Nancy Phelan

Nancy Phelan, a longtime resident of West Goshen Township (PA), passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026. She was 88 years old, born on March 16, 1938, to the late William Henry and Sarah E. (Grow) Lilley.

Nancy married Jim Phelan in 1959 and enjoyed more than 60 years of marriage. Their welcoming home was a haven for multiple generations, who naturally gathered there for celebrations, holidays, Aloha Fridays, and everyday visits to share in Nancy’s bright smile and effortless humor. After Jim’s passing in 2019, Nancy continued to focus on her loving relationships with her children, her grandchildren and a wide, cherished circle of friends. A proud member of the very first graduating class of Conestoga High School in Easttown, PA, Nancy was a spirited cheerleader and a member of the undefeated field hockey team.

Nancy carried that same vibrant energy into her professional life, spending the bulk of her career as an Administrative Assistant in the Aviation industry, first for MBB Helicopter and then for the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, both in West Chester, PA. By her colleagues, she was affectionately referred to as ‘the Quarterback,’ partly for her love of sports and principally because she was perceived as the leader on the field at work. Nancy was an avid sports fan, with a particular devotion to the Eagles, the Phillies, Villanova Basketball and Penn State football. She developed a late-in-life interest in following the University of North Carolina basketball team. Nancy treasured summer vacations in Westport, MA, Hatteras, NC and Bethany Beach, DE, oftentimes with three generations of Phelans present. In retirement, she also enjoyed traveling with Jim to Air Force reunions around the United States. She and Jim also fulfilled their lifelong dream by touring Italy in 2013.

Nancy is survived by her children, Maureen Phelan (Bill) Quinn, Dan (Darlene) Phelan, Neil (Maureen) Phelan, and Kathleen (David) Dinella and 10 grandchildren, each of whom is convinced they were her favorite because of how deeply and personally she loved them all: Mark, Laura, Kristen, Jamie, Emily, Katie, Erin, Bridget, Aidan and Liam. Nancy is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly, and who frequently referred to her as ‘the fun aunt.’

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her older sisters, Barbara and Edith.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Nancy’s visitation on Saturday, August 15th from 10:00am-11:20am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Patrick’s Church, 104 Channing Avenue, Malvern, PA. Interment will follow at Saint Monica’s Cemetery, 1175 Old Lancaster Road, Berwyn, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center - Helicoptermuseum.org.