Erinn Phelan Obituary, Death – PHELAN, Erinn Ellen Age 35, of Swampscott, passed away on April 16, 2022 after a long struggle caused by a hit-and-run accident that occurred in February of 2010. She was the loving daughter of John Vincent III and Mary (Johnson) Phelan. From a young age Erinn exhibited passions for volunteerism, leadership and governance. She attended Swampscott High School, was president of the Student Council and graduated with the Class of 2005.
She furthered her education at Brown University, where she served on the Undergraduate Council of Students and graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in American History (with honors) and Economics. She was active with several clubs during her high school and college years including Mock Trial, International Relations, Undergraduate Finance Board and particularly loved Model United Nations.
She was the Secretary-General for Brown University’s Simulation of the United Nations and the group has since dedicated an annual award in her honor. Erinn was interested in presidential history and wrote her honors thesis about the beginnings of presidential television advertising.
In addition to her academic achievements Erinn was known for her sense of humor, sharp wit and as a loving and devoted sister and friend. Erinn’s dedication to public service was evidenced by her taking part in a summer fellowship with New Sector Alliance and working with Brown University’s Careers in the Common Good program. After completing her studies, Erinn moved to New York City to work as a coordinator for a volunteerism initiative through Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office.
She was in charge of managing a docket of NYC Civic Corps members and worked to increase their roster of volunteers. Erinn was a frequent Communicant and served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. John the Evangelist Church in Swampscott. While at Brown she became involved with the Catholic Community as a fellowship coordinator and women’s group organizer.
Her strong faith helped to shape the altruistic and compassionate nature of her character. Travel was also a meaningful part of Erinn’s life. She went on a school trip to Costa Rica and later spent a semester in Seville, Spain where she was able to enhance her conversational Spanish skills. She visited a number of other countries including a trip after graduating college to Ireland with her sister, where their parents had honeymooned years before.
In addition to her parents, Erinn is survived by her siblings John V. Phelan IV and his wife Catherine along with their children Jack and Stella of Swampscott; Helene (Phelan) Larsen and her husband Trygve of Kapaa, Hawaii; Michael Phelan of Saint Anselm Abbey in Manchester, NH; as well as her many aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.
Visiting Hours: Friends and family are invited to attend Erinn’s visitation on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home at 9:00 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist, Swampscott at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in Swampscott Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the traumatic brain injury unit at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (https://giving.spauldingrehab.org).
