, tears and great times together. Bible study was always interesting with MaryLou she had a quick and witty mind. Trips to Glacier Bible Camp always brought adventures. Picking cherries, trips to Glacier Park, tire blow outs, all of us packed in a camper. Fabric!! Well Lou had an eye for material and she loved it!! She enjoyed making many a craft. She volunteered in Clancy schools and every kid loved her. She was there for me and my kids when our world was crashing down around us. MaryLou you were a true friend. Mike and kids ( yes I know you are adults now) you had a great Mom and I know you will miss her. She is in the arms of Jesus now, as promised in scripture, she loved you all very much and she loved Jesus. Her greatest hope was you would all be in Heaven together one day. Much love, Sharon Austin Flynn
Pat Ross says
So sorry to learn of Mary Lou’s passing. We used to sit together Sunday mornings, near the front of the church and take notes on the sermons. Her sense of humor was wonderful and we had many laughs together. We will miss her here but will see her again in Heaven. Blessings.
Pat Dietrich says
Sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Johnson says
Heartsick to learn of MaryLou’s passing. You all have been in my thoughts over the years. Ben & I always cherished our friendship with Mike & MaryLou. Their love for each other always showed!) I still laugh over. Mary Lou playing charades, not able to act out words without silently mouthing fhem at same time. Her great cooking and her malaprops were the best! I once asked what seasoning she used in a tasty dish? She replied “Canine. Pepper” (cayenne!) And so much more
she loved Pappy & John’s wives , loved Susan’s Aimee (Loved ALL her grandchildren!)
I’ve never forgotten Mary Lou or any of the wonderful Phelan family, she will always be their heart.
(I hope she & my Ben are sharing joyful laughs in heaven!) God bless. You all, Mary Johnson, Yakima Wa.
Yvonne Hiscoe says
I miss you Mary Lou. Never forget the hockey trip to Syracuse with Mike and Harry. We had a lot of fun. Was always so happy when you came back to visit Ottawa. Love you.