It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a wonderful daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, aunt, and much-loved musician, Fleur Mainville on January 21, 2015 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, N.S.
Fleur was more than a friend to many people, especially in Pictou County. Everyone she met instantly felt they were her friend. She had a unique demeanor that made everyone feel comfortable and included. To her close friends and family Fleur was even more than that; she was their light, their rock, their leader – she was their world.
Fleur Marie Claude Mainville, 37 was the beloved daughter of Roger and Jocelyne (Courchesne) Mainville (Sunny Brae); survived by her loving husband, Andrew Heighton and their children, Dominic and Ava (New Glasgow); her brother, Manuel (Amelia Fraser) Mainville (Whitehorse); her paternal grandmother, Juliette Mainville (Montreal); parents-in-law, Amby and Rita Heighton (Stellarton); brother-in-law Paul (Leah Sutherland) Heighton (New Glasgow); sister-in-law Becky Heighton, and nieces and nephews, Keigan and Jaelyn Heighton (Stellarton); godsons Jacob Bezanson (John and Lisa); Braxton Dort (Matthew and Kara); godmother Lise Mainville and godfather Daniel Courchesne and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was predeceased by maternal grandparents Paul and Yvette Courchesne and her paternal grandfather Edmond Mainville.
Fleur was born in Antigonish, NS on October 2, 1977. She grew up in Merigomish and moved with her family to Pictou and graduated from Pictou Academy as valedictorian and loved spending time with her parents and brother especially summers on their sail boat which helped Fleur become an accomplished swimmer with the Pictou Mariners Swimming Club.
At a very early age Fleur fell in love with music. She began playing the violin at five and progressed to become a multi-talented musician. She was an accomplished piano player, piper with the Heather Bells pipe band and played the flute in the school band. Fleur was one of Nova Scotia’s most loved and charismatic fiddle players. Fleur had a passion for teaching, having many students of all ages, who will be forever grateful for her talent and patience. Fleur was proud to watch her students perform at recitals, competitions and music festivals. She loved to visit schools – introducing, teaching and promoting the fiddle to students, sharing her knowledge of the instrument and all the beautiful sounds it could make. Her personal kindness and compassion to volunteer, generosity, and availability for concerts, charities and fundraisers was appreciated by the community as she always wanted to help someone else in need. For her efforts she received the highest honor of the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal. Fleur could light up a room. She was bilingual with a beautiful soft-spoken voice and she loved people – always taking time to sit and talk. Fleur, herself, was a great storyteller. She had an incredible, natural flair for telling “the story behind the song” before performing one of her slow airs, jigs or reels. Her timing, wit, charm and delivery were impeccable. Even if she was going to perform a haunting lament, she would have you in laughter before she played it. Her smile and laughter was indeed infectious and contagious. She was an inspiration and loved life! Fleur was a member of the Celtic rock band MacKeel and released five, solo CD recordings of her own and a book of Pictou County Fiddle Tunes that showcased her phenomenal fiddle playing and her beautiful singing voice, as well, she performed on countless recordings for many Canadian music artists. Playing with her “musician family and friends” was important to her and she loved to perform, especially on the stages of the deCoste Centre (Summer Sounds), Glasgow Square, Pictou Lobster Carnival, New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee, Festival of the Tartans and many other local festivals and concerts – and even a kitchen party jam was a favourite. As well, she enjoyed being the Market Manager of the New Glasgow Farmers’ Market and hosting her own radio show “East Coast Road Trip” on East Coast FM. Everything Fleur took on, she took on with heart, soul and passion, touching so many lives and leaving a lasting impression.
Fleur was diagnosed with Carcinoid Cancer in 2008 and her amazing courage and strength, along with the support of her family, friends and community, took her through her journey. It was during this time she met her soul mate Andrew and together they opened up their home and hearts to become dedicated and loving parents to Dominic and Ava, her pride and joy. Fleur leaves not only a void with her family, but with the community, her students, and extended music families. She will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to thank some extraordinary people for their support and care over the past several months Dr. Gerry Farrell, Dr. Aaron Smith, Dr. Daniel Rayson, QEII Hospital numerous nurses and the entire community of Pictou County.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 25, 2015 from 1-9 at the deCoste Centre, Pictou. A Celebration of Fleur’s Life will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 11 a.m. in the deCoste Centre, Pictou. A private family burial will follow.
Family flowers only please. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Pictou County SPCA, Pictou County Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Aberdeen Palliative Care, Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumor Society Canada or An Education Fund for her two children, by donation at Porter’s Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the direction of the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.
Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca
Even though our lovely Fleur is gone, her legacy through music will live on.