CARIBOU – Mavis Phelan, 90, wife of the late Leo “Bertie” Phelan, died Oct. 4, 2010, at her residence with her loving children by her side. She was born June 9, 1920, in Topsfield, daughter of the late Aubrey and Anna (Reid) Lane. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She and Bertie worked together in the Phelan family business in Calais until they moved to Caribou in 1957. There they continued to work together with the help of their children, refurbishing and building apartments for military families stationed at the former Loring Air Force Base. After the loss of her husband, Mavis continued to operate the rental apartments for many years. She loved reading, gardening and was a “whiz” at crossword puzzles. She spent many long winter nights playing cards with Bertie, his mother, Clara, and the family. Mavis will be fondly remembered by all who knew her for her loving and caring manner and her graciousness. Mavis was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had been very lovingly cared for, for many years by all of her children and family, but especially by her youngest son, Michael, who was always by her side. She is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Leo and Gloria Phelan Jr. of Massachusetts, Robert “Bobby” and Judy Phelan of Overland Park, Kan., and Michael Phelan of Caribou; and two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia “Penny” and Charles Nugent of Gardners Lake, Whiting, and Susanne and Joseph DeGrasse of Pushaw Lake, Hudson. Mavis adored her 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving and caring brother-in-law, Paul Phelan of Calais and Westbrook; sisters-in-law, Lois Phelan Downing of Houlton, Jean Phelan Cavanagh and husband, Bob, of New Hampshire, and Viola Lane of Connecticut; dear friends, Wayne and Maxine Hale of Caribou; as well as many other family and friends. Mrs. Phelan was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband, Leo, in 1975; a loving grandson, Scott Phelan; as well as four brothers and two sisters. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Aaron Damboise officiating. Interment will be at New Holy Rosary Cemetery. After the service, all are invited to the parish center for a time of fellowship and refreshments with the family. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mrs. Phelan may do so through Down East Hospice Volunteers, care of Barb Barnett, Calais Regional Hospital, Calais, ME 04619. Arrangements by Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
MAVIS K. PHELAN
