Mary Elaine Harkness (née Badry, formerly Bouteiller)

It is with deep sadness, and with gratitude for a life exceptionally well lived, that the family of Mary Elaine Harkness (née Badry, formerly Bouteiller) announce her passing on July 14, 2026, in Red Deer, Alberta.

Elaine’s remarkable journey began on December 21, 1943, quite literally before she reached her destination. Born enroute to the Wetaskiwin Hospital, she arrived with the adventurous spirit that would define the rest of her life. She was born to Gregory and Marie Badry and spent her early years attending school in Ponoka before her family settled in Red Deer.

On November 18, 1960, Elaine married Harold Lindsay Bouteiller, and together they built a family that became the center of her world. They raised four children: Curtis Bouteiller, Ken Bouteiller, Cindy Price (née Bouteiller), and Teresa Bouteiller.

While devoted to raising her children, Elaine continually challenged herself to learn, grow, and serve others. She became a lifeguard, turning her love of the water into a profession. After moving to Edmonton, she managed swimming pools and eventually accepted the role of Director of the Royal Life Saving Society, where she inspired and trained countless people in water safety and lifesaving skills.

Elaine’s adventurous spirit was impossible to contain. Later in life, alongside her second husband, Brian Harkness, she became a truck driver in the moving industry, embracing the open road and the freedom it offered. Following Brian’s passing, Elaine continued managing a moving and storage business before embarking on yet another chapter of service as a medic in Alberta’s oilpatch, bringing her characteristic strength, courage, and compassion to everyone she encountered.

One of the most meaningful chapters of Elaine’s life was reconnecting with Marina, the daughter she had lovingly placed for adoption years earlier. Their reunion brought immeasurable joy to Elaine and to the entire family. Through Marina, her husband Kelly, and their family, new bonds were formed, old questions were answered, and hearts were made whole. Elaine often spoke of how blessed she felt to know Marina and to have her become such an important part of her life. Marina, Kelly, and their family completed the circle of love that Elaine had carried in her heart for so many years, and in doing so, completed our family.

Life was never meant to be lived from the sidelines for Elaine. An avid swimmer and certified scuba diving instructor, she explored the world above and below the water’s surface. She earned her pilot’s license and famously survived a training-flight crash in a Cessna aircraft—a story she carried with the resilience and determination that defined her character. She also held a Class 1 driver’s license, rode motorcycles, and cherished countless adventures canoeing Alberta’s rivers with family and friends.

Elaine approached life with fearlessness, curiosity, and an enthusiasm that encouraged those around her to be a little braver themselves.  Above all else, Elaine treasured her family.

She leaves to mourn her children: Marina Moad and her husband Kelly, Curtis Bouteiller and his wife Dru, Ken Bouteiller and his wife Darolee, Cindy Price and her husband Grant, Teresa Bouteiller and her husband Barry Derbyshire.

She was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother to 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren: Mackenzie Ritchie and husband Justin with son Remi; Colin Bouteiller and his soon to be Wife Taylor Coate; Darcie Brown and husband Ryan with children Mason, Blakely, and Parker; Brandon Bouteiller and Ashley Wilson; Candace Bouteiller and Brad Maslanka; Matthew Price and daughters Presley and Charlie, Garrett Price and daughter Carter; Madison Price; Joel Derbyshire and wife Sarah with children James, Anthony, and Theodore; Jamie Derbyshire and wife Maria with children Kinnin, Addy, Woodson, and Wynne; Cara Derbyshire and husband Christian; Randi Derbyshire and Tyler Young; Michael Streukens and wife Danielle with son Grayson; and Amber Streukens and Byron with sons Delbert and Barrett.

Elaine is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Diane Jones, Brenda Wohlbold, Joanne Drake and her husband Gerhard, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

She was predeceased by her parents, Gregory and Marie Badry, her husband Brian Harkness, and many cherished family members and friends who welcomed her home.

Elaine’s life was a testament to courage, determination, service, and adventure. Whether she was saving lives, driving a truck across the country, piloting an aircraft, diving beneath the water, or simply sharing time with family, she embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and every opportunity with gratitude. Her legacy lives on in the strength, independence, and love she instilled in those fortunate enough to know her.

Honorary Pallbearers: Michael Streukens, Colin Bouteiller, Brandon Bouteiller, Matthew Price, Garrett Price, Joel Derbyshire, Jamie Derbyshire.

Memorial donations may be made to:  Ronald McDonald House or make a Wish for Children

She came into this world already on the move,
And never once slowed her adventurous heart.
She followed rivers and open roads,
Skies above and waters below,
Always searching for the next horizon.

She was a mother, a teacher, a rescuer,
A pilot, a diver, a traveler, and a friend.
But beyond every title and accomplishment,
She was simply Elaine—
Brave enough to live fully,
And loving enough to leave a piece of herself with everyone she met.

Though her journey has carried her beyond our sight,
Her spirit remains in every act of courage,
Every family gathering,
Every winding river,
And every sunrise that calls us onward.

We will miss her deeply,
Love her always,
And carry her memory wherever life’s adventures lead.