Kristy Phelan

KRISTY L. "Kris" PHELAN, age 64, of DeKalb, formerly of Genoa, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family, Sunday, January 8, 2012.BORN: She was born May 31, 1947, in Sterling, IL, the daughter Harry and Fern (Lofgren) Woodyatt. EARLY YEARS:Kris grew up in the Kirkland and Genoa areas and attended local schools. She graduated from Genoa-Kingston High School in 1965. MILITARY: Following graduation she worked in Sycamore and DeKalb Hospitals before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1968. Kris faithfully served her country until her honorable discharge in 1973.MARRIAGE: Upon her return to civilian life, she met Joe Phelan, a fellow veteran, while going to night school. A whirlwind courtship ensued and before long they were united in their love and life on March 31, 1973 in Portsmouth, NH. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: They began their new life together in Groton, CT, where they welcomed their first daughter, Laura. Later, they were transferred to the naval station in Charleston, SC, and added Lisa to the family fold. Knoxville, TN then became home in 1981 where she graduated from the University of TN as a Medical Technologist. They were transferred again, this time to Shreveport, LA for a time. It may not have been their favorite place to live, but it became special because that is where they welcomed twin daughters, Sarah and Stephanie. The last transfer was to Genoa, IL became home in 1984. Two years later in 1986, Harry Brian made the family complete. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Kris dedicated her professional life to the medical field working in many hospitals throughout the country. She most enjoyed her time working at the Keesler Air Force Base, the Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, TN, as well as the local hospitals in DeKalb and Sycamore. MEMBERSHIPS: Kris was a proud member of the National Honor’s Society as well as the "notorious" Red Hat Society. As a board certified Medical Technologist in Tennessee and Illinois, Kris was involved in a number of professional organizations. Her faith led her to give of her time and heart to the St. Catherine Catholic Church in Genoa, IL, where she was Director of Religious Education and was invested in the youth and bereavement ministries. She also was a hospice volunteer for DeKalb Hospice. LIFE NOTES: Kris had a huge heart and was everybody’s mom. Her home was also everybody’s home- even strangers on the street were invited to live and sometimes became family for several months. She had a crafters soul, sewing baby blankets, clothes for her children as well as angels and crosses for her family and friends to treasure. Her talents in the kitchen were renowned for better and for worse. Thanksgiving Dinner became the center of the family’s culinary universe. All other meals paled significantly in comparison, mostly involving noodles, hot dogs or noodles AND hot dogs but all were made with love. She was a big sports fan as well. All sports were fair game with the exception of baseball. A tomboy at heart, she cheered loudest for her New England Patriots, Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks as well as #55, Robby Gordon. Above all she loved being a mom. Nothing gave her more joy than to spend time with her family. SURVIVORS: She is survived by her loving husband Joe, 5 children:Laura (Nathan) Schaefer, Lisa Phelan, Her "special twins", Sarah and Stephanie Phelan and Brian Phelan; Her parents, Harry and Fern Woodyatt, Three siblings:Rick (Billie) Woodyatt, Skip (Andrea) Woodyatt and Nikki (Roger) Burdick;Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins;Boomer, her favorite four legged friend, and a family of "adopted" children who knew and treasured the love of their "mom". VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. with a rosary service to be said at 8 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. A mass to celebrate her life and faith will begin at 10 a.m. , with a time of visitation from 9-10 a.m. at the Newman Catholic Student Center, Christ The Teacher Parish, 512 Normal Rd., DeKalb, IL, on Thursday, January 12, 2012. A military presentation of the flag to honor her service to her country will be held outside the church following mass. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date. MEMORIAL In lieu flowers, a memorial has been established in her name to benefit her favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Kristy Phelan Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com where you can also find her full life story.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. with a rosary service to be said at 8 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. A mass to celebrate her life and faith will begin at 10 a.m. , with a time of visitation from 9-10 a.m. at the Newman Catholic Student Center, Christ The Teacher Parish, 512 Normal Rd., DeKalb, IL, on Thursday, January 12, 2012. A military presentation of the flag to honor her service to her country will be held outside the church following mass.

Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date.