Joyce Campbell Phelan
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Joyce Campbell Phelan of New York City and Dorset, Vermont died peacefully at the age of 86 on April 19, 2022, at her home in Dorset. She was the beloved wife of the late John J. Phelan. She is survived by her sister Janet Kettner, and her three sons John C. Phelan, David C. Phelan, and Peter M. Phelan. Joyce died as a result of complications from Parkinson's Disease which she had struggled with for several years. Joyce is remembered by all her knew her as a loving mother and devoted friend who had a genuine warmth and affection for all people regardless of their circumstances, social position, race, or nationality.
Joyce Catherine Campbell was born on June 5, 1935 and grew up in London. She and her close relatives survived the war years together in London while her father served in the British military in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. The family, including younger sister Janet, remained in the London area during the post-war years as the city was rebuilt. After completing school and working at the Fleet Street office of the now-defunct Dublin Evening News, Joyce decided to see what life was like in America and, in 1954, arranged an extended visit. During this time, she met John Phelan of Garden City, NY, who had recently returned from Korea with the Marine Corps. When Joyce went back home, John followed her to the UK with no specific plans and they were married in Chingford, near London, in 1955. After moving back to the U.S., they were soon followed by her parents and Janet who also settled on Long Island. Joyce and John lived in New York City, Long Island and Vermont over the years. Since John's death in 2012, Joyce has lived primarily in New York City and Dorset, Vermont and she has been exclusively in Dorset since the beginning of the Covid pandemic..
Joyce's greatest joy and primary focus was always with her family. Her family included her late parents, Horace and Katherine Campbell; her sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Larry Kettner and their three sons; her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Lawlor and the late Susan Silbaugh and their children; her "cousins in law" Sarah and Kathleen Phelan; and of course, her three sons and daughters in law, John C. and Laurie Phelan, David C. and Cynthia, Peter M. and Sheilah; six grandchildren David G., Kate, Grace, Campbell, Malcolm, and Ian; and three great grandchildren, Christine, Bridget, and Aspen. Joyce also remained in contact with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins among her family in the U.K. In recent years, she has been blessed to have her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren gather around her and celebrate a life well lived.
A funeral mass with immediate family was held at St. Paul's Church in Manchester, Vermont and Joyce was interred at Holy Rood Cemetery on Long Island. In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to Catholic Charities of New York, an organization with which both Joyce and John had longstanding involvement. Please note that the gift is in memory of Joyce C. Phelan. You can make a gift online at catholiccharitiesny.org.