It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mom, grandma, and great-grandma, Mary Lou Tye (nee Busteed) at the age of 89. Mary Lou is at peace and has gone home to join her husband, Jim (2022) and her children, Deb (2020) and Kevin (2022). Nothing was more important to Mary Lou than her family. She is survived by her sons, Dave and Tom (Crystal), grandchildren, Joel and Karlee (Taylor), and great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Lyla. She was predeceased by her infant daughter in 1960 and great-grandson, Daeton in 2006. Married on January 31, 1959, Mary Lou and Jim spent a wonderful 63 years together. Mary Lou grew up in Mull just outside of Blenheim and lived on the farm for 84 years. The farm was all Mary Lou knew and was where she and Jim raised their four amazing children and shared a wonderful life together.

Mary Lou cherished her time as a mother and grandmother above all else. She was a proud “ma” to Dave and Tom and “gram” to Joel and Karlee. With the arrival of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mary Lou and Jim slowed down and took an easier path to life. Whether it was life on the farm, horse racing, how to drive tractors, how to cut grass, or anything else, Mary Lou and Jim always took time to show their grandchildren everything they knew. The arrival of their great-grandson, Lincoln in 2018 and great-granddaughter, Lyla in 2024 was a high point for the family. Everyone who knew Mary Lou knew how excited and happy she was to have them around. This is something Joel and Karlee will be forever grateful for, and they will make sure Lincoln and Lyla know exactly how great their grandma really was.

Mary Lou is the last surviving member of her immediate family and was the youngest daughter to Thomas and Gladys Busteed. Mary Lou was predeceased by her biological sister, Elda Pickering (2022); and her honorary sisters, Dorothy Gardiner (2008), Irene Lee (2017), and Ruth Simpson (2023), who she was raised with. Mary Lou is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Donna Holling (late Bill) and Joyce Clark (John), and brother-in-law, Dan Apthorp (late Nettie). She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Mary Lou was a woman of many words and wasn’t afraid to tell you like it was or show you what she thought, which is something we loved about her. Mary Lou would always talk to someone and make them feel welcome regardless of who they were. Mary Lou loved horses just like her husband, Jim, and you would often find them at the horse races in Dresden or Sarnia. They especially enjoyed watching their long-time friend, Donny Rankin Jr. race his horses.

For 62 years, life on the farm was all Mary Lou knew until she and Jim moved to Maple City Residence in Chatham in 2021. Mary Lou lived there until she needed more care and moved to Blenheim Community Village in 2025. The family would like to sincerely thank all of the staff at Maple City Residence for their care over the years, and especially the care and support from all the staff at Blenheim Community Village for their care over the last year and for keeping her comfortable in her    final days.

The family finds comfort knowing that Mary Lou is now at peace and is resting eternally with her       parents, husband, Jim, and her children, Deb and Kevin. In honour of Mary Lou’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Those wishing to remember Mary Lou are asked to consider donating to the Ronald McDonald House Charities – Southwestern Ontario https://ronaldmcdonaldhouseswo.ca/ or the Canadian Mental Health Association https://www.camh.ca/ both of which Mary Lou and Jim loved to support.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Chuck  “Choppy” Rowland, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.

Chuck was the beloved husband of Rosemary Rowland (nee Wilkie) for 62 wonderful years. He was the devoted father of Kelley Lansens (Curt), and Richard Rowland (Shirley). He was the proud grandfather of Addam  (Ali), and Andrew Lansens, Michael, Madison and Matthew Rowland. Choppy was a brother-in-law to Dennis and Colleen Wilkie, and Denise Wilkie (predeceased by brother-in-law John Wilkie). Choppy was also an uncle to a niece and many nephews who will remember his antics and miss his sense of humour.

Chuck’s career began in 1965 when he accepted his first teaching position in Kent County.  In 1998, he retired from his position of Superintendent of Schools in Huron-Perth.  He was also actively involved in many committees and volunteer organizations in his lifetime.

Chuck “Choppy” will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew his big personality, wit and all of his stories that were treasured by his family and friends.

We wish to thank the Chatham Kent Health Alliance medical staff for their care and concern.

In memory of Chuck, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Chuck at a later date.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our Dad on October 5, 2026 at the age of 76.

Husband of Sandra (née Turner). He is predeceased by his parents, Bob and Helen (née Pickering).

Loving father to his daughter Cindee Andrusiak (Brian) and his son Robert ‘Bob’ McNear (Julianne, née Thain). Proud Bompa of Joshua, Sarah, and Abigail Andrusiak, and Wade and Brynn McNear.

