Obituary of Mattie Elaine Falconer

FALCONER, Mattie Elaine Melville May 8, 1958 - April 29, 2022. It is with profound sadness, that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Mattie “Elaine” (Forward) Falconer, 63, of Melville, who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Friday, April 29, 2022. Although Elaine faced a short battle with cancer, her spunky sense of humor continued to shine. Elaine was born May 8, 1958 in New Waterford, to parents Henry and Elaine (Redmond) Forward. Elaine attended school in Ontario before moving to River John with her family, in 1968. Elaine was the eldest of 8 children and took on that role with pride. After graduating from West Pictou High School in 1976, Elaine worked at Scotia Oxygen for a few years alongside her Dad. Elaine then began her career at Michelin Tire, where she worked as a secretary, a Michelin industrial engineer, and a BUL (Business Unit Leader), until settling into the role of safety specialist. Elaine married her teenage sweetheart Fred on July 1, 1978 and they were blessed with two sons, Michael and Blair. They enjoyed traveling and watching them play sports, especially hockey. Elaine could often be spotted with her camera at the rink, capturing action shots of her boys. After her retirement from Michelin, Elaine was busier than ever. She could be found smiling and boogieing away, while organizing and participating in activities for various community groups. Elaine was an avid volunteer with the Melville Community Hall, River John Winter Carnival, Ladies Exercise Group, and Chase the Ace in River John. There was never a dull moment when Elaine was around. Elaine’s sense of humor drew a crowd during the River John Fire Hall Ladies Auxiliary’s Annual “Ladies Night Out”. Regardless of the weather, outdoor activities were a priority for Elaine. She inspired others to get outside and be active through her dedicated volunteer work with the Cape to Cape Trail Hikers Association, Hike Nova Scotia, Outdoor Council of Canada, Heartland Tour and Pictou County Trails Association. Elaine relished in leading guided hikes on foot or snowshoe, teaching hiking courses, and maintaining local trails. She loved beach walking, bike riding, stand-up-paddleboarding, adventuring anywhere, especially on Pictou Island, and cross country skiing with her girls. Elaine enjoyed taking trips with family to cheer on the Leafs, as well as spending summer evenings with family and friends mackerel fishing out of Toney River, on her husband’s fishing boat. Most of all, Elaine treasured her time spent with her grandchildren. She was predeceased by father and mother in-law, Harry and Violet (Langille) Falconer, maternal grandparents, Lloyd and Mattie (Holmes) Redmond, and paternal grandparents Henry and Christena (MacNeil) Forward. Elaine will be dearly missed by her husband of 43 years, Fred Falconer; her sons, Michael (Christa), and Blair (Terri Lynne); her grandchildren whom she adored, Angus, Ellie, Brooklynne, Eion, and Maverick; her parents, Henry and Elaine (Redmond) Forward; sisters, Laurie (Mark), Beryl (Rick), Maureen (John), Tammy (Darren), Trina (James); brothers, Jason (Sarah), and Hank, as well as, many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. Elaine’s vibrant personality had a smile to match. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. There will be a Celebration of Life for Elaine at the River John Fire Hall in October of 2022. A private family committal service will be held. Donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to the Waterfront Development, via the River John Action Society.