Belinda Fay McElhinney

It’s with great sadness and regret to announce the passing of a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, Belinda Fay McElhinney (Swanson), at age 59. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Belinda is survived by her husband, Jeff of 39 years; three daughters Holly (Tom), Amanda, and Lindsay (Jason), her brother, Claude Swanson, Jr.; a nephew, Glen Swanson, and five grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepmother, Mary Swanson. She was preceded in death by her parents Claude A. Swanson, Sr. and Donna Fay Swanson.

Belinda was born in Silver Spring on February 2, 1965. She graduated from Seneca Valley High School in 1983. She returned to school later in life to study Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and studied American Sign Language at Montgomery College.

Belinda was the definition of strength, courage, and love. She had a kind and caring heart and went out of her way to help others. Belinda was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2021 and participated in cancer trials to help herself and many others to find a cure for this disease. She dedicated her time to her family and volunteering at the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department as an Auxiliary member.

Her sense of humor kept her and her family’s spirits high during difficult times, especially during football season. She had a love for all types of music, her pets, the beach, and the holidays.

A visitation will be held at Mother Seton Parish, 19951 Father Hurley Boulevard, Germantown, MD 20874 on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a memorial mass starting at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/maryland.html