Obituary of Elaine Frances Kennedy

June 7, 1949 – Grande Prairie, Alberta

January 22, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness and profound heartbreak that we announce the passing of Elaine Frances Kennedy (nee Turner) on January 22, 2024. She passed away gently in her home, surrounded by family. She joins her late husband Dennis in what is sure to be an epic reunion of love, laughter, and endless cheek.

Elaine will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children; Jeffrey (Lara) of Airdrie, Meaghan of Calgary, and her granddaughter Grace. Her loss will be felt by her sister Marilynn (Manfred) and brother Ken (Carol), along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Elaine commenced her career as a bank teller with CIBC and later transitioned to become a technical editor for Shell Canada, where she dedicated 20 years of service. Her loving marriage to Dennis began on May 13th, 1972, spanning 44 wonderful years. The couple remained steadfast by each other's side until Dennis passed away in 2015. Life took Elaine many places in Alberta, first moving to Edmonton where the couple would welcome their two children and later to Calgary, where they built a strong community of friends and neighbors who remained an important part of their lives for decades.

Fiercely devoted to her family, she made it her life's work to spend time with them, creating memories and sharing laughter throughout all of life's many chapters. Never one to seek attention, Elaine was always in the background, ensuring everyone had what they needed. No problem was too big or too small that she could not find the answer in her magic purse or the back seat of her car. Her countless small gestures of kindness and caring touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have her in theirs.

Gardening was a passion of Elaine’s and for over 40 years she tended to and created beauty within her yard. The Botanical Gardens in Silver Springs brought countless hours of exploration and joy and became a favored activity she did with her granddaughter, Grace. You could find her weeding wherever she went, contributing in her own way to making the world a more beautiful place to live in. 

Her compassion, love, devotion to her family, loyalty, humour, endless support, and keen sense of right and wrong, is the legacy she leaves behind within the people she held closest. When she welcomed you into her heart, there was no greater place to be. Sunday dinners, her annual Canada Day BBQ, walks in the gardens, chats on the deck, long good-byes at the front door, phone calls with friends, laps around her yard with her flowers, Mum was simply happiest being with her loved ones.

Mum was firm in her request of no service or gathering and we would like to thank all those who are keeping us in their hearts. If friends so desire, memorial tributes are welcomed to be made to the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs at https://bgss.ca/#donations. Please turn on some music and have a dance in the kitchen in honour of the irreplaceable Mrs. Elaine Kennedy - our sweetest Mummy.  

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Elaine’s here.

How lucky are we to have such grief, for grief is the price we pay for love. We love you Mum and we will see you just around the corner. Love you lots BFN.

In living memory of Elaine Kennedy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.