Elaine Mary McCracken

February 19, 1944 - February 28, 2024
March 3, 2024 13 Condolences Print Obituary Send Flowers

Elaine McCracken, formerly Elaine Edgett, nee Saunders loved her family, music and children. She and her first husband, Colin Edgett, had two children (Bradley and Kristen) whom they raised in St. Albert. Elaine was born in Bognor Regis, England, and as a child moved to Dorval, Quebec. She was an accomplished leader in the field of early childcare education (McDonald College, McGill University). She loved her work and remained close friends with several colleagues.

After her husband Colin died, Elaine married widower Bernie McCracken who had five children of his own (Rita, Peter, Andru, Michael and Colleen), the youngest three were still at home, ranging in ages from 5 to 15. Elaine’s arrival to the family home on 48A Street in Vegreville was like a Spring warmly welcomed by Bernie’ children. Elaine joked that she played the part of Maria in the Sound of Music. In truth her new role was slightly more complicated, and she took pride in blending the two families together.
Elaine had 16 grandchildren whom she treasured: Hannah, Cheyne, Grae, Kiran, Deven, Jaya, Norah, Zachary, Kaella, Sarah, Locklan, Mary, Isaac, Susan, Emma, and Zander.
She will be lovingly be remembered as a dedicated mother and step-mother, a committed educator and a woman with a wonderful sense of humour and hospitality who loved to have a house full of music, friends and family.

A Funeral will be held at St. Albert Roman Catholic Church March 13th at 10:30 AM. Refreshments will be served in the parish hall after interment.
Donations - in lieu of gifts - are appreciated to Star of the North, the Hope Mission, or the Alzheimer Society of Alberta.

  1. Dear Bernie and Extended Blended Families,
    So many thoughts and wonderful memories go through our minds as we remember and celebrate Elaine! Most treasured are her beautiful interactions with the children and her gift of voice and memory for so many favorite tunes.
    Our McCracken family and anyone who has known her has been so blessed to to have her touch their lives. May she rest in Peace. Gary & Shirley & Family

  2. Dear Bernie and extended family members, on behalf of myself, my daughter Jamie, Craig and Heather and their kids Cj and Hadleigh our sincere condolences and thoughts are with you. May you have many cherished and wonderful memories of Elaine as you celebrate her life.
    Janine McCracken

  3. Dear Bernie and family,
    My sincere heartfelt condolences to you, and to all who loved Elaine.
    Beata Bokrossy

  4. Although we never met Elaine in person, we heard so many lovely stories about her. We wish the family takes comfort from her life well lived. Sincerely, Hart & Charlotte Haessler.

  5. My heartfelt sympathy to you Bernie and family. Elaine was such a beautiful soul and still is. Hugs and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

  6. Dear Bernie,
    I so enjoyed being an ‘in-law’ once removed, with Elaine. She had a lovely personality. She and I jokingly talked of sharing the rent on one of Peter and Becky’s apartments in Perth, for our frequent trips to visit ‘our’ kids and grandchildren.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you as you begin this journey in the new chapter of your life.

    Blessings

  7. Bernie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. She was a beautiful person. Her grace and kindness were inspiring. She will be missed.

  8. Bernie, Rita, Peter, Andru, Michael, Colleen and all,
    Sending thoughts of solace and comfort your way as you navigate the journey forward. What an incredible gift each of you was to Elaine and she to you. I know this from my own personal experience of having earned my two bonus kids.
    What a beautiful tribute you’ve created to Elaine and to her legacy which will surely live on in each of you who touched and was touched by her. Thinking of you and sending much love,
    Judy

  9. My condolences. Elaine was kind and attentive in all of our conversations and I keep that with me. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.

  10. Bernie, Rita, Peter, Andru, Michael, Colleen and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Remember, sharing your memories of Elaine … tells her story. Elaine will always be close.
    Kevin & Ceclia Hoeg

  11. May dear Elaine rest in peace. She was a lovely lady and a dedicated Vincentian- I know she’ll be so very missed! Deepest condolences to you, Bernie, and to all the family- you are in my prayers.

  12. Dear Bernie and all your family,
    I send you sincere condolences in the loss of Elaine. She was a quiet, genuine, and beautiful lady and a pleasure to become acquainted with. It was my good fortune to be able to meet both Elaine and you, Bernie. I wish you many good memories to bring you peace and comfort.
    Sincerely,
    Marlene Bykowski ( Remedy’s Rx in Tudor Glen)

  13. Hi Jeanne, Thanks for the comments and for being present at Elaine’s celebration of life with Laurie. Would you be able to chat over coffee some time. Blessings, Bernie

    Thanks Dan,it is great to hear from you.Elaine was a special person a soul mate to me.Blessings,Bernie

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