Survived by siblings Marion Shepherd (late Bob), Ruth Ann Jinkerson (late Gord), Jim and Marybelle McNear, Marge and Herb McVicar, Linda Millyard (late Dave) and Thelma McNear and Rob Campbell.

Predeceased by his brothers Allen ‘Buck’ (late Doris), Tom (late Linda) and brother-in-law Gillis ‘Bun’ Turner (late Janice).

Brother-in-law to Betty Clark. He will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He will be remembered for his love of sports (especially hockey and baseball) and his quiet demeanor.

His presence in our lives will be deeply missed, and his memory will remain forever in our hearts.

The family extends a heartfelt special thanks to Dr. Huffman, as well as the emergency department staff, paramedics, and security team at CKHA for their exceptional care and support.

Aquamation has taken place. Professional arrangements and care provided by Marc at Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

At Dad’s request, there will be no service.

Doug Johns of Blenheim passed away at his home on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the age of 78. He leaves behind his sons Dan Johns (Candice) and Peter Johns, and his cherished grandchildren Julian and Evelyn.
Born in Barrie to Jean and Lloyd Johns, Doug grew up alongside his siblings Janice Dowthwaite (late Laurie) and the late Stephen Johns (late Karen). Later in life, he shared many meaningful years with his loving companion, Helen Parsons.
Doug was a man whose talents came naturally. He learned carpentry from his grandfather at a young age and became a skilled craftsman. His creativity carried him into autobody repair, where his abilities were quickly recognized. He also served proudly in the Canadian Armed Forces. Determination and discipline shaped his everyday life — a life he chose to live simply and without unnecessary complications.
Those who knew Doug also knew his lighter side: his humour, his easy way with people, and his gift for friendship. His uncanny resemblance to Red Green earned him an award and a place in the Ridgetown parades, along with a list of 100 things that could be fixed with duct tape.
Doug will be remembered for his steady nature, his craftsmanship, his humour, and the friendships he gathered along the way. In keeping with his preference for simplicity, his final chapter will be held with the same reverence. Cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be scattered at a place close to his heart.

Duncan Pickering of Blenheim passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, with his loving wife Barb right by his side. He was 71 years old.

Born in Chatham to Bertha and Elmer Pickering, Duncan grew up with the kind of straightforward, no‑nonsense personality mixed with quick wit, and an unmistakable laughter.  He’ll be missed by his children Dawn (Mario Acosta), Cory Pickering (Jocelyn), Cameron (Nicole Varney) and Matthew Pickering (Emily), and was immensely proud of his grandchildren Cadence, Jasmine, Abigail, Avery, Ollie and his most recent grandchild Vienna.  He is survived by his brother Roy Pickering (Joan) and was “Uncle Dunc” to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Bonnie Normandin.

If you knew Duncan, you would understand that having a formal funeral service was not an option.  Instead, he chose something that fit him perfectly — he donated his body to the University of Western Ontario where he’s now considered a teacher to a group of doctors in training and quietly helping shape the next generation.  It’s a fitting act for a man who didn’t need attention to make an impact. He is leaving the world a little better than he found it, and that’s exactly how he wanted it.

Friends wishing to remember Duncan with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Alzheimers Association https://alzheimer.ca/chathamkent/en/take-action/donate or the Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation

It is with sudden and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, James Boyes and her children, Greg Boyes (Vicki) and Kara Boyes (Diego Mazzone).  She is also survived by her sister, Julie Johnston (Colin), and her many nieces and nephews, who held a special place in her heart.  She was predeceased by her parents, Ben and Edna St. Denis and by her brother, Rene St. Denis.

She was a loving, caring and devoted woman who meant so much to her family.  Her kindness, strength, love and unwavering devotion to those she cared for will never be forgotten.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful staff at the Chatham Hospice for the compassion, kindness and exceptional care they gave her and our family during one of the hardest times in our lives.  We will always be grateful.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Forever loved.  Forever missed.  Forever in our hearts.  ♥

Susan Danice Irwin passed away on September 21, 2026, at the Chatham‑Kent Hospice, knowing just how much she was loved and appreciated. She was 67 years old. The beloved daughter of Marilyn (Irwin) Gardiner and the late John Irwin, and step‑daughter of the late Murray Gardiner, Susan carried her family close to her heart throughout her life.

Of all her accomplishments, nothing meant more to Susan than becoming a mother. She was endlessly proud of her sons, Adam Jamieson (Elicia) and Eric Jamieson (Holly), and she cherished the joy of being “Grandma Sue” to Jack, Hannah, Leeah and Sophia. She was looking forward to watching them grow and cheering them on in every stage of their lives.

She will be remembered with fondness by her brothers, Daniel Irwin (Donna) of London and David Irwin (Jane) of Port Alma. Their shared memories — the kind built over a lifetime — were a source of comfort for her.

