PHELAN, Nanette Mary (née McCarthy)

It’s hard to even find the right words for what your life of faith and grace meant to us. You were our safe place. You never judged, you just loved.

You spent your whole life looking after everyone else, never asking for anything back. That quiet, steady love is what held our family together.

I’m really struggling to say goodbye because I just wasn’t ready. But I hope you’re at peace now, reunited with your boy in heaven.

Rest now, Nan. You’ll always be our angel. We’re carrying your love with us, always 🤍

All the years Nan & Pa ran us kids around to and from school, to footy training or to Mcdonalds for a 50cent icecream cone. Cherished every moment with Nan & will continue to think of memories of her every day onward.
Love you Nan for ever and always ❤️

A mother’s love knows no bound.
Your support and guidance for me has truly shaped me into the person I am today. You were instrumental in my life and always there when I needed you in the most quiet and unconditional way.
I was not ready to say goodbye but feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful mother and have shared so much together
All my love Louise

My sincere condolences to the Phelan family.Mary Campbell

Although I only had the privilege of knowing Nanette for ten years, I am truly grateful I had the opportunity to get to know her. She carried a calming presence, and her heartwarming smile brought a gentle sense of peace into any room. There was something so genuine and reassuring about her— a quiet strength and warmth xxx

I am saddened to learn the passing of such a sweet soul, now at rest with her loving God, Terry and loved ones.. Nan you will be sadly missed by all who knew you. My deepest sympathy to family.. RIP

An absolute gem of a woman who I was lucky to call auntie. You had a calmness, wise and peaceful way about you that gave sound direction.
You knew your true North and had subtle impact. I will miss our laughs and you’re knowing smile. You were one of the good ones and will be truly missed .

Aunty Nanette’s life began in the orchards of Castle Forbes Bay, where seeds were planted quietly and tended with patience. It feels fitting, because that’s exactly how she chose to live her life, never seeking attention, simply nurturing what was placed in her care.

She was steady.
She was faithful.
She was deeply kind.
She had a strength about her that made everything feel more manageable.

Living with her as a young woman shaped me more than she likely realised. From her I learnt that faith isn’t loud, it’s lived. That service doesn’t demand recognition and that peace is something you carry within you, especially when circumstances are uncertain.

Her legacy isn’t only in her children, grandchildren, and unwavering love for Uncle Terry, though they’re a beautiful testament to her life, it’s also in every one of us who were steadied and encouraged by her, and quietly formed by her example.

To Uncle Terry, and to the whole family, we grieve with you. We honour the love you built together over so many years. A marriage like yours leaves a mark on generations.

If you can count the seeds in an apple but not the apples that grow from one seed, then Aunty Nanette’s life was an orchard. Her influence continues in all of us: in how we love, how we serve, and how we remain steady when life asks much of us.

Aunty Nanette, thank you.
For your faith.
For your calm.
For your unwavering love.

My life is more rich because of your influence.

A beautiful lady now at rest .
Condolences to all the Phelan
family. Nanette will be sadly missed.
Chris Glaubitz and family

Rest In Peace dear friend. You were such a loving presence in our lives for so many years. So thankful for the joy love and support you Terry and Louise brought to us. Sending love and peace to all the family.Your wisdom faith and love will live on in us all. Trish Lindner.

Sincere condolences to Terry and family.
Nanette was a beautiful and caring person.
Nanette you will be missed by everyone you touched.
Carolyn & Rob Brown

Dear friend of the late George& Joy Morgan.

Sending our love and condolences to Jules and the Phelan family. Nans are such a big part of our lives, like mums with no rules . Thinking of you all

I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family and sending love and strength at this sad time.

How lucky were we all to have such a beautiful, supportive person in our corner for all our lives. No matter what we were doing or what stage of life we were in she was always there and always so incredibly proud.

As Cameron said “Nan Nan can still see us from the sky mummy” and I couldn’t agree more. I am sure she will continue to look down on us and continue to be so proud.

No words could ever describe how kind, caring, patient, accepting and loving my amazing mother-in-law was. I consider myself so lucky to have had her in my life for so long. Nan and Pa, a treasured couple who are the best role model to so many lucky ones like me. We have your back Pa. Love always xxxx

Sincere Sympathy to Terry and Family on the passing of Dear Nanette. A wonderful servant of the Lord in this world of uncertainties. Praying for the Lord’s comfort, peace and strength for all who miss her. God be with you as in Revelation 21:4.
I feel blessed to have known Nanette through the “Women Worship in Song” group of some years ago.
Heidi Gifford

Our condolences to the Phelan family on the passing of Nanette.
A beautiful lady whose calm and grace brought out the best in everyone.
The Coffey family (Williamstown)

We were so sad to hear of the passing of such a kind beautiful soul the highlight of our Thursdays was getting to come to your house and clean (not much to clean in a clean house) we are so thankful that we were given the opportunity to see you every week and build a relationship that we will forever miss, thank you for being such a kind sweet caring person we’re so glad we got to visit you before Christmas our thoughts are with Terry and family at this extra difficult time forever in our hearts Rach and Mel xx

My heartfelt sadness & condolences to you all & especially Terry, both very dear friends of the late Jim Crabtree.
Rest gently Nanette with our dear Lord & your most precious Jonathan, forever surrounded by so much luv🙏🏻.

