It’s with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother Donna Lynn Elizabeth Sanford on Tuesday January 8^th, 2019. Mom was born in Wawa, Ontario on July 6^th, 1949 to her parents Theresa (Huck) and Gordon Lohnes.

Many may have known her as the independently successful owner/operator of Loeb in Nortown Plaza, Chatham and IGA grocery stores in Blenheim, Ridgetown, and Harrow.

Mom was the proud matriarch of her family which included Dane (Amy), Kassie (Tim), Ryan, Scott (Jodi), grandchildren Brendan (Amy), Spencer, Chloe, Michael, Amber, Molly, Keegan, Reilly and great-grandchildren Brian, Benjamin, Braxton, Cruz and Carter.

Many people considered our mom as their mom too. Always putting others first, sharing, helping, giving unconditional love to others, and saying “Howdy!” (a lot). She was definitely larger than life.

In keeping with mom’s wishes, her ashes will be placed beside her dad’s at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim. This part of her life will be respected with quiet dignity. Her family and close friends will celebrate her life at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Donna with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Center [Charitable Registration #122963663RR0001], in recognition of the exceptional research and discovery done by Dr. Marie Faughnan, Rose Pantalone and all their staff.

Dougglas Slauenwhite of Chatham passed away on Wednesday January 9, 2019. He was born in Sudbury 51 years ago to his parents Edward Slauenwhite (Ann Parker) and the late Evelyn (Dawson) Slauenwhite. Doug was one of 6 children and is survived by his brother and four sisters.

He leaves to mourn his soulmate Aleisha Robert, their children Amanda Grass, Zack Slauenwhite, Dawson Slauenwhite, Maleah Robert, Jesikah Robert, Jamar Robert and grandchildren Jaylyn, Karson , Xavier and his Chipper Espynn.

Friends will remember Doug from the years he worked at Inergy and for the last years at Woodbridge Foam in Blenheim.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday January 12, 2019 where visitation will take place from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. There will not be a service as per his wishes. Cremation will follow.

Friends wishing to remember Doug with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

Blanche Beaubien of Blenheim passed away at the Village on the Ridge in Ridgetown on Wednesday January 9, 2019 at the age of 92 years. She will be sadly missed by her daughter Judy Beaubien, her grandchildren Christa & Christopher Strub and Jeffrey Sadler and her son-in-law Gary Sadler. She was predeceased by her husband George Beaubien and her daughter Linda Sadler.

Blanche was one of nine children born to the late Emma & Frank Faubert. She was the last surviving member of her family, being predeceased by her sisters Gertrude Stoffer, Irene Lowe, Marie Guy, Frances Faubert, Genevieve Hukel and her brothers Leo, Elmer and Clayton Faubert.

Blanche enjoyed travelling even though she never took up driving. Going on day trips with Judy and their friends at the Blenheim Senior Centre was the highlight of many memories. She attended the Blenheim United Church regularly until her move to the Village in Ridgetown.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 11, 2019 where visitation will be held from 11:00 until the time of a service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

Friends wishing to remember Blanche with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

With overwhelming sadness, the family of Jesse Jaret Nichol announces his unexpected passing on Wednesday December 19, 2018 in his 38^th year. Jesse was born November 30, 1980 on his brother Tyler’s birthday (1978) in Chatham, Ontario.   He is the second son of John and Karen Nichol (Nicholson). He will be forever missed by brothers Tyler, Boyd and Daniel.

Jesse lived in Gibson, B.C. with his soulmate Jaimee and their daughter Louella who always called him Papa and was the light of his life.

He will be sadly missed by his nephews Brett, Eli, Oliver, Ezra and Benjimin, by his nieces Leah, Vanessa and Ruby, his grandfather Harvey Nicholson as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Shirley Nicholson, Bob and Eugenia Nichol.

Jesse had his own business in property maintenance. Eventually he went into caregiving and found this more to his liking. Jesse was a man of many talents. He was passionate about his music and wherever he went he had his guitar or some other instrument with him. He was very entertaining and expressive in the songs and music he made and the many, many instruments he taught himself to play. He had a real creative way about himself that shone through in his life, his love for his family, his pets, his music, his paintings, his jewelry, his sculptures, his art and anything he put his hands to. He brought so much into our lives with his loving presence, his happiness and joy of life. His free spirit, his smile and his laughter will be missed by all those fortunate to have known him.

Jesse gave his body to research to help others.

