Obituary of Deanna B. McElroy

Deanna B. McElroy (Breslin) was born in Pottsville, PA November 21st, 1937, and passed away peacefully at her home in Lansdale on February 26th, 2024. She spent her final days surrounded by her loving family, who will always remember her for her witty sense of humor, her love of life, and her devotion to the Lord and family. She will be remembered for her dedication to her children learning about the Catholic faith and having pride in their Catholic education. 

Deanna was married to David McElroy for 61 wonderful years. She was predeceased by parents Norbert and Anna Breslin; sisters Patricia Breslin and Colleen Gagliardi (Breslin). She is survived by her children David McElroy III, Erin Kraft, Eileen Sinowitz, and Meghann McElroy (Schmittdiel) and their spouses, as well as by ten devoted grandchildren:  Kaitlyn, Claire, and Caroline McElroy; William and Katherine Kraft; Margot and Xavier Sinowitz; and Anna, Charles, and Tessalina Schmittdiel.  Deanna is also survived by her brother Norbert (Norby) Breslin and sister Maureen Haeusler (Breslin), as well as by a large extended family who greatly enjoyed her company through the years.  

Deanna grew up in New Philadelphia outside Pottsville. She graduated from Pottsville Catholic High school where she played basketball. After graduation she attended Misericordia School of Nursing, Class of 1958. Following graduation, Deanna married her college sweetheart, David Joseph McElroy Jr., in 1959. She worked at several hospitals in Philadelphia including Misericordia (Mercy), Germantown, and Chestnut Hill. She specialized in cardiac surgery and maternity departments. Deanna went on to work at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf as the school nurse. She spent an additional 22 years at Tredyffrin Township Middle School as the school nurse and retired with Dave in 2002.

Deanna and Dave enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Dave was a gifted pianist and entertainer. They sang old Irish songs well into the night. Deanna and Dave were very religious. Dave was the organist at St. Philip’s Neri for many years and the family sat adjacent to him at every Sunday mass. Deanna loved to shop and find deals. Her children called her the “Bargain Hunter.” She loved to spend time at their Ocean City home, which became a family tradition since the 1960’s.  Her favorite time of year was after the busy summer season ended when it was tranquil. Deanna loved to travel, and she and Dave made many trips abroad.   

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 9th, at 11:00am, at St. Philip’s (437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, 19444).

There will be a visitation from 10:00-11:00 am at the church before the funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

 Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Support & Services 

https://uniteforher.org/ 

The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

https://psd.org/