Marie Falconer

There are many words that describe Marie Falconer, but perhaps the word that paints the most detailed picture is sweet. She was a true depiction of both grace and strength with a tender heart that seemed to have no boundaries. Marie was a devoted mother whose greatest delight was her grandchildren who have become a vital piece of the footprint she leaves behind. Although the images she captured behind the lens of her camera were certainly spectacular, it was the true beauty and passion within Marie that made her work so unique.

It was in 1945 that the world finally saw an end to WWII with the United States and their allies declaring victory after the official surrender of the Japanese on September 2nd of that year. Just a couple of weeks later, Edmund and Ann (Dombrowski) Felker were celebrating their own joyous occasion with the birth of their daughter, Marie, on September 17th. Marie was the oldest of five children in her family, which included siblings Andrew, Rosalie, Cathy, and Edmund “Jimmy.” Her father worked at the foundry in Muskegon while her mother was a homemaker. Marie was raised in Muskegon near the beautiful eastern shores of Lake Michigan, establishing within Marie a lifelong love for the lake and lighthouses. As a young girl, she enjoyed playing tennis and riding her bike around town, and she treasured her friendship with her close friend Janet. Extended family gatherings were always an eventful time with plenty of good Polish food to enjoy. Marie attended local schools where she was a cheerleader in her younger days, active in the Drama Club and played the flute and spent some of her summers’ being a life guard. Marie graduated from Muskegon High School in 1963.

Not long after she graduated from high school, great changes were in store for Marie involving a certain young man. His name was Ivan Falconer, and they met at Muskegon Community College where they were both involved in the school’s production of “The Mouse That Roared.” As is so often the case, Marie and Ivan were opposites in many ways, which is what made the sparks between them so electric. After falling deeply in love, the couple was married on January 22, 1965, in Muskegon. Of great significance during their time as newlyweds was the blessing they received in the birth of their first child, Susan. Their young family moved to a farm in the country while Ivan continued his studies. In 1966, their family of three relocated to Vicksburg where Ivan completed his education at Western Michigan University. Then in 1969, Marie and Ivan welcomed son Andrew into their hearts and home and with his birth, their family was complete.

Over the next several years, Marie completely embraced her role as a mother. She took seriously the task of actually training children to become well-rounded, self-sufficient adults. Both Marie and Ivan set good examples of working hard and being honest, therefore expecting their children to do the same. Although they had many expectations of their children, they were also so proud of who they became. Spending time with extended family was an important part of life in the Falconer home as they always traveled from Vicksburg to Muskegon and Scottville on every holiday to see both sides of the family. When her mother grew older and needed more help, Marie and Ivan arranged for her to move nearby, which allowed Marie to take her mother to all of her appointments. She and her children also visited her mother together every time they went into town.

Life around the Falconer home was usually far from boring. They always had a dog, usually a Labrador retriever, and Ivan was forever bringing some sort of animal home when he worked at Western. They had a pet squirrel and even a pet fox that lived in the house with their family at one time! Their family pets also included hognose snakes that lived in an aquarium and many other pets over the years, too. Even later in life, pets were always a welcome addition to their family. Marie was active in the lives of her children, serving as a Girl Scout leader for whatever age was in need. Their family took many vacations together throughout much of the country and Canada. They also frequently traveled the shores, rivers, and woods all around Michigan.

In addition to caring for her family, Marie did many other things, too. After Ivan earned his master’s degree, Marie went back to school, earning her degree in business administration from Western Michigan University. She was dedicated to her work at Meijer where she worked in the loss prevention department. This work sometimes required long hours and was dangerous at times, too. Due to health issues, Marie retired in 1996, and she then pursued her passion – photography. She started her own photography business with her favorite subjects being lighthouses and her grandchildren. Marie entered some of her work in photography contests and even won awards at times. She was involved in her church with the United Methodist Women for a time, and she also was a Kid’s Hope volunteer for a few years. More recently, Marie became a certified lay speaker. She enjoyed doing counted cross-stitch and was an excellent seamstress whose projects included clothes for her children when they were younger and curtains for her home. During her retirement years, Marie frequently enjoyed fishing with her husband.

Nothing could have brought Marie more joy during her later years than becoming a grandmother. She and Ivan loved having their grandchildren stay at their house, often for up to six weeks during the summer. Together they enjoyed fishing, camping, swimming, and having countless adventures of all kinds. Marie was looking so forward to taking her granddaughter’s senior pictures this next summer.

Marie Falconer will be remembered as a vibrant and caring woman who was well-liked and respected by all those who knew her. She was notorious for being late, but was also well-known for her classic style. Marie always looked proper with tailored pants and blazers and even when she wore jeans, she managed to look “dressed.” Marie had a heart dedicated to loving others, even carrying on the fish camp her husband usually taught in his community after his death in 2008. She was a rare beauty who will be dearly missed.

Marie Falconer died on Sunday, March 7, 2010. Marie’s family includes her daughter, Susan (Gary) Falconer Horn, St. Ignace; son, Andrew N. Falconer, Vicksburg grandchildren, Annemarie S. Horn and Brandon G. Horn, St. Ignace; siblings, Andrew T. Felker, Kentwood, Rosalie (Rod) Brown, Grand Haven, Catherine (Fred) Bialk, Grand Rapids, Edmund James (Jean) Felker, Fruitport; mother, Ann Marie Felker, Tendercare Portage; sister in law, Mary Lou DeRooy, Ludington; brother in Law, Don (Patricia) Falconer, Nevada, and many nieces and nephews. Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan in 2008. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20th at the Vicksburg United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book, or make a memorial donation to the Vicksburg United Methodist Church or Anglers of the AuSable. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main, (649-1697).