A most generous and loving soul has gone too soon.  Deborah Shirley Marriott, born on March 31, 1957 to the late Earl and Irene (Fields) Coll passed away on Thursday September 29, 2022.  She was the dear mother of David (Carrie) Marriott and proud grandmother of Tyler and Owen.  She was predeceased by her daughter Patricia Jean Marriott in 1991 and her “partner in crime” Bert Clark in 2017.  Debbie is survived by her siblings Sandy, Riley, Raymond, Rick (Carol) Coll and Pattie (John) Spacil.  She had much love for her nieces and nephews.  She was also predeceased by her sister Diane Lynn Coll and sister-in-law Diane Margaret Coll.  As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will take place next Saturday October 8^th.  Anyone wishing to remember Debbie is welcome to make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society https://mssociety.ca/ .

It is with fond memories that we, the family say our final farewell to our Mom.

Jean leaves behind three daughters Pat Getty (late Bob), Donna Clapp Turk (Jack) and Gerri Coates (Ken), her step family Jim Verstraete (Marilyn), Tom Verstraete (Val), Joanne Stoehr Brown and Ursula Verstraete (predeceased by Bill).

She is survived by her brother Bill Parker, sister-in-law Alice Parker and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husbands Earl Dibbley and George Verstraete, her sisters Dorothy Bond, Bessie Turner, Hazel Tanner, and her brothers Harold, Jack, Gordon, Don and Bob Parker.

As per Jeans request, cremation has taken place.  Her family will celebrate her life privately at a later date.

Jean’s family wishes to thank Becky and Jody, her home care nurses.  Special thanks to the staff at the Blenheim Community Village for the excellent care they gave to our Mom in her final days, all of the PSW’s, her Nurse Practitioner and Dr. Perkin.  Special thanks go out to Jenny, Jinny, Laura, Christie, Sarah and Curtis.  Thank you so much for all your support.

Jean Verstaete’s family

Friends wishing to remember Jean with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Word of Life Church Food Bank.

On Wednesday September 28, 2022 Larry Pope, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, age of 84.

Larry was born November 8, 1937 in Bothwell Ontario to the late William and Rhoda Pope. Larry worked in carpentry with his grandfather in his younger years. On July 11, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart Laura Allen. They moved to Erieau where Larry worked at the Southwest Regional Center before starting his own business in Cedar Springs – Larry and Laura’s Gas station & Restaurant. After years of running his own business Larry returned to carpentry. Together they raised two daughters, Cindy and Jennifer.

Larry had a passion for hunting and fishing, and he combined his two favourite hobbies to create an extraordinary place for friends and families to gather for years to come – The Ponderosa. Larry was known as “the Pope” and was a life member of the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club, and a member of the Blenheim Legion. He and his buddies spent many great times at the hunt camp and times away moose hunting. He was an avid Blue Jay’s fan and watched the games with Laura, never missing a game right up to the end. He was known for his quick wit, sense of humor and big heart despite his rough exterior.

Larry was predeceased by his parents William and Rhoda Pope, and brother Bill Pope III. Survived by his wife of 63 years Laura, daughters Cindy (Bert) Stothart, and Jennifer (Jeff) Parney. Siblings Darelene (Jack) Robertson, Ron (Shelly) Pope, Kim (Rick) Seguin. Grandchildren Brandi, Jessie (Sam), Brett (Jenn), Claire and Hilary. Great grandchildren Michael (Carrie), Keegan, Skylar and Morgan. Great – great grandchildren Samuel, Hailey and Harrison.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday October 2, 2022 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday October 3, 2022 at 11am, with an interment at Evergreen Cemetery, followed by a light luncheon at the Blenheim Baptist Church.

Donations may be made to a charity of choice and online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Cleata Morris passed away peacefully on September 24th 2022 at the age of 98.  Known to many as Aunt Cleata she was predeceased by her parents Gordon Morris and Louisa (Ida )Travis Morris, brother Hilliard Morris, sister Ruby Morris Griffith and nephew Paul Allen.

