Janet Bell of Chatham passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Sunday March 25, 2018 at the age of 71 years. Janet was one of four daughters born to John and Roberta (McEachran) Burwell. She is survived by her sisters Sally Burwell and Joan Shea (late Tom) and predeceased by her sister Barb Burwell.

It was at a dance at the Rondeau Pavillion where she would meet a young man named Ken Bell and on June 1, 1968 they were married. Together Janet and Ken raised two daughters, Kathleen Roberta Bell (Steven Frey) and Margaret Ann Bell who they were always proud of. They are also the very proud grandparents of Zoey Frey, Stephanie Frey and Jacob Bechard. Family was so important to Janet.

In her spare time, Janet was an amazing quilter. She made many quilts for family members and enjoyed time spent with her friends at the Chatham-Kent Quilters Guild.

In respect of Janet’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday March 29, 2018 from 2:00 – 5:00 to share memories and a light lunch.

Those wishing to remember Janet with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice so that they are able to continue providing the exceptional care that was extended to Janet and her family.

Walter Lawrence Ardis passed away on Monday March 19, 2018 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 80 years. Survived by his children and their families April & Arnie Fraser (Chad and Dustin), Cheryl & Bruce Peltier (Darcy and Bryan), Tracy & Janice Ardis (Brandon and Candise), Crystal & Scott McTavish (Jordan, Spencer, Griffin), Lisa & Everitt Wevers (Carol and Alana) and Trevor & Lisa Ardis (Riona). He will also be missed by his great grandchildren and a brother Orville & Anne Turner. Walter was predeceased by his wife Margaret Ardis, his parents William and Edith (Rylett) Ardis and his brothers Joe Turner and William Ardis.

Walter was a Captain in the Reserves with the Essex-Kent Regiment and was a 20 year member of the Blenheim Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185. He was a member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Erieau and drove truck for Delhaven Orchards.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday March 24, 2017 for visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Fr. David Fuller will take place at 1:00 followed by a lunch at the Blenheim Legion.

Friends wishing to remember Walter with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

On March 14^th, early in the morning, helped by an earth angel, Mary Lou Crewe went to her everlasting home to be with her husband Glenn Crewe, her parents Manley & Mary (Giffin) Dawson, her sister and brother-in-law Marjorie & Doug Simpson and grandchild Ashley Maracle. The matriarch leaves behind her baby sister Marilyn (Gerald) Richmond, and her children Linda (Ken) Breese – Georgie, Ed and Tim; Lee (Earl) Davidson – Tara and Kevin; Ed (Sheri) Thompson – Leah and Jordan; Charlene (John) Ireland – Mark, Tiffany, Cassadi and Shea-Lyn; Bob Crewe and Pat Charbonneau. She had twenty six great grandchildren and one and a half great-great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She was adored and loved.

Mary Lou began her life on the Front Line, Blenheim, to Windsor areas and back again to Blenheim. She came back to finish her education to be a teacher. She met and married George Thompson, had her family, continued her studies and finally went back to teaching until retirement. She enjoyed travelling, dancing, reading, her church, lay-ministry, shopping and family gatherings.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Mary Lou will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday March 19, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Mary Lou with a memorial donation are asked to consider the charity of your choice.

Donna Marguerite Alice (Rigby) Knights passed away at Blenheim Community Village in the early hours of Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with cancer. Donna was predeceased by her loving husband of more than 50 years, William (Stub) Knights, in November 2013, and her beloved only son, Stewart (Stubby) in March 2015. Donna is survived by her daughter, Jane, and husband John Pratt, of Aurora, ON. Donna was cherished “Gramma Stub” to Billy Jo (Knights) and Chris Cunningham, Jessica (Knights) and Matt Hall, Claire Knights, Tyler and Whitney Pratt and Michele Pratt and Quentin Lindfield-Roberts. She was Great-Gramma to Jolee and Miller Cunningham, Cameron and Emily Hall, and Finley Pratt. Donna is also survived by her sisters and brothers in-law, John and Sally Knights, and Ann and Jack Morrison. She also leaves many treasured nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Donna was also fortunate to have many wonderful, close friends who will dearly miss her.

Donna was born on, October 31, 1938, much loved only child to Don and Marg Rigby, both predeceased. Mom loved to say that she “came in on a broom” because of her Halloween birthday. She was a life long resident of Blenheim, except for a few years in her early 20’s when she worked at various banks in London and Toronto. After having children, in 1964, Donna started working as a legal secretary for Tom Warwick’s Law Office in Blenheim, and remained in that position for over 40 years, until retiring.

