Gail W. McEldowney

Gail W. McEldowney, 89, of Providence and formerly of Barrington, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 17, 2026 at the Steere House Nursing Center. She was the beloved wife of the late Bruce C. McEldowney. Born in White Plains, New York, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Dorothy (Wesley) O’Brien and a proud graduate of Mount Holyoke College, MA. Besides raising three boys on her own, after the untimely passing of her husband, she was a property manager for several years prior to her retirement.

She is survived by her children, Gary McEldowney and his wife, Mary Jo, of Cumberland, RI, Bruce E. McEldowney of Rye, NH, and Bryan McEldowney of Portsmouth, NH; her grandchildren, Taylor Paul and her husband Matt, Evan McEldowney, Matt McEldowney and Sasha McEldowney. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Harper and Natalie. She also leaves her sister, Lynn Unkenholz of Ameila Island, FL. She was also the sister of the late Phyllis Christian.

Gail had several passions but none like being an avid Boston Red Sox fan and a New England Patriots enthusiast. She rarely missed a Red Sox baseball game that was televised, always read about the game results in the Providence Journal (a loyal reader of over 40 years) and would especially be disappointed when they lost to their rival New York Yankees. She wasn’t on the same level as Jimmy Fallon in the movie of Fever Pitch – but she certainly was close. And thank goodness she saw them win several World Series titles.

But more importantly, she was a devoted mother to her three boys and always loved to be around her extended family for get-togethers, holidays, birthdays and helping with her grandchildren when she could. Those who knew Gail remember her enduring strength and devotion to her family – she will be missed, but her family has many cherished memories she leaves behind.

The funeral and burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Steere House in Providence, RI.

The family is especially grateful to the caregivers and staff of Steere House whose kindness and compassion provided much comfort to Gail during her final years there.