Mary Jean "Jeanne" Phelan

Mary Jean "Jeanne" Phelan (1939 – 2024) 

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal” 

Mary Jean “Jeanne” Phelan, 84, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away in her home in the early morning of May 23rd, 2024. 

Jeanne was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in July of 1939 at Saint Mary’s Hospital to George (1907-1972) and Marion (1902-2002) Gabbert. She was their third-born daughter, joining sisters Joanne (1934-2016) and Judy (1935-2014). She would eventually be followed by a younger, final sister, Janet (1946). 

As a child, Jeanne attended Redemptorist Elementary School and Redemptorist High School - graduating class of 1956 - where she met her future husband, Edward Phelan (1939-2005). The two married on June 24th, 1961, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church and had three daughters together; Shannon (1962-2020), Christine (1968), and Kerry (1971).

After raising her three daughters, Jeanne attended night classes and became a stenographer. In 1982, she was hired as a court reporter for the 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Jackson County, working first with Judge John Borron, Jr. and then later with Judge Kathleen Forsyth. She retired in 2015 after 33 years with the county.

In addition to being a daughter, sister, wife, and mother, Jeanne was also a beloved grandmother to three grandchildren: Courtney (1994), Coleman (2006), and Ryan (2009). 

Jeanne will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and quick Irish wit. She lives on in those who knew and loved her, especially the family who survive her: in her two daughters, Christine and Kerry Phelan, in her three grandchildren, Courtney Anjard and Coleman and Ryan Phelan, and in her youngest sister, Janet O'Brien.

There will be a private celebration of life with the family on her 85th birthday later this year.