Nancy Phelps

Nancy Phelps, lawyer, mother, opera lover, and Bucks fan, died at her home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 31 after a valiant battle with cancer. She was 82 years old.

Nancy grew up on a farm but quickly knew that was not the life she wanted. So she went to college, spending her junior year abroad in England, later living in New York City and working for The New Yorker Magazine. In 1972 she graduated from Marquette University Law School, one of only six women in her class. She practiced family law for over 50 years, named Best Civil Practitioner by the Milwaukee Bar in 1988. She really cared about her clients and worked hard for them. In addition, she worked as a court commission for years, marrying couples in interesting places like County Stadium during the 7th inning stretch and in a horse and buggy carriage ride down the streets of Milwaukee. She also served on many boards like the Parklawn YMCA and Hansberry-Sands Theatre Company, and she was president of the Milwaukee Florentine Opera Club.

Nancy loved life. She traveled all over the world but loved living at The Cudahy in downtown Milwaukee. She collected art. She hosted Oscar watching parties where everyone dressed up and ate hors d'oeuvres. She had season tickets to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, along with the Milwaukee Bucks, Green Bay Packers, Marquette Golden Eagles, and UWM Panthers. She knew everyone (or could get to know anyone). She was smart, funny, passionate, determined. She was a good friend and a great mother. She is survived by her children, Dr Lori Phelps, Libbey (Bob Stueber), and Melissa McGee; her grandchildren Rickey, Julia, and Shawn; her nephew, Dr Jeffery Molkentin, and his family; her ex-husband, Rick; and extended family and many, many friends.

Nancy and her family want to thank Mt Sinai for their excellent medical care, including Jessica Wolz and Laurel Marek, along with Dr Gabriel Ryan at Froedtert Hospital for his smart and compassionate consultation.

There will be a celebration of life at the Wisconsin Club at 900 West Wisconsin on Sunday, September 10, with visitation from 1-2:30PM and a memorial service from 2:30-3:30PM, with hors d'oeuvres to follow. Donations in Nancy’s name can be made to the Milwaukee Florentine Opera or a charity of your choice.

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