In Memoriam: Former Springfield District Supervisor Elaine McConnell

PHOTO: Elaine McConnell photo courtesy of MWAA/Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

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By Supervisor Pat Herrity

Springfield District

Former Springfield District Supervisor Elaine McConnell passed away early Sunday morning. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, she, her husband “Mac” and her three children moved to Fairfax County in 1961. Elaine proudly served the residents of the Springfield District for 24 years, and her loss is one that will reverberate around the whole community.

She impacted so many lives both inside and outside of public service. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, I hope they know that the community will be forever grateful for her tireless work to make Fairfax County and the region a great place to live.

She had the true heart of a servant. Elaine was a pillar in Fairfax County and the region. During her 24 years on the Board of Supervisors she advocated for many causes. Elaine took a special interest in public safety issues and was instrumental in the building of McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center, the county’s world class public safety and transportation operations center, which bears her name.

She was also a staunch advocate for transportation solutions and served as the Chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and other regional transportation boards. She was the founder and “mother” of the Virginia Railway Express. Most recently she served on the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board as an appointee of Governor McDonnell.

In her private life she was the CEO and owner of the Accotink Academy, which she founded in 1964. The academy continues to serve children throughout the region and was the first in the region to serve children with learning disabilities. McConnell’s work in this field, and her study of handwriting and math disorders has gained national attention.

Visitation is this Friday, January 15th, between 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Accotink Academy, which is located at 8519 Tuttle Rd. Springfield, VA. The funeral will be held this Saturday, January 16th at Messiah United Methodist Church, located at 6215 Rolling Rd. West Springfield, VA, with a time to be determined.