Jill Phelan

Jill Phelan, 86, of Chestnut Hill, PA, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025. Born September 1, 1939, Jill lived a full and vibrant life, rooted in love for her family, her city, and the simple joys that brought people together.

Jill built a long and successful career as an Accounting Executive with Philadelphia (ACE) Reinsurance. For decades, she commuted to work by train, an emblem of her dedication and work ethic. Her professional life was marked by diligence and integrity, but it was her personal life that truly defined her.

Jill, Aunt Jill, Jilly, Silly Jilly, Carol Ann, was everyone’s favorite person. It reads like hyperbole, but was a fact of life to anyone that knew her. She was funny in an effortless way, with a sharp wit, and ability to turn any situation into a chance to laugh together. Young at heart until her very last day, she was a warm, welcoming presence anytime she entered a room—you loved her the minute you met her. Jill was a second Mom and Grandmom to all of her nieces and nephews. She was deeply invested in her family, always listening with empathy, and encouraging everyone to reach for their dreams. There was a good that existed inside of her that was so pure that it radiated outward—she believed in the best in all of us, and everyone that knew her is a better person because of it.

Her generosity was truly boundless, and for over 50 years, she made sure that every summer, her family had a place to come together in Ocean City, NJ. For one perfect week each year, we were all under one roof, laughing and loving and making memories. Jill loved the beach and everything that came along with it—a good book by the ocean, the rides and the ice cream, the saltwater taffy from Shriver’s, a slice from Mack and Manco—but mostly, she loved being with her family, and we loved being with her.

She was a devoted Philadelphia sports fan, passionately cheering for her hometown heroes, and a wonderful conversationalist, well read and well-traveled, having seen the world from Hawaii to Ireland and beyond. Above all, perhaps, Jill loved Christmas, from the Hallmark movies to the decorations, and her gift-giving prowess was unmatched in its ability to show you how deeply she cared and listened. Jill always found a way to bring presents that not only brought you joy, but that kept you safe and prepared for any curve balls life may throw.

Jill was a constant source of comfort and joy to her family. She is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Laura Phelan; nieces Jane Campbell (Andrew Zuzulock) and Laura Farrell; nephew Thomas Phelan (Kathy); great nephews Daniel Campbell (Alison), Michael Campbell (Lauren Mann), Jeff Phelan (Angelica), Sean Farrell (Leah Sapp), Cole Farrell (Holly); great nieces Megan Phelan (Michael Waite), and Casey Zuzulock; and great-great nephews Wyatt Campbell and Jack Campbell, whose name is a winking tribute to hers. She now joins in rest her beloved parents Helen and Thomas Phelan; brother Joseph Phelan; and niece Mary Beth Phelan.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday December 20, 2025, at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 East Chestnut Hill Ave, Philadelphia. Visitation begins at 9:00am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am and interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Her memory is a warm one, and her laugh will echo forever in the minds of all those who were lucky enough to hear it often.