Patricia Jeanne McEldowney

With profound sadness, the family of Patricia Jeanne McEldowney announce Pat’s death on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Pat was born on August 23, 1932, in Los Angeles, California to William Brainard and Dorothy June Carman. After completing Westridge School for Girls and then finishing high school at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California, Pat attended Carleton College (second generation student, Class of 54) in Northfield, Minnesota. Pat completed her BA in history and met her future husband, George (Barry) McEldowney (Class of 52). Once Pat graduated and Barry returned from serving in the Korea War, they married in California on October 23, 1954. They settled in Chicago Heights and then Olympia Fields, Illinois where they raised their six children (Scott, Katie, Ellen, Randy, Craig, and Ted). Pat was very involved/supportive with her children’s educational and athletic endeavors. She attended years of gymnastic meets, track and cross-country, baseball, basketball games, and musical performances. As a lifelong learner, at 50 years of age, Pat decided to go back to college to obtain her master’s degree in library science from Dominican University. She worked as the Director of Youth Services for a public library until she retired in 1997. Pat and Barry began a new chapter when they relocated to Flagstaff, Arizona. Pat felt at “home” immediately, embracing the western culture and experience to her fullest potential. She became a docent with the Museum of Northern Arizona, volunteering, and leading children’s programs across the Navajo Nation. At the young age of 75, Pat took classes at Coconino Community College and received her Master Naturalist certificate. She volunteered at the Flagstaff Arboretum as a docent and nature conservancy guide. Pat and Barry traveled the world usually focusing on unique and out-of-the way places. One of her most memorable trips was traveling in a dory down the Grand Canyon for 18 days. They loved the National Park system and instilled that love of the outdoors in their children. Her motto was “of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” Pat was happiest bouncing across slick rock in Canyonlands or exploring four-wheel roads across the western states. Besides being an avid adventurer, Pat loved to knit, read, and treasured her friendships. She will truly be missed by many. In 2016 they moved to Fort Collins to be closer to children. Pat was predeceased by Barry in 2021 her best friend and husband of 66 years, her six children, ten grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren, her sister, Betty, from Glendora, California, and many dear friends. A special thank you to ComForCare of Windsor caregivers Deb and Mattie for providing Pat with compassionate care through end-of-life. Donations in memory of Pat can be made to either the Grand Canyon Trust (grandcanyontrust.org) or Carleton College (Carleton.edu/giving).

Tributes

Patricia Jeanne McEldowney

August 23, 1932 - November 24, 2022