Eileen Johanna Walecka

She was born in Fall River, MA and lived in the Flint section of that city as a child. Her parents were William Falconer Jr. and Rhea (Chagnon) Falconer. After William passed away Rhea married Eileen’s step dad, Stephen Fortier, Jr. She moved to New Bedford at age 12 and lived there for the remainder of her life.

The 35 years she spent as an early childhood educator at Smith Mills Weekday Nursery in Dartmouth brought her great joy and satisfaction. She impacted the lives of hundreds of children during her tenure there.

Eileen is survived by her son, Jeffrey W. Walecka and his wife Kathy A. Walecka of Dartmouth as well as her daughter Kimberly Walecka Ferro and her husband Joseph Ferro of New Bedford in whose home Eileen resided for many years.

She was the loving grandmother of Justin J. Walecka of New Bedford, Melanie B. McDonnell of Fall River, Brandon C. Walecka and his wife Janessa Carvalho of Dartmouth, and Ruby Ferro of Somerville, as well as her step-grandson Jason Ferro of Fairhaven.

Eileen loved her time spent with her great grandchildren William Walecka, Devin Souza, Mason McDonnell, Finley Walecka and Marliese Rose Walecka, and her step great grandchildren Evan, Jolie and Bella Ferro. In addition, she found joy in her granddaughter Melanie’s new family of Greg Dzialo and children.

She shared her love with her many nieces and nephews and cherished the time she spent with them.

Eileen was pre-deceased by her brothers Roland Falconer and Gerald Fortier, and her sister Shirley Sylvia, all of whom she loved dearly.

Her last days were spent at Alden Court in Fairhaven and the family wishes to thank the staff there as well as the Southcoast Hospice team for the loving care they provided.

In accordance with her wishes we will honor her life privately. Just keep her in your heart and enjoy a memory of time spent together.

To quote Eileen, “What a run this has been!”.