Elizabeth A. “Betty Ann” (O’Connell) Phelan McManus, 83, a lifelong resident of Worcester died Wednesday, June 13th in Notre Dame Long Term Care. She was predeceased by her husbands, John Phelan and Bernard James McManus. She leaves her children, Kathleen Merrill and her husband, John of Worcester, Eileen Keane and her husband, James of Milford, CT, John Phelan and his fiancée, Deborah MacLure of Northbridge and Daniel Phelan and his wife, Jennifer of Westborough; a sister, Joanne (O’Connell) Holden of Worcester; twelve grandchildren, John J. Merrill and his wife, Kathryn, Bridget P. Merrill, Meaghan A. Kelly and her husband, Sean, Patrick E. Merrill, Ann Marie Keane, Michael J. Keane, Sean T. Keane, Elizabeth L. Phelan, Sarah C. Phelan, Matthew J. Phelan, Charles X. Phelan, and Shiobhan M. Phelan; two great grandsons, Jack and Mason Merrill; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth Phelan and daughter in law, Catherine M. (Gearin) Phelan.
She was born in Worcester the daughter of Daniel “Frank” and Elizabeth (Monahan) O’Connell. Betty Ann was a secretary for M-A-C Insurance Company. She then raised her family. Later on in life she was a secretary at Christ the King Church and the former St. Charles Borromeo parishes. Before she retired she was an administrative assistant to Sr. Teres Dion at the Diocesan Chancery Office.
She was a faithful member of Christ the King Parish where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, a long time CCD teacher, a girl scout leader, parish council, the Women’s Guild and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Betty Ann was a former associate of the Sisters of St. Ann. She was a former member of the Art Museum, the Music Guild, the Business Women’s Club, Literacy Volunteer and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernian.
Betty Ann was a skilled knitter and made various Irish shawls and sweaters. She liked nature, music, gardening, dancing, the opera and spending time with her children and especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family would like to extend their extreme sincere thanks to Betty Ann’s dearest friend Mrs. Patricia Gibbons for her years friendship, care and support.
Her funeral is Thursday, June 21st from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:30 AM in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Wednesday, June 20th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Nazareth Home for Boys, 77 Mulberry Street, Leicester, MA 01544 or to the TV Ministry, 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609.