Serena Yvonne Kilfoyl
May 9, 1973 – February 8, 2026

Serena Yvonne Kilfoyl — known to many as Kristy, but always Serena in the ways that mattered most — was born on May 9, 1973, in Calgary and left this world far too soon on February 8, 2026, in Red Deer.
She was funny. She had a smile that could fill a room. She loved a good pair of sunglasses, because she spent most of her happiest hours under the sun — by the river, at the beach, around a campfire. Camping trips with the smell of smoke and fresh air, laughter drifting into the evening, Chewy always at her side — those were the moments she felt most herself. The outdoors was her reset, her sanctuary, her joy.
Serena’s life was not easy, and she never pretended it was. She faced struggles with addiction and mental health, and she carried those truths openly, with courage and honesty. She started over more times than most people ever see. She kept reaching, kept hoping, kept trying to become the best version of herself she could find. That striving, that resilience, is the quiet strength she leaves behind.
When she had the strength, she shared it. She understood pain in a way that made people feel less alone. She believed in empathy, in connection, in being present — even in the small ways that meant the world to someone else.
She loved deeply.
She is remembered by her children: Jay (Taylor and Danick); Justin (Kelsey); Shayla (Blade); and Sawyer (Erin). Life took many shapes, and relationships evolved, but love and shared history remained the thread through it all.
She was a proud grandmother to Daniel, Emmalynn, Elizabeth, Genevieve, Charlie, Felix, Kalliope, and Blake. Her bond with Kalliope was especially luminous — pure, tender, and unshakable. In Kalliope’s eyes, her grandma was simply the best of the best. That light will live on.
She is also survived by her sisters, Cindy and Day, who walked their own paths but showed up to love and support her when she needed it most.
Her friendship with Dave was steady and meaningful — built on honesty, shared laughter, and years of trust. It mattered. It shaped her life in quiet ways.
Her mother, Debra DeMan, passed just nine days after Serena. Their relationship was complex, as all relationships can be, but it grew over time into one of gratitude, understanding, and care.
Serena died young. Unexpectedly. There are still so many moments that should have been hers. And yet — she was real. She was loving. She was trying. She was brave.

From her children, with all the love we carry:
We carry you with us,
In the sun on the water,
In the smell of campfire smoke,
In the courage to begin again.
We miss you, Ma — more than words can hold.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2026-02-27
• Location : Parkland Funeral Home (Red Deer) www.parklandfuneralhome.com 403.340.4040