Arlette Vermeersch

Arlette Vermeersch of Rondeau Bay Estates passed away peacefully and loved on Monday December 28, 2015. She was 89 years young.  Arlette was born in St. Andres, Belgium to the late Alphonse & Valentine Bassens on March 2, 1926 and emigrated to Canada in 1932.  She was raised in a time when hard work was the norm, a time when families had to bond together and make it through tough times.  Being raised in the depression sometimes brought out more of the best than it did the worst in people and Arlette was no exception.  She worked hard for and appreciated everything that she earned in life and was ready and willing to help those in need.  Following the death of Arlette’s husband Robert in 1975, their daughters Patti Vermeersch and Shelley (Mike) VanOverloop became her biggest supporters and her number one fans.  And despite the constant offers to help their mother, Arlette strongly and faithfully maintained her independence until her recent illness.  She adored her grandchildren Alecia & Josh Butzer and Nathan & Kim VanOverloop and her great grandchildren Levi and Jovie Butzer.  Her heart was broken when her grandson Matthew McTaggart and great-granddaughter Yvie Butzer passed away.  Arlette was predeceased by her only sister Doreen Van Vaerenberghe.  She is survived by her brother-in-law Floren Van Vaerenberghe of Wallaceburg and by many friends and neighbours.  In 1980 Arlette and Roy Brice began a life together that would span over 33 years.  Her family grew to include Roger & Edith Brice and Sandra Brice as well as their children Ali Brice and Callum Brice.  Arlette and Roy spent summers working on the farm and growing some of the best radishes in Erieau and in the winters they enjoyed camping in Big Pine Key, Florida.  Roy passed away in September, 2013.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 1, 2016 where visitation will be held from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Arlette will be held in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday January 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.  Cremation to follow with a private family interment at a later date.  Friends wishing to remember Arlette with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Chatham Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).