Kenny, Denise, Derek and families.

Our deepest sympathy is with you and your families at this time of loss and grief.

Uncle Kenny, Denise and Derek, I am so very sorry about the loss of your wife and mother, and my Aunt. Please except my deepest sympathy. Another angel gone too soon

Ken….Derek, Denise & families, our loss is great. I would like to share some fond memories of Elaine, my older and only sibling.

My sister. My friend. My longest constant. She was pint-sized equipped with a huge heart; supportive, forgiving, and kind. Ours was a long distance relationship with thousands of miles between us, yet it seemed as though she was right next door. I roamed west, ending up in on the southern Oregon Coast, while she chose a different path, staying put in Ontario, always making the effort to stay in touch.

When Elaine went high-tech, we engaged in a steady relationship of email messages. I eagerly opened those from ‘kenhardwick1’, knowing the text would be filled with interesting details of their daily life sprinkled with wit, wisdom, and always a bit of humour. It seemed there was never a dull moment with the Hardwick clan. Her delightful style could rival Erma Bombeck. She’d sign-off with, Love E.

Through these correspondences, we compared weather, cultures, and lifestyles. She strongly valued family and friendships. Elaine adored her Kenny and rejoiced in their children and grandchildren. She took great pleasure in all aspects of homemaking, joked about the grass-cutting responsibilities, and looked forward to summer and the chance to spend some time up north at the cottage.

Elaine’s instinct was to make others feel special, doing so with such a natural ease. As the years went by, I learned to admire her more and more for that. It was like life was one of her quilts, pulling together bits and pieces, scraps and silk, carefully stitching together something beautiful and lasting.

When we were young, Elaine taught me how to ice skate and took me trick-or-treating. In my early teens, big sister introduced the music of the Beatles, Deep Purple, and Steppenwolf. From a visit in 1994, I fondly remember her banana muffins and elderberry pies. For years since, a heavy Christmas package arrived annually, thoughtfully stuffed with mementos of Canada, treats from Ontario, and ‘something silly’ too, of course. Cards and notes were beautifully hand-written. She never forgot my birthday.

Elaine’s sudden departure has left me stymied, things left unsaid, undone. There is now a void that can never be refilled. I take solace in knowing she was happy, content, and loved, touching those within her sphere, in the warmest of ways.

Repose en paix soeur. Rest in peace sister. Love L.

I cannot not express my deepest sympathy to you Ken, Derek, Denise, and family. While growing up we were one big family. Dinners every Sunday, climbing in the barn, etc.. Too many memories to post, and they are all very happy memories. I am very fortunate to have a piece of your mom in her quilts that she made for my babies and the one she made for me, I will cherish them. As I think of her now I can hear her and how she said my name. I will never forget her, she was and is a great woman. Love Tracy

My deepest condolences to the Hardwick family during the difficult time. I have many childhood memories that include Elaine and I know she will be missed by many.

It is difficult for me to comprehend that Elaine is no longer with us. Elaine, Ken, Derek and Denise mean a great deal to our family. The Emery family spent many Sunday's together with the Hardwicks in Caistor Center. These days were always topped off with a fantastic dinner prepared by Elaine. She was a fantastic cook and baker and a wonderful kind woman and mother. My wife Angela says that both Ken and Elaine welcomed her when we first met as if she had been a family friend for many years as well. She was also very kind to our children when they were babies and toddlers making quilts and buying Christmas gifts for them. It hurts me greatly that I will not see her again. My heart and thoughts are with Ken, Derek And Denise and family. May she rest in peace.

I remember Elaine as a kind and caring person - always smiling. She patiently included her younger cousins in the fun at family gatherings. I remember her love for family and we connected on a number of occasions to share old family pictures and stories. I met my husband when I was photocopying some family pictures to send to Elaine after a phone conversation and we chuckled about this when she came to the wedding. I will miss her but I won't forget her.

My condolences to you Ken, Derek, Denise and to all of those grandchildren she loved so very much - I hope you will find comfort in the fact that you brought great joy to her life.

reading today's paper brought my heart up into my throat ... condolences to Ken and the Family from Ferne, Jim and Mary, Pat and Ken and all our families ... while we were separated somewhat by time and circumstances the countless hours we spent together as kids left an indelible impression that I have carried all my life ... she loved her family and I know she will be dearly remembered by them and many others

Elaine, we will miss our dinners out together and the great conversations we shared. You were always a kind, generous and positive person. We are lucky to have called you our friend.

Love, Nick and Mayr

You were a great neighbour and friend,,, will be sadly missed,,,,, sending condolences to the family

Elaine was a wonderful and caring person. This sudden loss has left the world a little more empty and a little colder. I know that she was greatly loved and that love lives on in her children and grandchildren.

Our thoughts and love are with everyone on this very sad occasion.

Christine and Connor