Jean M. Phelan

Jean M. Phelan of Quincy and S. Yarmouth passed away on November 28, 2014. 

Born in Boston, she is the daughter of the late Henry and Mary Phelan.  Jean was an accomplished woman whose passion was to educate both children and adults.  She began her career as an elementary teacher at the Merrymount School in Quincy.  Jean transitioned to teaching higher education at Boston State where she was appointed Chairperson of the Elementary Education Department. Later she taught at UMass Boston where she served as program director of the Graduate School of Education.  She received her Doctorate of Education from Boston University in 1973.  Jean was very devoted to her parish, and the Catholic Church.  As a member of Sacred Heart Church, N. Quincy she served as a reader, member of the Parish Council as well as co-chair of St. Vincent de Paul for 30 years.   Jean served on several committees for the Archdiocese of Boston including Chair of the Board of Trustees of Caritas Laboure College in Milton.  In 2010 Jean was inducted in the Order of the Dames of Malta at St. Patrick Cathedral in New York City.  As a member she dedicated herself to help the sick and the poor and defend the Faith.  Jean was awarded the esteemed Woman of Excellence Award for her many accomplishments.  She enjoyed traveling, playing golf and family gatherings. 

She was the sister of the late Claire Kirsch of Hingham and the late Eleanor Lawrence of Hingham.  She is survived by her nieces and nephews; Bill Kirsch of Marshfield, Sue Kirsch McHugh of Braintree, Lisa Kirsch Jensen of Morgan Hill, CA., Mary Beth Lawrence of Weymouth and Keith Lawrence of Florida as well as 7 grand nieces and nephews and predeceased by her longtime friend of 35 years Mary Ellen Downey.  

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Thursday 4-6 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Friday prior to the Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Quincy at 10 AM. Burial in New Calvary Cemetery, Mattapan. 

In Lieu of flowers donations may be to Seasons Hospice 275 Grove St, Newton, MA. 02466.