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Obituary of Anita Phelps

Anita C.(Sauvageau) Phelps, 87, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Northgate Health Care Facility. Born in Niagara Falls, NY on August 31, 1929 she was the daughter of the late Sylva W. and Cora (Dugas) Sauvageau.


She is survived by her children, Michael(Kim) Phelps, William(Barbara) Phelps and Kathy (Sean) Rogers; grandchildren, Corinne, Diana, Timothy, Megan, Kristina and John; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Landon; brothers, Ivan Sauvageau and Rene(Anne) Sauvageau. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Robert E. Phelps and sons, Gary and Timothy Phelps.


Friends may call Friday, December 23rd from 4-7 PM at ZAJAC FUNERAL HOME INC., 319 24th Street, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin at 7:00 PM with Monsignor Thomas Moran officiating. Burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY will take place at the convenience of the family. In Lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Northgate Health Care Facility 7264 Nash Road, North Tonawanda, NY 14120.

The following was written about Anita when she was Resident of the Month at Northgate Health Care Facility.

Anita Phelps was born in Niagara Falls, NY on August 31, 1929. She resided in the downtown area with her parents, Aurora (Cora) and Sylva Sauvageau along with brothers Ivan and René.
At the age of 23, Anita married Robert Earl Phelps. Following a honeymoon in New York City, they made their home in Niagara Falls where Mr. Phelps was employed by the Niagara Junction Railroad. They had five children, Michael, Gary, William, Timothy and Kathryn. While raising her children, Anita also volunteered for Catholic Charities.
During the 36 years she was married, Anita and Bob enjoyed playing card games, board games and traveling the country visiting family members in New Brunswick, Quebec, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Florida, Texas, and California. Her family grew to include six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
One of Anita’s earliest jobs was as Manager of the Maid of the Mist Gift Shop. Then from 1974-1998, she was employed as a secretary at Niagara University. Through the years she worked in various departments including, the Novena office, College of Nursing, Business, Political Science and Admissions. Some may remember how Anita helped organize the lunch time Euchre games and was on the winning team at a Niagara University campus tournament. She also bonded with students from out of town who were often home sick and in need of a friend. Several are married with families of their own and are still in touch with their “mom away from home” Anita.
In her spare time, Anita enjoyed sewing, crocheting and crafts. She made clothes for herself as well as doll clothes for her daughter, layettes for the grandchildren and the junior bridesmaid dress for her first grandchild, Corinne. While at Niagara, she made “Kitchen Witches” to order and bought a car with her profits.
According to her family, “Anita is conservative, private and blatantly honest, but when she opens her heart to someone, she gives all of it”. We see this on the C.A.R.E. Unit where Anita often invites residents who appear distressed to sit beside her. As she holds their hand, Anita speaks to them in a quiet and reassuring manner and this calming effect on others always amazes us! We are pleased that Anita has joined us as a “volunteer” and companion to our residents.

Family/Spouse: PHELPS, Robert E. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Kim. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Barbara. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: ROGERS, Sean. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]