Hilda Mary Phelan, 92

March 28, 2024

Hilda Mary Phelan, 92, a lifetime resident of Lancaster, PA, passed peacefully on the morning of March 28, 2024, embraced by the love of her family, and cradled in the arms of angels.

Born on May 5, 1931, she was the cherished daughter of the late William and Anna Most Ernst of Senzheim, Baden Baden, West Germany, and the beloved wife of Richard E. Phelan, until his passing in 2002.

Hilda attended St. Joseph Catholic grade school and Lancaster Catholic High School, where she made life-long friends. She spoke very fondly of her high school years, and she enjoyed attending Crusader sporting events, musicals and, of course, every class reunion throughout her life.

It was at Lancaster Catholic where she met her lifelong partner, Richard. Their union, which blossomed into a devoted marriage of 51 years, began with heartfelt vows exchanged on November 24, 1950, at Camp Atterbury, IN, where Richard was stationed before his deployment in the 28th infantry division. She stood by him during his deployment, and their romantic kiss upon his return was captured on the front page of the newspaper.

A faithful Catholic, she was a member of St. Phillip the Apostle Catholic Church from its inception. She was also a joyful member of its Guys and Dolls Club, including a term as club secretary. Her faith deeply influenced her dedication to her family, whom she loved fervently and nurtured with her unparalleled comfort cooking. Hilda’s secret recipes, a legacy of her culinary magic, remain a treasured inheritance for her children. Hilda also enjoyed the simple pleasures of gardening and sharing her bountiful crops with family and friends.

Beyond her roles as a devoted wife and loving mother, Hilda was also an employee at different periods of her life at Keyboard Studio, Hubley toy factory and later at Shenk Brothers Sporting Goods.

Hilda’s life was a vibrant tapestry of cherished friendships and joyous gatherings. She enjoyed unwinding at her beach house in Ocean City, MD, delightful travels with the Guys and Dolls Club, pinochle card club, cruises, Broadway shows, weekends in the Poconos and spirited cheers for Notre Dame football.

Left to honor her memory are her five adoring children: Deborah Ann (wife of Michael McKonly; The Villages, FL); Richard Edward Jr. (husband of Ann Fangmeyer Phelan, Lancaster); Kathleen Marie (wife of Joseph Cassidy, Lititz); William Lawrence (husband of Carla Whetung Phelan, Media); and Christopher Paul (husband of Joy Sheesley Phelan, Conestoga).

Hilda’s loving spirit will also live on in her 12 grandchildren (Jennifer, Christopher, Matthew, Adam, Katie, Emily, Joseph, Casey, Erin, Keely, Evan, and Miranda) and 12 great-grandchildren, each of whom carry a piece of her heart. She is reunited in eternal peace with her sister, Anna L. Rice.

The family is welcoming friends and relatives to join them in celebrating Hilda’s life on Monday, April 29, 2024 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA, 17603, beginning with a visitation at 10AM followed by a memorial mass at 11AM. Interment will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman, PA.

In remembrance of Hilda’s enduring legacy, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lancaster Catholic in lieu of flowers.