Elaine Louise Waterfield

3 July, 1940 - December 2, 2020

It is with great sadness the family of Elaine Waterfield announces her passing on December 2, 2020, at the age of 80.

Mom was born in Dartmouth on July 3, 1940. Her beloved parents were Edwin "Ted" and Helen (Kemp). Mom was married in 1962 to Bruce Welsman, giving birth to their two daughters Ferne (Welsman) and Kim (Lewington) in 1964 and 1967.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Terry and Alfred "Skippy", and her sister Judy. She is survived by her brother Carl (Viola), her daughters Ferne Welsman (John Chapman) and Kim Lewington (Geof), her grandchildren Michael Welsman-Dinelle (Timothy Mitchell), Steven Welsman, and Emily Chapman; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mom was an Armed Forces wife, supporting her family through ten moves over 30 years. Although Bruce was in the Air Force, he was stationed on the HMCS Bonaventure. During the 1960's, he was often away for extended periods of time, while Mom worked hard to raise her young children at whichever posting they were living at the time.

Once her children were old enough, Mom went back to work part time, and attended night school, taking accounting courses. She worked in accounting and bookkeeping until her retirement.

After retirement she stayed active through travel (Scotland was her favorite trip), golfing, playing bridge, and volunteering. She gave selflessly of her time to Women for Music, Dartmouth General Hospital Auxiliary, and Christ Church (an inclusive church welcoming everyone). She was also very supportive of her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.

Mom was always fiercely independent. This internal strength would help her as she battled multiple mental and physical illnesses for over a decade. She was supported in this battle by her daughter Ferne, and her son-in-law John. Her refusal to move to assisted living most likely gained her the months of this last summer and fall of her life, as she was safely tucked away in her apartment as the pandemic swept through Nova Scotia's extended care homes this spring.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Cremation has taken place, and in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no visitation. Donations may be made in Elaine's name to Christ Church, 61 Dundas Street, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4H5, or to Hope for Wildlife, 5909 Highway 207, Seaforth, NS, B0J 2L0.