Elaine M. Falce

Elaine Catherine Maher Falce, 90, of Munhall, Pennsylvania, passed away on December 12, 2025, at UPMC Mercy Hospital, the place where she began her nursing career and later volunteered for many years. Born on July 29, 1935, on Pittsburgh’s North Side, Elaine spent more than five decades in Munhall, where she and her husband, Anthony, built a devoted and loving family life. They married in 1966 and shared nearly 59 years together until Anthony’s passing in June.

Elaine’s life was a testament to resilience, grace, and unconditional love. Born into circumstances that prevented her parents from caring for her and her brother, she became a ward of the state at age six and lived at St. Paul’s Orphanage throughout her childhood. As a young teenager, she was welcomed into the home of the Mischler family, who provided the stability and support that enabled her to complete high school and attend nursing school. Their generosity—and the bonds she formed within that home—shaped the course of her life.

A proud 1957 graduate of the Mercy School of Nursing, Elaine dedicated her career to caring for others. She spent many years at Mercy Hospital in the burn unit and health center, and also worked as an employee health and private duty nurse. It was during her time as a nurse at Continental Can Company in 1964 that she met Anthony, the love of her life. Nursing was more than a profession to Elaine—it was an expression of her deep empathy and her lifelong desire to help others.

Elaine was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage, her Catholic faith, and, above all, her family. An avid reader, she was rarely without a book in hand. Despite the limited opportunities of her early years, she made sure her children experienced the arts—ballet, symphony, museums, and cultural events—opening worlds to them that she had not known as a child.

Elaine held close lifelong bonds across both her biological and found families. Among her half-siblings, she shared a particularly meaningful connection with her late half-sister, Marcia Jacobs. From the Mischler family—who opened their home to her when she needed it most—she especially cherished her sisterly relationships with Mary Anne Callaghan and the late Janet Ashraf, as well as her godson, James Mischler, while remaining deeply grateful to the entire family for the foundation they provided her. Elaine also leaves behind her beloved sister-friend, Caroline O’Connell, who was a constant source of support.

Elaine is survived by her children Judith Devey (Mark), Michelle Falce (Glen Embree), and Steven Falce (Stephanie); and by her beloved grandchildren Ruby and Alice Peeler, Clare and Annemarie Falce, and Tre Embree. She was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel J. Maher. Elaine’s legacy is one of strength, generosity, and steadfast love—gifts she passed on to her children and grandchildren, who were her greatest joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to two organizations that reflect Elaine’s lifelong compassion for the vulnerable: The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill Motherhouse, supporting the retired sisters who devoted their lives to service. Covenant House, which provides shelter and support to young people experiencing homelessness.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at the George Irvin Green Funeral Home, 3511 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120 (412-461-6394). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 18, at 10 AM at St Therese RC Church, 1 St Therese Way. Burial is to follow. Please leave your memories and condolences at www.georgeigreenfuneralhome.com.