Obituary of Eileen McElwain

Eileen McElwain, of Medina entered into rest on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at the Martin-Linsin Residence in Albion at the age of 78.

Born May 17, 1943 in Medina, Eileen was a daughter of the late John L. and Josephine (Martino) Brennan. She was a proud member of the Medina High School, class of 1960, and remained active in reunion planning throughout her life. She was a former member and president of Zeta Mu and Delta Xi Chapters. Eileen married John W. McElwain, Jr. on October 5, 1968. She worked as a bookkeeper, starting in her younger years at St. Mary’s R.C. Church and then was employed by Marine Midland Bank. Finally she was the first woman secretary-treasurer for Medina Savings & Loan Assn., where she eventually retired with the position of executive vice president. A devout Catholic, Eileen was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Trinity R.C. Parish, St. Mary’s Church in Medina. She taught CCD classes, was a greeter, counter and also volunteered with the cleaning committee. She belonged to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Also active in her community, Eileen served as the first councilwoman of the Town of Shelby Town Board. She was an original member on the board that started the Dollars for Scholars program at Medina High School and later played an integral role in the transition from the national program with the creation of the Medina Scholarship Fund. Eileen was known to be a master of small talk and was a great conversationalist. She also loved to play cards and was a lover of all things Irish. Family was very important to her. Eileen will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and loyal friend.

In addition to her parents, Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, John W. McElwain, Jr. on March 8, 2012; and brothers in-law, Rodney McElwain and Carl V. Caleb, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Kate E. McElwain of Buffalo; two sisters, Mary (Paul) Woodruff and Patricia Caleb; nephews, Sean (Lesley) Carey, Mike Carey, CJ (Lynn) Woodruff and Jeff (Mary) Woodruff; great-nieces and nephews, Christie, Caleb and Josie Carey, Amanda, Brennan and Sarah Woodruff; cousin and close friend, Donna Poore; and many close cousins, friends and neighbors.

No prior visitation. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Sept. 20^th at 11:00am at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Masks will be mandatory at the church. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Medina Scholarship Fund, PO Box 185, Medina, NY 14103, Supportive Care of Orleans, PO Pox 489, Albion, NY 14411 or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, Medina.