Donna was a 50-year member of the Blenheim I.O.D.E., and a long time member of the Golden Acres Curling Club, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185, and Blenheim United Church. Donna enjoyed many summers with her husband and family at their boat in Erieau, relaxing by the shanty, making memories with good friends, and cruising the waters of Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay.

Donna’s family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of the Blenheim Community Village, particularly Dawn Campbell, Carol Coll, and Annette Lucio, for the wonderful care she received there, over the past few years, but especially in her final few days.

The family will receive visitors at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday, March16 from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm, and the funeral will be held there on Saturday, March 17 at 11am officiated by Pastor Tim Joyce of the Word of Life Church.

Donations to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

On Sunday March 4, 2018, Mary Frances Elizabeth Dowker, loved by her children Martha Lee Jackson (Manley), Irwin Dowker (late Debra) and Steven Dowker (Marilyn), passed away at the age of 91 years. Mary will be remembered with great fondness by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren David Dowker, Lynetta & Matt Keech (with their children Brayden and Amelia), Matthew & Adriana Dowker (with their children Marilyn and Albert), Shannon & Antun Jurcic (with their children Marija, Luka and Joseph), Melissa Dowker & Terrence Copeland (with their children Lyla and Kaelen Copeland) and Kent & Carly Jackson who are expecting Baby Girl Jackson soon. Mary was predeceased by her husband Keith in 2005.

Born in Tilbury East to the late Vernon & Irene Irwin, Mary was one of four children and is survived by her sister Edith Stark (Murray). She was predeceased in life by her sister Ruth (late Redge Crothers and George Richardson) and by her brother Jim Irwin.

After Mary and Keith were married they lived and worked on a farm on the Fourth Line. When they moved to Blenheim in 1967 Mary started working at the new Blenheim Community Golf Course where she became well known for her absolutely amazing meals and also at the BDHS Cafeteria where she could be counted on for slipping a few extra fries on a plate or making an extra special sandwich for students and staff. Everyone knew when Mary was at work because the smell of baking that came from the kitchen was second to none. You were fortunate if you got to try Mary’s chocolate cake that nobody has ever been able to replicate. Mary retired in the early 1980’s but not before she opened her home to capable adults, being one of the first approved boarding homes through Southwestern Regional Centre. She also worked as a PSW with Community Living. Mary’s retirement years were spent in Blenheim, Chatham and most recently Ridgetown.

There are many changes and challenges that occur over the course of 91 years; some good and some not but the sum of those experiences helped to make Mary who she was. She knew hard work. She was a teenager during the depression and a young lady during WWII. She was determined as a young bride and mother to make sure that her family didn’t go without. That determination continued through the past few weeks as she fought to stay but it wasn’t to be. She is now at peace. Her wish of sharing the last journey of her life with those closest to her took place on Saturday March 10, 2018 when her family gathered at Evergreen Cemetery and laid her to rest with Keith.

Friends wishing to remember Mary with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Beverley Jean (Burrows) Hall of Chatham and formerly of Windsor Ontario passed away on Monday March 5, 2018 at the age of 90 years.   She is survived by her three children; Margo Ann Hall of Chatham, Michael Hall of Tecumseh and Susan Riegling (Jim) of Chatham. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchldren and her sister in law Elizabeth Burrows and her family of Windsor. She was predeceased in life by her parents Gerald Burrows & Alice (Jean) Norry, by her only brother Rev Gerald N. Burrows and by her grandson Derek.

Bev will be remembered for her strong will and independence. For the last seven years she stayed at the Chatham Retirement Resort where she became very good friends with Julie Hill and for that, her family will be forever grateful. On March 2^nd she moved to the Chatham-Kent Hospice where she was shown great respect in her final days.

It was Bev’s wish that this stage of her life be regarded with quiet dignity. Cremation has taken place and her family will gather privately in Windsor to say their goodbyes. Friends wishing to remember her or her family with an expression of sympathy are encouraged to donate to the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Minze “Mike” VanderSluis, of Blenheim, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2018, at the age of 92. Born in Lollum, Friesland, The Netherlands, Mike moved to Canada as a newlywed with his wife Toos who passed away in 2011; a journey that would span 59 years. He was blessed with four children; Margaret & Colin Pool of Ridgetown, Linda Gagner of Burlington & David Gagner of Stoney Creek, Sarah & Gerald Hutten of Ridgetown and Mark & Barbara VanderSluis of Guelph. He was also blessed with thirteen grandchildren whom he loved very much; Mitchell & Robyn, Alan & Celina, Virginia, Maggie & Graham, Bailey, Lyndsay, Olivia, Joshua, Megan, Katelyn, Emily, Addison, Rebecca and two great grandchildren, Ashtyn and Jocelyn. Dearest brother of Irene & Gus Wolting and Sadie Postma. He was predeceased by eleven brothers and sisters.