We extend much love and support to Terry and all your immediate and extended family at the loss of your dear Nanette. Such a treasure for your family and all our surrounding community. We were privileged to meet you in our very early days in Traralgon and have been warmed by your care and laughter and so appreciated your wicked sense of humour and signature sparkle in your eye and sense of spirit and fun. Your personal spirituality has been a blessing for your family and all of us in our community. What a blessing to have known and loved you may you rest in peace until we meet again.

On behalf of the Fitzsimon family, sending sincere condolences and love to the Phelans.
As a pre-school and early primary school friend to Marcus, I have memories of a kind, gentle and compassionate woman in Glenlee Crt, at Cowwarr Pub and then Breed Street.

To Matt,, Marcus and families, sending love and strength following the sad passing of your beloved mother.
May the fond memories of your mum bring you some comfort as you grieve.
With love from
Lisa and Craig Booth. X

Sincere condolences to the Phelan family!
Sweet , compassionate Nanette had an impact on all who met her.
Such a special lady!

Deepest Sympathy to Terry and all of the family. Nanette was so loved and will be greatly missed by you all. Sleep peacefully beautiful lady

Throughout my journey, I often estranged myself from my family out of fear or consumed by guilt and shame for the way I was living and behaving. Every now and then when I was desperate or at a new rock bottom, I would cry out for help. Often at times when my own mum was at her limit or already caring for my daughter when I had no capacity, there was another key person who step up to support me. My Nan. Free of judgement or opinion, she gave herself to me at times when I needed it the most. She showed me what unconditional love was and what it meant to be of service to others long before I found recovery or had any sort of spiritual program in my life. She had faith in me when I had lost all hope. My clean date falls on the same week as her birthday, and we would exchange happy birthday messages to each other. She was so proud and I’m so grateful I got to reach my full potential with her cheering me on from the sidelines. I have had the privilege of sharing that loving relationship I have with my Nan with my daughter, who also has a beautiful relationship with her own Nanny, my mum. What a blessing to witness and experience that love, care and concern be passed down from one generation to the next.

To Terry , Vinnie, Matt, Marcus, Louise, Denis and the extended Phelan family i would like to send you all my deepest sympathy. I first met Mrs Phelan over 20 years ago when I was in hospital for an extended stay. Mrs Phelan did volunteer work there and we had many chats. I still have the bible she gave me in the top draw of my bedside table. Mrs Phelan was a beautiful and kind lady. I thank her so much for the time she spent with me. I know you guys will all look after your dad. Take care guys

Condolences to all Nanette’s Family
Thinking of you all at this sad time
Beautiful Lady.
Brian and Dal Holden

I have no doubt that in the coming days, many stories will be shared about how Auntie Nanette quietly and without fanfare helped those around her. My family is no exception.
In my teens I came to know A Nanette as a peaceful, loyal, and strong woman. She truly lived out her Christian values.
In recent years, she continued to be incredibly helpful, supportive and encouraging, especially as I have sought her counsel on how best to navigate Mum’s health challenges.
She was a wonderful example of what it means to be a devoted wife of 60 years.
Deepest sympathy to Uncle Terry, my cousins and their families x

Nanette was a beautiful soul whose calm nature touched all our hearts. Your love and dedication created a wonderful family, and we will always cherish you. ❤️

Very sad to hear Nanette had passed away. She was an exceptional caring person.

Nanette was a warm and generous woman who will be greatly missed. Condolences to the Phelan family. A life well lived. May she rest in peace.

Remembering Nanette with fondness. A life well lived. May she rest in peace.

Nanette was a beautiful sister to my grandmother, their bond a testament to lifelong devotion, shared memories, and unwavering support. In their relationship, we saw what true sisterhood looked like; loyalty, laughter, and a deep understanding that only sisters share.

Nanette had great influence in my mother’s life, who admired and loved her deeply. Because of Nanette, our family stands stronger. I am blessed to have been raised by women who were strengthened through their relationship with her.

Thank you, Aunt Nanette, for the love you gave, the example you set, and the foundation you helped build. Your love still lives on in all of us.

Nanette was such a beautiful gentle soul. I know you are all going to miss her. My sympathies to Terry, Louise & all the family. I’m sorry I’m unable to attend the funeral but hope to watch it