Obituaries

Madison-

Shirley M. Phelan, age 91, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2015, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on January 21, 1924 in Madison, the daughter of Albert and Dorothy (McCann) Reed. She graduated from Central High School in 1941. Shirley began her career, working as a dental assistant at Truax Field and enjoyed many great friendships she valued and maintained throughout the years.

She was united in marriage to William Phelan on June 16, 1949 and they were blessed with 11 children and a huge extended family of brother and sister-in-laws and dozens of nieces and nephews that have remained a close knit family throughout the years

She waitressed nights at the Cathay House when her children were young and eventually found her career as a bookkeeper for the Madison Labor Temple and IBEW #159 Electricians Union where she worked for over three decades. She got to meet many wonderful union members that were blessed by her kind spirit and compassionate nature. She loved people and always had a soft spot for the underdog, the less fortunate and anyone in need of her help. She never said no.

Her passion in life was always family and her Catholic faith. She may have had the Guinness world record for donating to missions and Catholic charities. She was always an active parishioner at St. Bernard's Church and School or St. Patrick's Church and School, where her children attended. She was active with Catholic Daughters. She loved music and dancing and even won a jitterbug contest in her younger days. But family get-togethers and celebrations were what she loved most. Family was her biggest priority and greatest source of joy. She was also a dedicated and loving daughter. She enjoyed traveling and took many road trips with her mother Dorothy and other family members. She cared lovingly and unselfishly for her Mother until she passed away at the age of 98. They both taught us many valuable life lessons.

She is survived by her children: Al (Pam), Kathleen (Gim) Middleton, Rita, Susan (Stephen) Blue, Billy (Judie), Dorothy (John) Russ, George (Debbie), Shirley (Tom) Kaltenberg, Carol (Todd) Schommer and John; son-in-law, David Ziech; 25 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Mary Ziech, her grandson, Shaun Blue and brother, Albert Reed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 404 E. Main Street, Madison, with Msgr. Kevin Holmes officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until a Rosary at 7p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave and also from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Thank you to all her friends and family who cared for her and loved her. We know how much it meant to her and how much she appreciated your kindness and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following charities - St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Honor Flight of Wisconsin or any charity of your choice.

Mom, you gave us a wonderful life. You always showed by example and loved each one of us unconditionally. We can only hope we gave you half as much in return. You are the best and our lives will never be the same without you.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.