Tribute

Elaine Phyllis Harvey

February 23, 1937 – August 14, 2026

It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our much-loved mother and grandmother, Elaine Phyllis Harvey, of Kimberley, BC. Mom passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89, following a courageous seven-year battle with dementia.

Mom was born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, to Harold and Mamie Miller on February 23, 1937. At eight years old, her family relocated to Kimberley, BC, the community she would proudly call home for the rest of her life.

She worked various jobs before joining the staff at the Kimberley & District Hospital in the late 1960s. Beginning her career in the kitchen, Mom demonstrated her characteristic drive by pursuing and earning her nursing degree at the age of 40. She dedicated years to nursing until she met the love of her life, Bill. Wanting to spend her weekends camping and fishing alongside him, she transitioned to working in the hospital’s laundry department, where she remained until her retirement at age 61.

Mom was a proud and active community member, serving with the Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary. Together, she and Bill spent countless hours volunteering their time at local accordion festivals.

Her creative talents brought warmth and comfort to those around her. Mom was an exceptionally skilled knitter and crocheter, known for the hundreds of intricate doilies she crafted, as well as the prized buffalo wool sweaters and coats she made for all of her grandchildren. Her beautiful homemade blankets—especially her festive Christmas ones—will be cherished by her family for generations to come.

An avid reader, Mom could always be found with stacks of books by her bed, generously supplied in boxfuls by her longtime friends Carol and Tom. She also found immense joy in her flower gardens, camping at Big Pines on Lake Koocanusa, and traveling south with Bill for the winter season.

Mom is survived by her children: Wendy (Dennis) Muth, Laurie (Bruce) Filip, Walter (Carol Anne) Pighin, Debbie Nadon, Ilein (Garey) Webb, Raymond (Sue) Pighin, and Cathy Roberts; as well as her stepchildren: Terry Harvey, Randy (Bonnie) Harvey, and Tammy Deamicis. She also leaves behind a legacy of 21 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Bill Harvey; her parents, Mamie and Harold Miller; her sister, Gail Hyde; her brother-in-law, Larry Hyde; her sons-in-law, Fred Nadon and Lance Deamicis; and two beloved grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Mark Memorial Community Funeral Home, located at Industrial Road #2, Cranbrook, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom’s memory to the Kimberley Pines Care Home. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at The Pines for their extraordinary care and kindness towards our mom.

❤️❤️Forever Loved and Missed ❤️❤️