Elizabeth McEldowney "Lily" Hall

Bar Harbor

Elizabeth "Lily" (McEldowney) Hall, 90, of Bar Harbor, Maine, died peacefully surrounded by loving family members on November 21, 2025 at Seal Cove Assisted Living in Ellsworth. She was born October 7, 1935 in the village of Ballymagaraghy, County Donegal, Ireland. Raised by her loving mother, Elizabeth McEldowney,

Lily attended school in Carrowmenagh. In 1952, as a brave teenager, Lily traveled across the Atlantic to the New York City area in the United States. She was welcomed with open arms by her mother's sister, Margaret Bracken; two of her brothers who came to the States ahead of her; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Initially she found employment as the personal maid to a wealthy family and traveled with them to their homes in the New York City area, Palm Beach, Florida, and Bar Harbor, Maine. She enjoyed living with this kindhearted family and the exciting adventures afforded her. During one of those summer stays in Bar Harbor, she met Lawrence "Larry" Hall, Jr. They fell in love and were subsequently married on December 10, 1955. Bar Harbor then became her permanent home. Over the next 10 years, she and Larry welcomed four children. They were devoted parents – attending endless sporting events & activities; getting together with other families for Sunday cookouts at Hadley Point, Thompson's Island or the camp at Donnell's Pond; and opening their door to all their children's friends. Lily – always the consummate hard worker and caring individual – worked at local nursing homes in the early years of her marriage and then she operated her own home day care where she welcomed numerous children over the years, all of whom she treated as lovingly as her own. In 1974, she joined the Jackson Lab and worked there until her retirement in 1998.

Lily enjoyed going to camp at Donnell's Pond, dancing, attending the annual Hayseeders' Ball, playing cards, cooking, and visiting with family and friends. The annual gathering at her home on the 4th of July was always something she looked forward to. Lily was a member of St. Saviour's Episcopal Church. She was especially proud to receive her Certificate of Naturalization on March 16, 1995 in Bangor, Maine and honored to receive the Jackson Lab Community Award in 1994. Her favorite moments in life were always those spent with family and friends. Her pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her beloved husband Larry.

Lily is survived by her four children: Betty Dugan and husband Jeffrey of Bloomfield, CT, Jeff Hall of Bar Harbor, ME, Robert Hall and wife Julie of Trenton, ME, Judy McGinn and fiancé Tom Robertson of Bucksport, ME. Grandchildren: Kate Greenbacker and husband Charlie, Michael Thornton, Danielle Graffius and husband Ben, Andrew Hall, Brittany Tyner and husband Andy, Jonathan Hall, Nolan Hall, Sean McGinn, and Heather McGinn. Great grandchildren: Taylor Thornton; Ella and Erinne Graffius; Chase, Andrew, Emma & James Greenbacker; and Jack and William Tyner. She also leaves her sister-in-law, Nancy Dorsey and husband David, former daughter-in-law Brenda Sprague, former son-in-law Sepp McGinn, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Lawrence Vernon Hall, Jr. in 2022; her mother Elizabeth McEldowney; her 3 brothers William McEldowney (Mary), Robert McEldowney, and James McEldowney (Lucy). Also, her father- and mother-in-law Lawrence and Edna (Hardison) Hall, sister-in-law, Venessa McKay (Charles Raymond), former son-in-law, Steven Thornton.

A celebration of life and graveside service will be held at Bayview Cemetery in Franklin in the spring.

Those wishing to honor Lily's memory in a special way may contribute to: St. Saviour's Episcopal Church, 41 Mt. Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 or MDI YMCA, 21 Park Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.

Lily will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched. Without a doubt, she earned very special Angel wings. Fly high with Larry now…May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com