October 27, 1930 – July 25, 2022
Mary Elizabeth Phelan passed peacefully on Monday July 25, 2022 at 91 years old. Beloved wife of the late Hugh Phelan, mother of seven, school teacher, and activist, Mary is remembered by many in her community of Bolton, ON. She is remembered by her children Amelia (Michael), Paul (Joyce), Howie (Ann), Julia, Tony (deceased) (Bernadette), Ellen (Zoltan), Margaret (Chris). Cherished grandmother of Beni, Kurt, Shannon (Laurence), Leslie (German), Erica, Christopher, Scott, Meredith, Genevieve, Quinton, Jacqueline, Sophie, and Elana. Proud great-grandmother of Willow, Maya, Sienna, Cole, and Joni. Dear sister of Michael Headding Rundle, Anna Chelsea Evans, Charles Phillip Rundle, and Richard Gaylord Rundle.
Mary was born in Toronto to William Rundle of Sparta Ontario and Irene Hedding of Denver Colorado, USA. She attended school in Kirkland Lake, Mount Forest Ontario and then Stratford Teacher’s College. She and Hugh lived in Toronto from 1950-1958 then moved their broad north. Bolton was never the same! The Phelans moved to 45 Nancy St in 1964 where Mary lived for the rest of her life.
Mary was dedicated to creating a community in Bolton and was generous with her time and volunteer work in several organizations including the Home and School Association, Girl Guides, Bolton Figure Skating Club, Canadian Cancer Society, Catholic Women’s League, Caledon Library board, Committee for the Improvement of Bolton Downtown Business Area, Albion-Bolton Community Centre Expansion Committee, and Meals on Wheels. She was also elected as a Peel Board of Education Trustee.
As a leader in her community, her commitment, dedication and service did not go unnoticed. She was the recipient of several prestigious awards including the most recent; the Bicentennial Heart of Bolton Award. She also received the Senior of the Year Award, the Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation of Canada and Woman of the Year.
Mary was a primary school teacher and then a business owner with her husband Hugh. She had a wide range of friends, young and old. She welcomed many into her home and to swim in her pool. Mary could often be found entertaining on her front porch. Mary was an athlete and an avid skier, swimmer, walker, gardener and liked to “work out” at the Caledon Fitness Centre with all her friends.
The family welcomes visitors to join in a celebration of life at Christ Church Anglican, 22 Nancy Street, Bolton on Friday morning, July 29 at 11 a.m. for a memorial service followed by a reception at the church. Condolences may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Elizabeth Phelan 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Bolton, Province: Ontario