Obituary of Elinor Margaret McGarry

Elinor Margaret (Graham) McGarry, a remarkable woman of faith, love, and science, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and cherished memories that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Elinor was born in Scotland on June 25, 1939, to her loving parents, Edward and Jean Graham. Raised in the vibrant city of Glasgow alongside her younger brother, Edward, she developed a passion for knowledge and a curious mind from an early age. This passion led her to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry, which laid the foundation for her career as a forensic chemist and criminalist.

Elinor's talents as a chemist caught the attention of the Toronto Police Laboratory in Canada. Relocating from her homeland to embark on this new chapter, she intended to stay only briefly. Fate had other plans for her when she met John (Jack) McGarry, an officer in the US Air Force. They were married in 1968.

Elinor and Jack's adventurous spirits took them on a journey around the world, living in various places, including Canada, Australia, and numerous locations across the United States. Amid their travels, they were blessed with two children who brought immeasurable pride. Their son, Sean, was born in Del Rio, TX, and their daughter, Jeannette, came into the world in British Columbia, Canada.

In 1987, Elinor returned to her true passion for forensic science, joining the El Paso County Sheriff's lab as a crime scene investigator and crime lab technician in Colorado Springs, CO. Her dedication to her work and commitment to seeking justice made her an invaluable asset to her colleagues and the community she served.

Beyond her illustrious career, Elinor was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith. She found comfort, strength, and purpose in her beliefs, and she selflessly volunteered for her church and various local non-profit organizations, positively impacting countless lives.

Of all the roles she embraced throughout her life, Elinor found her greatest joy in being a loving grandmother to her cherished grandchildren: Aidan McGarry, Malia McGarry, and Elise Riendeau. Her love for them knew no bounds, and her presence in their lives was a source of immeasurable love and support.

Predeceased by her father, Edward Graham, and mother, Jean Graham, Elinor is survived by her husband, John McGarry of Colorado Springs, CO, son Sean (Marie) of Springfield, VA, daughter Jeannette (Christopher Riendeau) of Manchester, NH, grandson, Aidan McGarry of Springfield, VA, granddaughters Malia McGarry of Springfield, VA, and Elise Riendeau of Manchester, NH, brother Edward Graham (Marie) of Dunoon, Scotland, and many loving nieces and nephews around the world.

A devoted wife, loving mother, faithful Catholic, and cherished grandmother, Elinor McGarry will be deeply missed. May her soul find eternal peace and her memory forever be a blessing to all.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 pm on February 6, 2024 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 9 El Pomar Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 with a reception immediately following. The funeral will be live streamed at https://www.stpaulcos.org/livestream. A private burial will follow on February 7, 2024 at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please give the gift of life by donating blood and platelets to your local blood bank, or donations can be made in Elinor’s name to the American Cancer Society.