Professionally, Susan built a successful career as an Engineer with the Ministry of Transportation in Kingston, where she was respected for her skill, dedication, and steady presence. After a short chapter living in British Columbia, she returned to Ontario to take a contract with the Armed Forces in Borden and settled in Barrie, embracing new challenges and friendships along the way.

She lived with a quiet strength, a warm smile, and a deep appreciation for the people around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, pride, and the simple, meaningful moments she shared with family and friends.

Because everything happened so quickly and there wasn’t much time to adjust to what was unfolding, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the staff and volunteers at the Chatham‑Kent Hospice for your guidance and for the compassion and care you extended to our Mom and also to us.  She couldn’t have been in a more welcoming place.  We also wish to express our gratitude to the Gray Jay Care patient transfer team from London, who brought Mom safely from Barrie to Chatham, allowing her to be close to family in her final days.

Following cremation, a private family graveside service will take place in Maple Leaf Cemetery where Mom will be laid to rest with her Dad.

Katharine Frances Boodt passed away peacefully at the Blenheim Community Village on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Born in Toronto on October 5, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Winnifred and Russel Coulter, and the last surviving member of her family.

Katharine studied to become a teacher, a profession she embraced with dedication and joy. Her life changed course when she married her first husband, David Moffat, becoming not only a farmer’s wife but a devoted mother to their two children, Lorraine Moffat and Douglas Moffat. David’s passing at a young age left her widowed, but Katharine faced that difficult chapter with strength and grace.

In time, she was fortunate to find love again with Andre Boodt, with whom she shared many happy years. In 2003, they moved to a home on the shores of Lake Erie, a place that brought them both great peace. Andre predeceased Katharine in 2009.

Katharine was blessed with four grandchildren — Sophia, Lukas, Matisse, and Quinten Moffat — each of whom brought her immense pride and joy. She was also surrounded by a circle of dear friends, including Michael and Nancy O’Sullivan, whose weekly visits were always a highlight of her days.

In her later years, Katharine made her home at the Blenheim Community Village, where she was lovingly cared for. She felt especially fortunate to be under the attentive and heartfelt care of Dr. Martha Clendenning, whom she cherished like a daughter.

Katharine will be remembered for her resilience, her kindness, and the deep love she held for her family and friends. Her life was shaped by devotion, quiet strength, and the relationships she nurtured along the way.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Thursday September 10, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  A private family interment will take place in Streetsville on Friday where she will be laid to rest beside David.

John Blunn of Blenheim passed away on September 4, 2026, at the age of 89. He leaves behind his devoted wife Carole, with whom he would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on September 14. John is also survived by his son Clive (Jacki), his grandchildren Matthew, Carley (Dylan), Shawna (Mario), and Adam (Crystal), and by his great‑grandchildren Ayla and Leo. He was predeceased by his daughter Karen Smith, his grandson Jamie Blunn and his sister Winnifred.

Born in Birmingham, England, John grew up with a quiet determination and a strong sense of duty. It was in Birmingham that he met Carole, the love of his life, and began a partnership that carried them across continents and through nearly seven decades of shared adventure. In his early years, John served as a Queen’s Guard, a role he carried out with pride and discipline. After immigrating to Canada, he continued to build a meaningful life, working for a pharmaceutical company in Windsor and establishing deep roots in his new community.

John was a man who believed that life was measured not only in years, but in the journeys taken and the people who walk beside you. His wish for this chapter of his life was simple and heartfelt: to be remembered by family and friends for all the paths they travelled together — the moves, the milestones, the laughter, the challenges, and the countless moments that stitched their lives together.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kim Karen Lindsay on September 3rd, 2026 at the age of 71.

Kim was born on March 10, 1955 in England and moved with her parents to Canada as a young child.

Kim was a caring and loyal person but also quick with her sarcastic sense of humour.  She was a “what you see is what you get” kind of person.

Kim loved animals, especially horses, and was well known for being a dog lover and making sure the stray cats around her home were well fed.

She loved the wild west and even wrote fanfiction on Alias Smith & Jones sites and through this she made some great friends.

Kim was predeceased by her husband Rob as well as her parents, Sid and Pam.  She will be dearly missed by her sister Trish (Chris), her niece Danielle (Kirk), her family in Canada, the U.K., and Australia, her work family (Knechtel’s and Sobey’s), and her many friends both in person and online.

The family is deeply grateful for the emergency, surgical, and ICU teams at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for their care and compassion.

The family would like to thank those that have been supportive and helped during this difficult time.

As per Kim’s most adamant wishes, there will be no visitation, service, or funeral.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 9th from 4-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local humane society or pet rescue.