It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Catherine "Cathy" Phelan. Born on July 8, 1954, Cathy left us too soon on December 21, 2023. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and dear friend to many who are left to cherish her memory.

Cathy is survived by her daughter, Leslie Phelan, and her cherished grandsons Daniel Guy and Kilean Collins. They will forever remember her for her wit, compassion, and down-to-earth personality that brought light into many lives.  

Cathy grew up on a small farm in central California.  

Having moved to Mira Loma, Jurupa Valley, CA in 1988 with her first husband, Joseph Vincent Phelan, to the rural town looking for a place for her exotic parrot rescue and to introduce their only child to equestrian lifestyles.  Cathy thrived in her surroundings, finding joy in her hobbies and community involvement. Cathy first introduced herself to a group of equestrian riders in the Staters Bros parking lot, and from there had many wonderful years making lifelong friends who shared her passion for horseback riding.  She and her Quarter Horse, Angel, spent many wonderful years traveling and riding together.   

She was an avid lover of literature, with Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice among her favorite books. She often found peaceful times reading Louis L'Amour, and similar historical western novels. Cathy also enjoyed country music and classic rock, notably ZZ Top's "La Grange." 

Her appreciation of arts was evident in her love for Bev Doolittle's horses and Norman Rockwell's works, often drawing inspiration from them for her charcoal sketching. She would sketch her children, horses, and parrots. She was also skilled at Scrabble and Rummikub, always ready for a friendly match.  Cathy was also up to playing cards with her friends on a Friday night.   She was musically inclined to play the violin and banjo.  She had a love for musicals and theater arts.  Cathy had a few amazing roles while in High School. 

Cathy dedicated countless hours to her favorite recreational activities, which included Fiber Arts with sock machines, crocheting, and spinning. Her in-depth knowledge of fiber seemed endless, and she was more than willing to share what she could WWII Sock Machines or drop spindles for beginners. As a lover of nature and animals, she found peace in horseback riding and hobby farming.  She had a green thumb and took pride in her gardening and the many methods by which she could grow her food.  

Her career as a Real Estate Broker / Escrow Officer was over 40 years in California.  Cathy's knowledge of real estate laws and practices was almost unmatched in her profession.  Even with those capabilities,  she took the time to help those who needed support.   Despite the few who would take advantage of her generosity, she still mentored many into their careers.   

Her active participation in promoting patriotic civil rights showcased her deep-rooted sense of justice and equality.   She believed in creating one's reality, a lesson she imparted to those around her.  

Instead of flowers, a fund has been established for the Riverside County Coalition for Alternatives to Domestic Violence. Donations can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of…

Cathy's legacy will be remembered through the lessons she taught, the love she shared, and the life she lived. Her memory will forever inspire many, and she will truly be missed.

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