Mike was a proud soldier, a hard-working farmer, a great lover of books, music and camping, a loving husband and dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a quiet, humble and thoughtful man who put the needs of others ahead of his own. He had a servant’s heart which reflected his love for his Saviour, Jesus Christ. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of love; a love for our heritage, a love of farming and family and most importantly, a love for Jesus.

His church and faith were very important to Mike and in keeping with that, friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee or the Eben-ezer Christian School in Chatham.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Friday, March 2 from 7 – 9 p.m.   Visitation will also take place at Blenheim Christian Reformed Church on Saturday, March 3 at 10 am with funeral service to follow at 11 am with Pastor Tim Luimes officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Roberta Eltervoog of Merlin passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice with her loving family by her side on Thursday February 15, 2018. Roberta was one of 6 children born to the late Robert & Beulah (Broadbent) Pratt and was the last surviving member of her family. She and her husband Gordon farmed for many years in Merlin until his passing in 2005. They were the proud parents of four sons; Wayne & Mary, Craig & Anne, David & Kathy and Paul Eltervoog. Family was the most important thing to Roberta…she was a very proud Grandma to 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Roberta worked alongside Gordon on their farm. She was also a valued member of her community. She was a long time adherent of St. Andrew’s Church in South Buxton where she served with the UCW, the Ladies Aid and helped with quilting bees. In her spare time, she enjoyed a good game of euchre, cribbage or crokinole, a roaring bonfire on a warm summers night and the picture-perfect days that autumn leaves brought. She and Gordon enjoyed trips to northern Ontario and the eastern provinces.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Roberta will take place at the Funeral Home on Monday February 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Skillings officiating. Interment will take place in Pardoville Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Roberta with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice, St. Andrews Church in South Buxton, the Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

With completely broken hearts we share the very sudden passing of an incredible man at just 51 years young. Warren Gowman was a completely devoted husband who adored the love of his life and best friend, Andrea (Verstraete) with whom he would have celebrated 14 years of marriage this weekend.

Besides being an amazing husband, Warren’s purpose in life was found when he became an incredible father to Kambri-Anne, his pride and joy who is just weeks from her 13th birthday. Kambri worshiped her dad and the bond that they shared will be forever imprinted in her heart. She was the light of his life.

Warren was the very proud son of Richard Gowman (Colleen Gransden-Gowman & daughter Meghan,) and Carolyn Cockerton (Dan). He was beyond adored by his two sisters Sherri Gowman (Scott Wilcox) and Marcie Gowman (Brian Levant).   The incredible love and closeness that he shared with his family will live on in their memories. He is survived by his dearest mother-in-law Marilyn Verstraete who he loved for her family devotion. Marilyn was always just steps away and valiantly tried to help Warren in his final moments. He was the son-in-law of Jim Verstraete, brother-in-law of Stephanie Segeren, brother-in-law and dear friend of Don Segeren and dear friend of Jim & Jenni Donohoo, all of whom he enjoyed many meals and laughs with.

Warren was an incredible role model and loved Uncle to heartbroken Blake Gowman-Donohoo, Kary Donohoo, Maddison Segeren and Braydon Segeren. He made a lifelong impression to them by always being what they needed him to be, showing them great love, leadership, and endless wit and humour. He is survived also by Adam Gowman and many extended Verstraete family members. He will be especially missed by his Burrows family: Mrs. B, John, Karrie and Gracelyn.

Warren was an incredible asset, leader and role model for many years in his careers with McKesson Canada, Jamieson and Accucaps where he shared his talent and strong work ethic. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, golfing with friends, cooking and completely devoting his life to his family. Anyone who had the privilege of spending time with him quickly appreciated his incredible wit, sense of humour and intelligence. He was a source of strength, support and loyalty to many friends.

As a family, we will always treasure the last Christmas we celebrated together and the laughs and smiles that it brought. Now we comfort each other in our incredible grief, share our common love and vow to continue the imprint that Warren’s life made on all of us. With all of our love until we meet again….

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will take place at the Funeral Home on Tuesday February 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

Anyone who wishes to remember Warren with a memorial donation is asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.