We will always miss you…and be so grateful for your songs and music that you have given to us…forever in our hearts.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life officiated by Pastor Doug Rowley at The Gathering Place, 66 Main Street West in Ridgetown on Saturday January 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow.

Friends and family wishing to remember Jesse through a memorial donation are asked to consider helping to provide the things in life that he himself wanted to provide for the light of his life, Louella.

Elisa “Lisa” (Van Den Beuken) Lenders passed away on Wednesday January 2, 2019. Lisa was born in Kessel, Holland (Limburg) on August 12, 1924 to the late Gerardus Van Den Beuken and Petronella Kessels. She was predeceased by her husband William “Bill” Lenders in 2008. She is survived by her children Kathy Falkingham (late Lon) of Hanover, Jerry & Elizabeth Lenders of Toronto, Alice & Tom Haggith of Corunna, Wilma & Paul Huffman of Blenheim and Carol & Kevin Martin of Barrie. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jeffery, Janet, Nathan, Adam, Trevor, Joshua, Zachary, Matthew, Tyler and Melissa (predeceased by JayDee Haggith in 1997) and her great-grandchildren Jonah, Reece, Liam and Mattias.

She is survived by one sister Mariet and one brother Sjaak in Holland. She was predeceased by her brothers Jan, Will and Theo and by her sister Corrie.

Lisa was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Church and a member of the Catholic Women’s League there. She was also a member of the Blenheim Senior Citizens Group and volunteered with the Cancer Society and the Hip Hip Hooray Walk for many years.

A Funeral Mass for Lisa will be held in St. Marys Church on Friday January 4, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Lisa with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society or the Cancer Society.

As Lisa’s family, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bonnie Gillanders and also the staff at the Blenheim Community Village for your warm hearted care of our beloved mother.

After a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, Adriana McGuigan of Blenheim passed away in the early morning of December 31^st, 2018. Adriana was born exactly 57 years prior, in 1961, and is the first daughter of Josephine and the late Guy Ceccacci. She was the loving wife of the late Robert McGuigan (1955-2013) and caring mother of Mathew and Guido McGuigan. She is also survived by her sisters, Rita Luis and Margaret Rufo, as well as their children Joel Luis, Andrea Luis, Chris Luis, Angelo Rufo and GianCarlo Rufo.

Adriana is known to many throughout the community for her co-ownership of McGuigan Plant company with her husband Rob. Throughout the business’ 26-year lifespan, Adriana illuminated the community with her vivid and imaginative floral expertise as well her ability to chat off any ear that was willing to listen. She had a very strong and charismatic personality and commanded attention in every interaction she made. Adriana strongly believed that work was never done until it was done right and would constantly inspire those around her to do the same.

In 2012, Adriana was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and began her strenuous battle against cancer. Throughout this tough journey, Adriana kept to her normal routine and refused to give in to the difficulties this vicious disease carried. Even after several treatments of chemotherapy, and many unforeseen complications, Adriana could still be seen around town taking full ownership of her new hair and lifestyle. She will always be remembered for her individuality, strong demeanour and desire to do things her way.

Adriana’s drive and passion has touched the lives of many in, and outside, this community as she was constantly putting the needs of others before her own. In memory of Adriana, and her endless acts of selflessness, donations can be made to the Music Program at the Blenheim Youth Center, The Trillium Foundation and the Princess Margaret Cancer Lodge. These foundations were of great significance to Adriana, whether through providing help or receiving it, and any donations would be greatly appreciated.

A visitation will be held Sunday, January 6^th at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and then from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. All of those that wish to pay their respects are welcome.

Trillium Foundation Donation Link: https://trilliumgiving.ca/give-support/give-in-memory/

Princess Margaret Hospital Link: https://www.thepmcf.ca/Ways-to-Give/Donate-Now

John Steen of Blenheim passed away at home on December 31, 2018 just one day after his 70^th birthday. John was born in Chatham. He was predeceased by his father James Steen, his mother, the late June Manninger (McEachran) and his step father Joe Manninger. He was also predeceased by his grandparents Reg & Alice McEachran. John is survived by his daughters Lori and Denise, his siblings Gail Steen, Mary Louise Clark, Linda & Russel Hillman, Greg & Diane Steen and their families as well as his aunts, uncles and cousins.

In life, John preferred things to be uncomplicated. In extending that tradition, it was his wish that cremation would take place and that his family would remember him privately.

