Elaine Mettlin McGonegal 1935-2007

MCGONEGAL, METTLIN

Posted By: Dorothy (email)
Date: 10/13/2008 at 12:30:34

Elaine Joy McGonegal, 72, who championed human services and allied health programs in Prince George's County for four decades, died July 9 at Howard County General Hospital in Columbia. She had congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes.

Mrs. McGonegal, a resident of North Laurel, MD worked on aging, housing and mental health issues during her career with the Prince George's government and as a longtime volunteer. From 1983 to 1998, she worked as a community development assistant and program coordinator with the Aging and Family Services departments. She retired in 1998 as program coordinator for the county's Senior Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program

Mrs. McGonegal was born in Oelwein, Iowa, and her family moved to Prince George's when she was 1. She graduated from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville in 1953. She received an associate's degree with honors as a mental health clinician from Prince George's Community College in 1975 and a bachelor's degree in management studies from the University of Maryland University College in 1988.

During her career, she was a student nurse in the mid-1950s; a psychiatric aide for a psychiatrist and Prince George's County Hospital in the mid-'70s; and a case manager and home finder for Family Service of Prince George's County Inc. from 1979 to 1981.

From 1981 to 1985, she was project coordinator of Operation Match, an innovative housing program for low-income families that became a part of the county's housing department.

Mrs. McGonegal volunteered extensively. From 1972 to the late 1990s, she served on the board of directors, the executive committee and in other leadership roles with the Mental Health Association of Prince George's.

She also volunteered with the Venture Club of Prince George's, a social outreach program, with the PTA at Landover Hills Elementary School and with Hospice of Prince George's County. She was on the board of directors of the county Voluntary Action Center in 1982-83 and the Center for Community Development in 1984. She was a charter member of the Central Prince George's Business and Professional Women's Club.

For 20 years, Mrs. McGonegal was a lay teacher and chaired committees at Christ United Methodist Church in Landover Hills. From 2001 to 2007, she was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in North Laurel.

In the early 1980s, she participated in the Department of Health and Human Service's Overholster Convocation on Mental Health.

Her interests included hosting events, talking with people and helping them with personal problems. She also enjoyed the theater, traveling and sewing, and she loved butterflies, flowers in her garden and her cats and dogs.

Survivors include her husband of 48 years, Victor McGonegal of North Laurel; her son, Steven Scott McGonegal of Laurel; and two grandsons.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007; Page B06

Note - Elaine McGonegal donated the gate-sign at Otsego cemetery. It was constructed by the late Owen Franks of Stanley. Although "Union-Otsego" can be found on old township records, it has always be been simply called Otsego through the years. The Fayette County Pioneer Cemetery crew is donating their time to restore the cemetery. Jefferson township trustees plans to install new fence as project is completed.