Carol Ann Phelps

Carol Ann (Drew) Phelps, 89, of West Topsham, Vermont, passed away peacefully at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin, Vermont, on September 24, 2026, following a long journey with dementia.

Carol was born on February 11, 1937, in Lyme, New Hampshire, the daughter of Leslie and Irene Drew. She grew up in the Lyme and Orford area and attended local schools.

Carol met the love of her life, William “Bill” Phelps Sr., in July of 1954. They married in May of 1955 and shared an incredible 71 years of marriage together. Together, they raised seven sons: Christopher, Bradley, Mitchell, Dennis, Barry, William Jr., and Foster.

Throughout her life, Carol devoted herself to her family and home. She was a homemaker and also worked as a nanny and nurse’s aide, caring for others with the same kindness she showed her own family.

Music was a special part of Carol and Bill’s life together. They enjoyed playing bluegrass and country music, with Carol playing the bass. Their love of music brought them many wonderful memories over the years.

In 1995, Carol and Bill moved to Phelps Road in West Topsham, where they made their home and continued building a lifetime of memories together.

Carol’s Christian faith was important to her throughout her life. She attended church and enjoyed singing in church choirs. She also enjoyed painting, reading, cooking, collecting special treasures, gardening, and tending to her flowers. She had a great love for animals, especially cats and birds.

Family and the holidays meant so much to Carol. She loved giving gifts, preparing meals, and making sure everyone was taken care of. Her home was always kept beautifully, and those who knew her will remember her cooking—especially her delicious pumpkin pie.

Carol will also be remembered for her sense of humor, her beautiful smile and laugh, and the many memories she created with the people she loved.

Carol is survived by her husband of 71 years, William “Bill” Phelps Sr.; her brother, Richard Drew; her sister, Emily Orf; her sons, Bradley (Sharon), Mitchell (Valerie), Dennis (Denise), William Jr. (Lisa), and Foster; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sons, Christopher and Barry; her parents, Leslie and Irene Drew; her brothers, Leslie Jr. and William Drew; and her sisters, Dorothy Stern and Barbara Blanchard.

Carol’s family will forever cherish the memories of the life she built, the love she gave, and the many years they were blessed to share with her.

A Christian funeral service for Carol will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Fairlee Community Church of Christ in Fairlee, Vermont. Following the service, Carol will be laid to rest in the family plot at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in North Thetford, Vermont.

Knight Funeral Home of White River Junction, VT has been entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.