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

It is with broken hearts that the family of Jordin Caitlin Lindsay announces her sudden passing on Saturday, December 29, 2018, in her 30th year. Jordin was born on June 3, 1988.  She is the third daughter of John and Janet Lindsay (Hansen).  She is also survived by her two adoring older sisters, Courtney Lachine (Craig) and Carlin Cunningham (Matt), her younger brother Ricky Lindsay, her nieces Natalie and Meredith Lachine, her nephews Ben Lachine, and Max and Henry Cunningham, her grandmother Louella Lindsay, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is predeceased by her grandparents, Max Lindsay, and Bente and Bill Wild. Jordin also touched the lives of her many support workers, and her beloved EA of 15 years “Miss Ellie”, Eleanor Huysmans.

Jordin made all of our lives so much richer.  She taught us what truly matters in life: friends, family, humour, and the beauty of our world.  Jordin loved to go walking under trees, could not get enough of the “alpha”bet, and found real humour in the sound of someone with a bad cough.  We find peace knowing how truly happy our sweet girl was and how much she loved her huge family of support workers, friends, sisters, brothers, and her extremely committed parents. We are so blessed that Jordin chose us to be her family and community, and grateful that she taught us so many tremendous life lessons.  We will miss you so much Jordy Pordy!

On Saturday, January 5th from 2-5 pm Jordin’s family and friends will gather at St. Mary’s Hall, Blenheim, to celebrate the love and light that she brought to our world.  Memories of Jordin will be shared at 3 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Living Chatham-Kent Sass Road Adult Day Program or a charity of your choice.

Gordon Jeffery of Shrewsbury passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the age of 90 years. Beloved son of the late Ida (Raymond) and Albert Jeffery. Loving father of Penny McCallum (Albert Jeffery), Polly Florius and Paul Jeffery. Dear grandfather of Venessa McCallum, Louis McCallum, Toula Florius, Brandon and Lucas Jeffery. He will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Gordon is predeceased by his sisters Violet Glazier, Luella Ramsden, Sharon Polowick and his brothers Joe, Edward, David and Norman Jeffery.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 11a.m. until 1p.m. when a Funeral Service will take place with Rev. David Fuller officiating. Interment will take place in Pardoville Union Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Gordon with a memorial donation are asked to consider Canadian Cancer Society.

Ed Miller died December 23, 2018 at the Chatham Health Alliance after a precipitous but mercifully brief decline in health. His death came just two days short of what would have been the 42nd anniversary of the wedding day to his second wife Helen on Christmas Day, 1976.

Ed was 105 years old, and just prior to his death may have been the oldest living Canadian WWII veteran. Ed served during the War as an aircraft mechanic, maintaining the Lancaster bombers that flew over Germany.

Many people used to ask Ed what might be the secret of his long life. He gave various answers, some serious, some flip. Those who know him best share the consensus that his longevity was the result of the combination of his irrepressible friendliness with everyone he met, and his positive outlook on life. He didn’t complain; he didn’t dwell on his losses, and he had more losses in his life than many of us ever face in a shorter life; he looked for the good in people; he was thoughtful and kind, though seldom overtly emotive.

Ed was known as a gregarious and helpful person to his family, friends and neighbours. He seldom if ever engaged in gossip, preferring to find the best and say the best about everyone. He was known for his visiting of the lonely. He spent many volunteer hours helping out with Cedar Springs United Church, Camp Kenesserie, Craford Cemetery and the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185.  As a vocation Ed was a carpenter, both free lance and as a long time employee at the Southwest Regional Centre.

Ed was the son of Frederick Miller (1886-1974) and Mary (nee Learn, unknown-1960), and the brother of Donald (1911-1993), Velma (1912-1914), Gordon (1914-2009), Margaret (1916-1979), Douglas (1919-2018), Winnifred (1924-) and Janet (1926-2017), all of whom but Winnifred have predeceased him.

Ed was predeceased by each member of his first family his wife Catherine (nee Cheyne), daughter Velma and son Alexander. He was also predeceased by his second wife Helen (nee McGuigan, 1920-2013).

Ed leaves behind his grandson Chris Miller and his wife Alanna, their children Clara and Will, his granddaughter Tara Miller O’Donoghue and her husband Aidan, their children Alexandra and Abby, his sister Winnifred (1924-), his stepson Michael Nash and his wife Linda, their son Daniel and Michael’s older sons Gabriel and Samuel, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him and will miss him.

A Memorial Service for Ed will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, 59 Ellen Street, Blenheim on Saturday January 12, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185, Blenheim.

In lieu of flower donations, the family would value in memoriam donations to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada https://www.united-church.ca/tags/mission-and-serivce or the Nature Conservancy of Canada https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/