Birth date: Oct 6, 1924 Death date: Jan 2, 2024
Mrs. Elaine Florence (Allen) Harkness, age 99, joined her husband of 42 years in heaven on January 2, 2024. She passed away at Robbinswood Assisted Living Facility in Grand Haven, Michigan. Elaine was born on October 6, 1924 in No Read Obituary
I feel so fortunate to have had the parents I had. Must be what it feels like to hit the parent lotto jackpot!!! They complemented each other and made each of us kids feel special. They both worked hard and provided for us the best they could. They would work different shifts so one parent was usually home with us. It was sometimes crowded in the house with all six of the kids but it never seemed to bother them too much. Meal times were an exercise in space utilization-we had a built-in breakfast nook and the parents would sit on the end of the two bench seats so we could not escape until the meal was done.
And my Mom was a great cook so we ate well. I remember her pizzas, which were Chef Boy Ardee box kits that were loaded with all kinds of extras Mom would add, like sausage, peperoni and cheeses. She would cook a couple right away and put the additional 4-6 pizzas in the freezer for another day. Also remember her goulash that she called spaghetti, her potato salad, her scalloped potatoes and the home made pies and cakes.
I used to get annoyed occasionally when I could not get in the single bathroom in a timely manner to go when one of my sisters were in there doing what sisters do monopolizing the space, but now I look back with only fond memories of those days. Sometimes I would get lucky and Mom would be home to appeal to in order to get the bathroom cleared out.
Some of the things I remember most about my Mom: made me feel special.
My first memory of being away from home I was about 3 years old or thereabouts and I was having respiratory issues so I had to check into Hackley Hospital overnight to get my tonsils and adenoids out so I could breath again. I just remember being scared to be away from home, but I got over it when my parents bought me a double cowboy six shooter holster set! I also got to have ice cream there too.
Mom also took me to get an ice cream cone one time down on Apple Avenue, just me, and we both got our favorite butter pecan cone. Why that one time sticks in my head I have no idea (I think it was because she just took me alone). She saved up S&H Green Stamp books and got a chess set for me which I played all the time at that age (which I still have today but have not played in years). She was able to get us kids part-time summer jobs when school was out where she worked at El Royal Restaurant and also picking blueberries in the fields nearby. I worked for the owners at the time Marge & Mel Johnson and they were great to work for, but best of all I got to have my Mom cook me my favorite perch sandwich with orange pop for lunch.
Mom had her hands full between us kids and working but I don't remember her ever being mad at us for long for the trouble we always seemed to get in - she would just sound so disappointed when we knew we messed up and lecture us for a while. What a great example of a Mom she was. See you soon Mom. I love you. Jim
I have truly fond memories of going to Grandma and Grandpas house when I was a kid. Not just for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, but those are the times I remember the most. The playroom in the basement, full of toys, and of course the pool table but that was only a special privilege once you got old enough, and only if the family wasn’t using it as a dining table! There were a lot of us back then (cousins, Aunts and Uncles) and it was such fun. I remember Grandma being the quiet one, but also the one who made the pies…cherry, apple and mincemeat. Sometimes I would sit in the nook while she cooked, or I would help descale the shrimp. I really wish I remember more about what she said, I am left with just a memory of her calm presence in a super busy house. Knowing now how she always wanted a big family, I bet she really cherished those times. I never heard her raise her voice or say a bad word about anyone.
Rest in peace, Grandma.
Elaine was my mother in law. I couldn't have asked for a better one! After Thanksgiving dinner, the men would head to the cabin and Mom and I would stay up late watching movies and visiting. She was an inspiration to me. She was amazingly resilient and independent. When the family came to our home in Wisconsin for the weekend, she helped me clean up and we spent an hour washing dishes while having the best conversation. One of the serving bowls got chipped and I keep it out as a reminder of that day. Her smile and laugh will follow us for the rest of our days.
I grew up three houses away from the Harkness family on Ada St. and used to see Elaine at Arby's on Apple when she was living at Pine Grove. She was always with a group of other ladies and I enjoyed seeing them. She was always nice to me and after seeing her obituary, I am even more impressed with this lady. Rest in Peace Elaine.
My sweet wonderful Aunt Elaine Harkness spread kindness and caring wherever she went. I loved spending time with my cousins at their house on Ada Street. There was always something going on. She was such a hard worker and left that trait to her wonderful children. I am so proud of them for the way they cared for their mom. May she rest in peace with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
