Elizabeth Ardyn Thriffiley Phelan

January 26, 1957 - August 9, 2024

Elizabeth Ardyn Thriffiley Phelan, 67, of Beaumont, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 9, 2024. She was born on January 26, 1957, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Ardyn Sutherland Thriffiley and Paul J. Thriffiley, Jr.

Elizabeth attended Holy Name of Jesus Grammar School in New Orleans and graduated from Mercy Academy High School directly across the street, forming lifelong friendships at both schools. She attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and was a legacy member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, where she also formed lasting friendships. Elizabeth’s sisters and her daughter were also legacy Kappas, something special that they shared.

Elizabeth moved to Washington, D. C., after graduating from LSU. There she worked on Capitol Hill for two different Republican Congressmen, and later for the National Security Council. She was later employed by the RNC, working local elections in the Midwest. She then managed a furniture and accessories store, The Bombay Company, which opened in 1981 in the new “The Shops at Georgetown Park” mixed use shopping mall and condominiums.  After returning to New Orleans in 1983, Elizabeth worked a number of years as an assistant to the comptroller of the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street.

She lovingly raised her children in the Catholic faith, educating them at St. Anne Catholic School and Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School. Elizabeth dedicated her life to her children. She was very involved at St. Anne during her children’s time there, occasionally volunteering as a substitute teacher. She was a member of St. Anne’s annual fair committee. She was a Cub Scout leader for both of her sons and started the first “Pink Tops” Tee-ball league at West End Little League for her daughter and her friends. She was also involved in the many other athletic pursuits by her children over the years, such as her sons’ little league baseball activities.

Elizabeth worked for the Neches River Festival for six years, and later worked part-time at Talbots for years. She enjoyed her book club for many years and also played Mahjong in later life. She enjoyed cooking and preparing daily and holiday meals for her family. She also enjoyed walking, including morning walks with Nola and the family labs preceding her. Elizabeth loved all of her 22nd street neighbors, and it was reciprocal. In recent years, Elizabeth joyfully welcomed into her life, two daughters-in-law and two granddaughters, one from each.

Survivors include her beloved children, Mickey Phelan IV and his wife, Sara; John Paul Phelan and his wife, Caitlin; and Kathryn Phelan; grandchildren, Molly McDade Phelan and Lucy Ann Phelan; siblings, Paul J. Thriffiley III; Peter S. Thriffiley Sr. and his wife, Jeannette; Erin T. Weston and her husband, Robert; and Ardyn M. Thriffiley; numerous nieces,  nephews, and cousins; and her aging Beagle companion, Nola.  She is preceded in death by her dear parents.

Elizabeth is and will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She left us too soon. May God grant her the eternal rest and everlasting life she earned while on this earth.

A gathering of Elizabeth’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m., with her Funeral Mass to follow at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A reception will follow at 434 Fannin, Beaumont.

Download Program

Gathering of Family and Friends

St. Anne Catholic Church
  • 2715, Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
  • August 16, 2024
  • 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Funeral Mass

St. Anne Catholic Church
  • 2715, Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
  • August 16, 2024
  • 1:00 pm

Reception

434 Fannin
  • 434, Fannin St, Beaumont, TX, 77701,

Committal

Broussard’s Crematorium
  • 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,

Comments (20)

    Stephanie Sutherland says:

    To hear of Elizabeth’s passing so briefly after her Mother (my Aunt Ardyn) passed is heartbreaking. All my love to her siblings (my dear cousins) Peter, Paul, Erin and Ardyn, as well as, her extended family . Growing up I remember Elizabeth’s beautiful smile and laugh! She had the best laugh!! From reading all these incredible notes of love …there were many friends, neighbors and family who cherished her light in this world and we are all blessed to have known her. Sending blessings in this time of sadness.

    Margaret Bood says:

    To Elizabeth’s Family. Elizabeth was such a beautiful person, inside and out. I will miss her, as I know others also will.
    I will be praying for all of you and that your good memories will sustain you.
    God bless.

    Louise, Amy and Laura Christman from Lake Charles says:

    We are so sorry for your loss…

    What a beautiful life she lived touching so many people.

    Suzanne Sutherland Brown says:

    So sorry for your lost. I am her cousin from Baton Rouge Louisiana. Her Mother was my Dad sister. Fred Louis Sutherland. I love when we would visit Aunt Ardyn and all her kids in New Orleans. Such good times when we go to Mardi Gras and having lunch at her Moms house. Miss and love you all May she rest in peace. Prayers to all her family and friends.

