Obituary for Dorothy Phelps
Dorothy Phelps, 90, was surrounded by her family when she passed peacefully on November 20, 2020, at Melbourne Place. She was the youngest of nine, born to Biagio and Angelina Albino DeSantis in Pittsfield on July 6, 1930.
After attending school in Pittsfield, Dorothy worked at Elmvale Worsted Mill where she met the love of her life, Leon Phelps. They married in 1951 and were blessed with two sons; her family soon grew to include her beloved grandchildren.
Dorothy enjoyed taking family trips, especially with her son Steven’s family. They went on countless adventures, including many trips to the oceans and boardwalks. One incredibly special trip to Disney World saw the whole bunch – two grandparents, two sons, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren – visit all the parks, hop on every ride possible, take in all the shows, and share countless laughs.
As she grew older, Dorothy became the official animal caretaker. Though she had none of her own, Dorothy had plenty of granddogs and cats (and even a squirrel) to spoil. They provided her with great company while she watched her stories and read her books.
Leon and Dorothy loved going to diners together, and for many years were regulars at Daddyo’s Diner. While they enjoyed the food and made friends with the staff, part of the draw for Dorothy must have been the giant statue of Betty Boop – one of her favorite cartoon characters to share with her grandchildren when they were young. She would pop old tapes into the VCR and sing along with the track, “Boop-Oop-a-Doop.”
In recent months, Dorothy was provided with great care and made many friends in the Memory Unit at Melbourne Place. A special thanks goes out to the caretakers who provided her with friendship and a safe place to land towards the end of her life’s journey. Special thanks also belong to her daughter-in-law, Deborah, who cared for Dorothy as if she were her own mother; and Carrie and Steven, two grandchildren who were there every step of the way.
In addition to her husband of 69 years, Leon Phelps, Dorothy leaves behind her son, David E. Phelps and wife Madeline of Pittsfield; daughter-in-law Deborah Phelps of Pittsfield; and four grandchildren: Carrie Phelps, Patrice Marrero and husband Manny, David Phelps and wife Cecily, and Steve Phelps and wife Karina. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who she adored.
Dorothy was predeceased by her son, Steven Phelps; grandson, Michael J. Phelps; six brothers, Dominic, Benjamin, Louis, Daniel, John, and Edward DeSantis; and her beloved sisters, Lucy Manzolini and Mary Farina.
Due to COVID-19, a memorial service may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
After attending school in Pittsfield, Dorothy worked at Elmvale Worsted Mill where she met the love of her life, Leon Phelps. They married in 1951 and were blessed with two sons; her family soon grew to include her beloved grandchildren.
Dorothy enjoyed taking family trips, especially with her son Steven’s family. They went on countless adventures, including many trips to the oceans and boardwalks. One incredibly special trip to Disney World saw the whole bunch – two grandparents, two sons, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren – visit all the parks, hop on every ride possible, take in all the shows, and share countless laughs.
As she grew older, Dorothy became the official animal caretaker. Though she had none of her own, Dorothy had plenty of granddogs and cats (and even a squirrel) to spoil. They provided her with great company while she watched her stories and read her books.
Leon and Dorothy loved going to diners together, and for many years were regulars at Daddyo’s Diner. While they enjoyed the food and made friends with the staff, part of the draw for Dorothy must have been the giant statue of Betty Boop – one of her favorite cartoon characters to share with her grandchildren when they were young. She would pop old tapes into the VCR and sing along with the track, “Boop-Oop-a-Doop.”
In recent months, Dorothy was provided with great care and made many friends in the Memory Unit at Melbourne Place. A special thanks goes out to the caretakers who provided her with friendship and a safe place to land towards the end of her life’s journey. Special thanks also belong to her daughter-in-law, Deborah, who cared for Dorothy as if she were her own mother; and Carrie and Steven, two grandchildren who were there every step of the way.
In addition to her husband of 69 years, Leon Phelps, Dorothy leaves behind her son, David E. Phelps and wife Madeline of Pittsfield; daughter-in-law Deborah Phelps of Pittsfield; and four grandchildren: Carrie Phelps, Patrice Marrero and husband Manny, David Phelps and wife Cecily, and Steve Phelps and wife Karina. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who she adored.
Dorothy was predeceased by her son, Steven Phelps; grandson, Michael J. Phelps; six brothers, Dominic, Benjamin, Louis, Daniel, John, and Edward DeSantis; and her beloved sisters, Lucy Manzolini and Mary Farina.
Due to COVID-19, a memorial service may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.