In Memory of

Gail

Ann

McEldowney

(Backofen)

Obituary for Gail Ann McEldowney (Backofen)

Gail Ann (Backofen) McEldowney, 71, of Vernon, CT and New Smyrna Beach, FL died peacefully Tuesday April 9, 2019 in the hospital in Florida after a short illness. She was born on June 29, 1947 in Rockville, where she lived until this year. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Elliott McEldowney, by her sister Susan (Backofen) Dorne and by her sons Elliott McEldowney IV and Arthur McEldowney. She was the daughter of the late Dorothy (Weber) Backofen and Edwin F. Backofen. A lifelong resident of Rockville and Vernon until this year, Gail was the owner of the sports collectable store Mac’s Cards in Vernon for 24 years. She was a dedicated sports fan and loyally followed her beloved New York Yankees and the UConn and Sun women’s basketball teams. Many remember her as a bus driver for the Vernon public schools for many years. She loved gardening and feeding the wild birds that visited the yard. She traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and had a special place in her heart for Maui, HI and Cooperstown, NY. Gail had a deep love of animals, especially her rescue Dalmatians Pudge, Cooper, and Dover. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 10 AM to 12 PM on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville, CT 06066 for a celebration of her life. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to a pet shelter of your choice. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com