    Pam St.Amand Meier says:

    Was saddened to hear of the loss of such a precious lady. She was very instrumental in my life, especially in the ACTS community at St. Anne’s. I know she will be sorely missed, but heaven is gaining a beautiful soul.

    Mark, Katy Jefferson says:

    Prayers for her family, a sweet kind lady, will greatly be missed…
    Mark, Katy Jefferson

    Remi Bogan Bryan says:

    JP, Mickey and Katherine,
    So sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing, she was a sweet lady always. Never easy to lose someone so full of life. May she rest in peace.

    Carol and Paul Parker and Family says:

    Mickey, JP, and Kathryn,
    Paul and I were so sad to hear about Elizabeth. We have such fond memories of our time from Trinity Day School, West End Little League, sleep overs, and other social gatherings. As y’all grew older, we would still catch each other up about our families when we saw one another on her neighborhood walks. She will be missed. May you find comfort in her memories and peace in your heart.

    Candace LeMasters says:

    My sincere condolences for the Phelan and Triffieley families. Our daughters danced together for years, Elizabeth was always so kind and a favorite of all the little dancers. I will miss seeing her and Nola walking in our neighborhood.

    Rodney Robichau says:

    Dear, Mickey, JP, Kathryn , family and friends.
    So very sorry to hear the Passy of your beautiful mother. 🛐🛐
    I know, she raised three beautiful children, to love, to be kind, to be helpful, and follow Jesus.

    God‘s beautiful peace to her soul and comfort to those who have loved her all of their life.✝️💟✝️

    My God angels guide her back to earth from time to tie to check in on her children and grandchildren, family, and friends.🛐🛐🛐

    Our sympathy and condolences.🙏🙏

    Rhonda, Rodney.❤️❤️

    Suzanne Wolfrom says:

    My heartfelt condolences to The Phelan and Thriffiley family. Elizabeth was such a kind friend. She adored her kiddos and grands and her sweet dog! We had fun learning Mahjong together and she was sweet friend to all! Sending our fond thoughts and prayers.

    Mary Kirby says:

    Elizabeth will be so missed. She was such a fine lady and friend from the first time we met. We shared many volunteer jobs at St. Anne’s and Neches River Festival and Kappa. Elizabeth was so kind and truly selfless. So hard to loose a friend. Our love goes out to the children. John Paul we got to have in Steamboat snowboarding. He was a champ and Matt still talks about it. Heartfelt love to you all. Mary Kirby

    Sherry Goth says:

    I always enjoyed my visits with Elizabeth, when all of our children were growing up together, as well as when we worked on volunteer projects.
    I am so sorry, and will be praying that God gives you sweet memories, comfort, and peace.

    Sandi Martin says:

    One of the sweetest people I’ve ever known.. prayers for you children.. may she rest in heavenly peace.. Sandi Martin

    Elise Peytral says:

    Elizabeth is a part of the fabric of my life. She will not be forgotten ever in my soul. My heart is heavy with memories. My prayers go to her, her family and all who will miss her. Love you Gizzy!

    Anne Keefe Atkinson says:

    Elizabeth was my first friend! We were punished together for laughing on the first day of kindergarten and laughed about it our whole lives.
    In the last few years, we become phone & text friends. She sent many pictures of Nola & granddaughters. Our chats meant a great deal to me & I miss her already.

    I’m so sorry for all who’ve lost their
    mom, sister, friend & neighbor.

    Lilli Phelan Bean says:

    Elizabeth’s dear and sweet manner never changed from the day I first met her at the Phelan reunion around 1987 at Morgan’s Point. What chaos we brought into her life and she just smiled and held us close throughout. Our family won’t shine as much. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in His peace. My love and prayers for wonderful memories to comfort her children and extended family.

    Jack & Katie Reidy says:

    The saddest news we’ve received in a long time. We loved Elizabeth very much. We’ll offer prayers for repose of Elizabeth’s Soul and that her children, siblings and all the many who loved her receive much consolation for their sorrow.

    Margi Chase says:

    I will miss our chats on our walks in the neighborhood. Harriet,my dog, loved seeing Nola. May the good Lord wrap his arms around you now and give you peace and comfort.
    Margi and Rocky Chase

    Manuel and Donna Rizzotto says:

    So sad to hear about your sweet mother. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Manuel and Donna Rizzotto Jr.

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