She was born September 28, 1950 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Andreas Fredrick and Augusta Matilda Jordan Andersen and was the youngest of four children. As a child, Elaine loved sharing experiences with her family, where she developed a deep love for animals and nature. During her childhood Elaine built many lasting friendships that remained dear to her throughout her life. She graduated from West High School in 1969 as a member of the Pep Club, A cappella Choir and Dance Club.
Elaine was the kind of person who made everyone feel special. Her kindness and love were felt by anyone who was blessed to be in her space. She never missed a birthday, always calling to sing “Happy Birthday”. Elaine was a devoted caregiver to many of her loved ones. She gave her whole heart to her family and if you knew her, you were her family. She embodied all that is good in this world and loved others unconditionally.
Elaine was a faithful member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a great love for the Savior and followed His example. She served in several capacities, but her most treasured calling was in Primary, which she considered a true blessing. She also found great joy in serving in the nursery, where her love and patience touched many little lives.
Elaine married Richard (Rick) Hardman, her high school sweetheart, on May 22, 1970 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together they raised one loving daughter, Michele, who blessed them with two amazing grandsons, Parker and Tanner. She treasured her time with her grandsons, filling their lives with love and unforgettable memories. In the early 1970’s Elaine worked at the University of Utah. In 1974 the family moved to Denver before returning to Salt Lake City in 1980 to be closer to family. She worked as a computer operator with Gibbons and Reed Construction Company (Granite Construction) until her retirement. Elaine and Rick enjoyed spending time with family and friends hosting events and traveling. They took many trips to Hawaii, California, Florida, DC and Las Vegas, but her heart belonged to Disney. She loved every moment spent with family and friends in Disney World, which she held close to her heart.
Elaine was incredibly creative and artistic. Her creativity was reflected in her many artistic passions, including sketching, rock painting, life memory books, doodle art and turning treasured trinkets into meaningful wall art. She had a passion for photography and rarely let a special moment pass without taking a picture, preserving memories of everyone and everything dear to her.
Elaine is survived by her loving and devoted husband Rick; daughter Michele (Hardman) Cunningham; grandsons Parker Cunningham and Tanner Cunningham; siblings Linda Smith (Dean Shepherd), Larry Andersen (Lauren) and Arlene Tronier (Steve) and her many nieces, nephews and In-Laws, along with numerous close friends who will miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, her Uncle Mel with whom she shared a special bond and her two dogs, Duke and Zach, whom she deeply missed.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Intermountain Medical Center ICU, along with Kassie of Palliative Care and the IMC Hospice Team for their care and compassion of Elaine during her final days.
An Evening Viewing will be held Monday May 11, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, followed by a Morning Viewing at the same location on Tuesday May 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.
Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 am at the church. Livestream: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26058871786055
Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Utah Humane Society (https://donate.utahhumane.org/campaign/687674/donate?c_src=25SITEBUTTON) or
Best Friends Animal Society (https://bestfriends.org/?form=FUNLJQZPGEN&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21520615355&gbraid=0AAAAADmBGFhzr8wwX16KJOzrragj2Z-cx&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0rby8bmWlAMVlhqtBh0ybS4XEAAYASAAEgLRy_D_BwE).
