HARRISON, Elaine
Posted: April 1st, 2022
Elaine Harrison
1931 – 2022
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind”
It is with sadness that we annonce the passing of Mrs. Elaine Anna Harrison on March 24, 2022 at the age of 91 years.
Elaine grew up on a farm near Marsden, Saskatchewan. She often talked about those days with great fondness. She and Thelma were constantly exploring and finding new adventures. She completed her schooling locally, and then went on to University of Saskatchewan to start her studies to become a teacher. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Lethbridge.
Bill and Elaine met in Saskatoon and were married on August 28, 1954. After completing University, they started teaching in Saskatchewan, and then moved to Lethbridge in 1957. Elaine loved to teach. Her first Lethbridge job was at Hamilton school. This is where she met her class of “Angels” with whom she maintained contact for the remainder of her life – a testament to her connection with students and her love of teaching. Once her kids were on their way, Elaine worked at the Lethbridge College helping guide the Community Arts and Recreation program. Elaine was included in the “My Most Memorable Teacher” project celebrating 100 Years of Alberta Teaching Excellence.
Elaine was a creative soul and clay was her vehicle of choice. She created functional as well as artistically interesting pieces. She was forever thinking about her next project. Elaine loved to teach pottery and was so proud of her student’s creations. This was her true passion, and she taught for as long as possible – her last class was in 2019. Her creativity knew no bounds as she explored many art media and was always game to try something new. Elaine was thrilled to receive the “Joan Waterfield Memorial Award” in 2007.
Elaine loved to travel. Over the years she went on many adventures around the world with friends and her best travelling companion – sister Thelma. Many of her travels involved local pottery studios and classes. She collected treasures to bring home and enjoyed sharing photos and tales from afar.
Elaine’s greatest passion was her family. She loved being a mom and was an ever present support for her family. She encouraged us to reach for our dreams and was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren. Many will remember the birthday parties that she created first for Tim and Vanessa, and then for her grandchildren. She took her grandchildren on many an adventure from tenting in the backyard, fishing at Henderson Lake, and exploring “China” in the coulees. She continually encouraged them to use their imaginations, to play and to explore. There was no time for video games and the “idiot box” when you were hanging out with Nana.
Elaine was the daughter of an original “CCF’er” and was committed to support political candidates and policies that were focussed on making life better especially for those in need. She loved to be involved and making any contribution to help.
Sadly, Elaine was diagnosed with dementia in her 80’s. She took on this diagnosis with grace and tenacity. She was always trying to outsmart her foe with lists and memory cues. When she would meet someone, she started each conversation with “tell me how I know you”. Elaine was determined to keep ahead of this enemy for as long as possible.
Elaine was blessed with amazing, caring physicians and healthcare professionals. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Sue Westheuser for her compassion and expert care. We would also like to thank Dr. Erwin Lee and the geriatric team as well as the home care team members that provided care for Mom. We are also thankful for Dr. Mark Fernhout and many teams at the Chinook Regional Hospital who looked after Mom in January. Lastly, we would like to express our deep gratitude to the staff in Cottage 6 at GSS Park Meadows for the compassionate and loving care provided to Mom over the past year.
Elaine is survived by her sister Thelma Howard; her son, Tim (Deanna) Harrison; and daughter, Vanessa (Rick) Maclean. The joy of her life were her grandchildren Elizabeth, Brendan (Haylee), Sean (Katie) and Patrick (Staci). She was so excited about “the baby” and could not wait to meet her new great grandson, Harrison.
Elaine was predeceased by her loving husband, Bill Harrison, and her parents, Edward and Marie Howard.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the amazing life of Elaine Harrison 2:00 pm on Friday, April 8, 2022 in the Anton’s Ballroom at the Lethbridge Lodge, 320 Scenic Dr S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B4.
In order to protect vulnerable family members, we respectfully request that those that attend have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Elaine made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8 or the Lethbridge Food Bank. 1016, 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0C9.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.