New Glasgow - G. Aileen (Seaman) Proudfoot, age 90, of Parkland Truro, formerly of New Glasgow, passed away peacefully January 8, 2017 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
Born August 11, 1926, in Mansfield, Cumberland County she was a daughter of the late Merton and Helen (Mattinson) Seaman.
Aileen was a fiercely independent woman, teaching school in a one room schoolhouse in Mansfield while still in her teens. Spurred on by the death of her younger brother, she pursued a nursing career and was a proud VG Hospital Nursing School Alumni.
Seeking adventure, Aileen nursed in Brantford, Ontario after graduation. Although she thoroughly enjoyed her time there, a young John Proudfoot had already stolen her heart in Nova Scotia. After much letter writing and telephone calling, John drove to Ontario and convinced her to return home with him. They were married in 1950 and celebrated their 64 th Anniversary prior to John’s death in 2015.
Aileen and John had a wonderful partnership. She was the CEO on the home front, orchestrating everything with amazing efficiency and cheerfulness. Every fall, they escaped on a vacation away from the kids, where they surely enjoyed some rare peace and quiet.
Aileen was a dedicated volunteer for many years. Whether canvassing door-to door, working with the Gyrettes on a project, helping with Church activities, organizing a concert for the Pipe Band or quietly helping someone in need, if Aileen was on the job, it was always a success.
Over the years, Aileen attended almost every concert and graduation for each of her 6 children and later for her 12 grandchildren. She was very proud of her family and took particular pleasure in welcoming 3 great-grandchildren in the past 3 years.
Aileen resumed her nursing career after her children grew up and enjoyed several years as a special duty nurse at the Aberdeen Hospital.
Aileen enjoyed hosting family parties both on Abercrombie Road and at Black Point. As the family expanded, the gatherings got noisier. She and John spent many winters in retirement in Florida, with friends old and new, and enjoyed golfing and bicycling there. Aileen also golfed at home with the girls and played bridge, proudly winning the booby prize on many occasions. She and John got their first computer for their 50 th anniversary, got connected and marvelled at their newfound ability with technology.
Aileen had a great sense of humor and loved making her children and grandchildren laugh. Although in the last few years she was robbed of her usual vitality and wit by Alzheimer’s, her face always lit up when her family or friends came to visit, particularly her great-grandbabies. She was fortunate this past year to have a caring companion, Sondra, who kept her busy walking, touring, gardening and doing jigsaw puzzles.
Aileen is survived by her son, Brock (Jane) of New Glasgow; daughters: Lynn (John) Burgess of Halifax; Sheri Hiles of Calgary; Marnie (Howie) Anderson of New Glasgow; Anne of Halifax; and Mary (Ronnie) Jones of New Glasgow; her grandchildren: Sara (Christian Masotti) and Caroline (Steve Burry) Burgess; Colleen (Jon Russell), Ryan (Amanda Wildeman), Nicole and Allison (Max Mycka) Proudfoot; Megan Hiles; Morgan (Brody Martin) and Grace Anderson; Chris (Luiza Radu), Katelyn and Michelle Jones; and 3 great-grandchildren: Hazel and Claire Russell and Arlo Masotti. She is also survived by sister, Flo Deszca of Burlington and sister-in-law, Helen (Ron) Young of Toronto, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, John, her parents and her brothers, Bud and Eugene.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow on Thursday, January 12 from 6-9 pm. A service will be held on Friday, January 13 at 11am at First Presbyterian Church, New Glasgow, with Rev. Dr. Ken MacLeod officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Donations in Aileen’s memory may be made First Presbyterian Church, New Glasgow or the VON Meals on Wheels. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca