Patricia “Patsy” Phelan - 93

Orland Park, Illinois

Patricia “Patsy” Phelan was born and raised in Woodstock, Illinois. Sadly Patsy lost her brother Richard who was 21years old to a tragic car accident.  She followed her heart and, in her teens, took her vows with the Sisters of the Holy Cross and became Sister Mary Helen. She earned her Bachelors degree in education at St. Mary’s of Notre Dame and continued her studies and earned her Masters in Education at the University of Notre Dame (Go Fighting Irish!). She taught elementary school for over 40 years starting in Danville, Illinois and continued in Oak Park, Illinois. Patsy was a loyal and faithful parishioner at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Orland Park.  Once she left the Sisters of the Holy Cross, she met Albert Phelan and they were married in 1980 until his death in 1997.  Albert had 8 children who Patsy loved dearly, Patricia (late Phil) Wilson, Kathy (Tom) Lipinski, Dennis (Judy) Phelan, Richard (Jane) Phelan, Mark (Judy) Phelan, the late Albert (Pat) Phelan, Maureen (late Tom) Dombro, Michael (Marge) Phelan.

Daughter of the late Helen and Howard Leonard. Sister of the late Richard Leonard.  Patsy loved and was loved dearly by her cousins Kathy (Tom) Dall’osto, Mike (Vickie) Kiehl, and Kevin (Monica) Kiehl.  She had many adoring extended family members and friends who also loved her deeply.

Visitation Tuesday June 23, 2026 from 9:00am until time of prayers 11:30am at Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service) 14318 S. LaGrange Road (Northbound traffic: U-turn permitted at 143rd St.) Orland Park to St Michael Catholic Church, 14327 Highland Ave, Orland Park. Mass 12:00 Noon. Interment St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Evergreen Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Patsy’s name to the Sisters of the Holy Cross 200 Rosary Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556-5053 or https://www.cscsisters.org/support-us/ would be appreciated by the Phelan family.  Info 708-460-2300 and www.thornridgefuneralhomes.com.