Cleata was a school teacher starting in 1945 to 1957 at SS #10 Green Valley School in Chatham Township then the French school also in Chatham Township from 1957 to 1958 then on to the Windsor School System from 1958 until retirement in 1996.  Cleata’s love for music took her to starting a Men’s Choir in 2001 and traveled all over the Chatham Kent area and further singing at churches retirement homes nursing homes etc.

Cleata leaves to mourn her sister Ona Morris- Allen of Burlington one niece Trenia Griffith- Williams and (husband Mark Williams) of Wisconsin, two nephews Stacy Griffith and (wife Terry Baylis -Griffith) of Amherstburg, Curtis Griffith of Detroit and a host of great and great great nieces and nephews cousins and friends.  Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday September 30th 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Homegoing service will be on Saturday October 1st 2022 and the North Buxton Community Church at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Buxton Next Generation (BNG) or charity of your choice.

Bradley DeBoer

November 18, 1985- September 23, 2022

If you were lucky enough to know Brad, you would know that he had such a love for life, was always looking for a good time and could light up a room with just his smile.  You could expect  anything from a goofy face, a silly joke, a prank, a smart-ass comment, a text message to decode, random dance moves, silly voices and accents, to breaking out in song. You just never knew.

Brad was a devoted husband to his wife and high school sweetheart Ashley.  People would say they had a kind of love that everyone always wished for.  Brad and Ashley made many beautiful memories.  They could be found on the dance floor, walking the dogs on the farm, working together or just hanging out at home.  Together they loved going to concerts, parties at friend’s, seadooing and boating, and on trips and vacations.  They were rarely without each other coining the nickname Brashley from friends.  Brad and Ashley had a great connection and we will see Brad and their love everyday through Kamryn.

To say he loved his daughter Kamryn is an understatement.  She is his pride and joy, his miracle, his legacy.  He was so patient, loving and nurturing with her.  Together they blew bubbles, walked at their own pace hand in hand, played on the floor in their own silly way and read books together.  Brad has left a beautiful fingerprint on his daughter.  She will always be able to remember him by videos, photos and memories shared by family and friends.

Brad will be missed dearly by his Father Mario, his two Brothers Greg and Mac and his Sisters-in-law Tina and Ainslie.  The DeBoer family shared a love that anyone around them could see and they all meant the world to Brad.  With them, he shared his love for fishing, hunting, farming, tinkering in the shop, going on family vacations, joking and goofing around or just sitting at the kitchen table discussing anything and everything.

His Mother-in-law Jackie, Grannie, and his Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law Justin and Pauline and Amber and Jordan will forever miss his ability to always make them laugh and forget about their troubles and how he made every family occasion fun in his usual “Brad” way.

As far as Uncles go, Brad was one of the best.  He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews, Morgan, Warren, Jett and Rylee. Brad will be missed by so many others.  Aunts, Uncles and Cousins who shared in special times, close friends who were always there, his Holland family who loved him like their own, his Water Treatment Operator co-workers and his college buddies who shared in his shenanigans. Brad loved to go for rides on his motorcycle, go skiing, and work on his tractor or in the fields.  He loved his Toyota truck and trying new things.

He faced many battles in his life and despite it all, he remained the happiest, bravest, positive person who made the best out of every situation.  Brad passed peacefully at home surrounded by the immense love of his whole family.  He was predeceased by his loving Mother Lana and his beloved brother Jeff who would have greeted him with even more love.

Brad was an amazing person, Husband, Dad, Brother, Son, Uncle and friend.  He will be missed beyond words and never far from our thoughts.  He will always be the “sparkle in our hearts”.

As per his wishes, a private family service will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday September 28, 2022.  Friends and family are invited to the Pardoville Cemetery at 2:15pm.  A party to celebrate Brad will take place at 3pm at the Red Barn Brewery in Blenheim, a place he loved.

Friends and family wishing to remember Brad are encouraged to donate to the Brain Tumour Foundation https://www.braintumour.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/ or to an education trust fund for Kamryn (cheques can be made payable to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home).

