Deirdre Gilkison McElroy

Deirdre Ann Gilkison McElroy was born in Chelsea, London, England on September 24, 1935, the daughter of Lieutenant Stewart Vernon Gilkison of the Irish Guards and Mary Kent Gilbert of New York State. She died Thursday, August 29, 2024, at her home. In 1936, her family relocated to Africa. She first lived on a farm in Clocolan, Orange Free State, South Africa, then moved to Swakopmund in Namibia. By the time she was of school age she lived in Rwanda where she grew up on a pyrethrum plantation. She completed her schooling in Kolwezi, Katanga, Belgian Congo. She emigrated to the United States in 1956 and lived in Ventnor, NJ with her maternal grandparents. In 1961 she married Clement Earl McElroy of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. After raising two sons, she entered the job market. She was employed by Mellon Bank for twenty-three years where she held many positions. She retired as vice president. She was an Episcopalian, member of Kingston Parish where she had served as Lay Eucharist Minister. She volunteered in many areas, including Meals On Wheels for 15 years.

Deirdre was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Clement; brother, Dugald Stewart Gilkison of Broxholme, England, and her sister, Yvonne Kevers of Spa, Belgium. 

She is survived by her son, Philip McElroy of Daejeon, South Korea, and his wife, Mi Sook Sohn; her son, David McElroy of Mathews, Virginia and his wife, Tracy Battilla; her granddaughter, Natalie McElroy of Norfolk, Virginia; and her sisters, Helen Gilkison Majuro of Lisbon, Portugal and Sally Gilkison of Howick, South Africa. 

She is grateful for all the love and support given by Nancy and Tom Halstead and Pete McElroy. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church, Kingston Parish.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews is assisting the family.