Jeanne (Rice) Phelps

Jeanne (Rice) Phelps, 94, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on October 18, 2025 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY.  Born on December 5, 1930 in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late W. Ransom and Viola (Proudfoot) Rice. 

Jeanne graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1948 and earned her BA in Sociology in 1952 from Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT.  She served as a field Director for the Girl Scouts of America in Niagara Falls following college, was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lewiston, NY, and a 3rd-generation member of the Tatler Club in Niagara Falls, NY.  She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who brought joy, humor, and kindness to all. A proud collector of Niagara Falls art, a dedicated homemaker, and a lifelong reader, Jeanne modeled curiosity and sincerity for family and friends. 

Mrs. Phelps is survived by a daughter, Wendi (Bill Mattrey) Bazemore; sons, Daniel (Karen) Bazemore, Timothy (Lisa) Bazemore and Jonathan (Patrice Wolfe) Bazemore; step-daughter, Sandra (Paul) Fischbein; brother, Charles (Mary) Rice; 9 grandchildren, Leah, Heather, Geoffrey, Alexandria, Gabrielle, Tyler, Luke, Jemma and Nathaniel; 5 great-grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren, John, William, Margaret, Joel and Samantha and 6 step-great-grandchildren. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John 'Jack' R. Phelps; former husband, M. James Bazemore; brother, Reverend W. Ransom Rice, Jr. and his wife Sue Rice; great-grandson, Aiden Casale and step-daughters, Ellen Rowland and Lorna Phelps.                        

All are welcome to gather for visitation on Monday, October 27th, from 3-6 p.m., at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME AND NIAGARA COUNTY CREMATION CARE, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007).  Private prayers of committal and interment in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Lewiston and/or Pinnacle Community Services in Niagara Falls.

Jeanne’s family has entrusted her care to the Goodlander family.  Share condolences and memories online at GOODLANDERCARES.com 

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