A tribute of Brad’s life can be viewed by clicking the following link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/YKZJTYYW4TQCK3MG

Barb Casey, 74, passed away on Sunday September 25^th after a short battle with cancer.  Survived by her partner Horace Brown, sister Betty, daughter Sheryl, grandchildren Kaitlyn (Patrick), Caylea (Bailey), Kerrra May (Chris), Jaden and Jase and great grandson Emerson as well as many nieces and nephews.  Barb is predeceased by parents Albert “Wally” Legue and Esme Gladys (Garlick), sisters Daisy, Shirley, Peggy and Maureen (Wink) and grandson Braedon.

Barb ran the Sunrise Café for 18 years.  She will be remembered most for her baking skills which included her popular shortbread cookies and Christmas cakes.

The family would like to thank the nurses and PSWs for the compassion and support for both Barb and Horace.  Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society of the Blenheim Youth Centre can be made in lieu of flowers.

Visitation for Barb will take place on Tuesday September 27, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Warren Glenn Cleveland –
April 6, 1938 to September 20, 2022, 84 years. The year, 2020 was like few, if any, that have gone before it. PANDEMIC. But Glenn had his own issues to deal with. He was diagnosed early in that year with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and endured many months of various chemo therapies, none of which accomplished the desired effect. The prognosis early this year was 3 to 6 months for Glenn’s life on this planet. Through it all, his faith in his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ has given him a sense of peace and a cheerful spirit that is beyond understanding. He was able to live out the rest of his days at home with palliative care checking on him, and his dear wife Mary, and extended family always at hand. He slipped peacefully into the presence of his Lord on September 20, 2022.
Glenn is predeceased by his parents Hilbert and Susanna Cleveland. He is survived by his two sisters, Pauline Lankin (late Ross), and Joy (Don) Hill, nieces and nephews: Debbie (Tim) Grigg, Steve (Julie) Hill, Patti Hill, Carol (Steve) Bannerman, David Lankin, Marianne (Mike) Diamond, Jon (Ann) Lankin, plus, many grand nieces and nephews.
The Lord blessed Glenn with 31 happy years with his dear wife, the late Mary. Her loving family received him as one of their own, and they were dear to his heart: Cherie McCallum/Ewert and Frank Ewert, and Jim and Sue McCallum, and their children and grandchildren.
Glenn farmed for many years in Harwich Township with his father. He also worked at building with his brothers in law, as well as for a local builder. In the 1960’s and 70’s he enjoyed travelling to Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, the Holy Land, and Zambia. Five of his journeys involved volunteering as a missionary builder and maintenance worker on mission stations in Zambia and Korea. In retirement, he began writing poetry, and continued to pursue his interests in building, sailing, and enjoying family and friends.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and visitation will he held at the Blenheim Baptist Church on Monday September 26, 2022 from 10:00am until 11:00am at which time the funeral service will be held with Rev. Bill Terris and Rev. Mike Sealy officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim. Donations made in memory of Glenn to Teen Challenge or the Erie Shores Hospice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunnityfuneralhome.com

A tribute to Glenn’s life can be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/4B37PQQKG4XSNYP5

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Velma Rose Jones who passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on September 19, 2022 at the age of 96. Velma was born in Raleigh Township on February 28, 1926 and was the daughter of the late Clinton and Ellen Bentley. Beloved wife of the late Dexter Gore and George Jones. Dear mother to Edna Jones, Gloria Stewart, Vada Thompson-Tait (Don), Philip Gore, Lisa Moore, Linda Sinclair, Roland Gore (Donna), Richard Gore, and predeceased by Douglas Gore, Gerald Gore, and Leatta Buschemeyer. Mother in law to Barb Gore and Brian Buschemeyer. Velma was blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sister to Betty Fiorentino, Sharon Kingwell (Lawrence), Doreen Jaques, Dianne Bentley, Sarah Rozee, Marjorie Hillis (Doug), John Bentley and predeceased by brothers Louis, Leonard, Harry, and William ‘Bill’ Bentley. Velma formerly worked at the Southwestern Regional Centre in Pediatrics, North American Plastics in Wallaceburg, and was a school bus driver for the Denure’s in Chatham. Thank you to all the kind supporting staff from Bayshore Community Care for their years of service. Visitation will take place on Friday September 23, 2022 at the funeral home, 60 Stanley St. in Blenheim from 7:00pm until 9:00pm. A service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday at 2:00pm with visiting one hour prior to the service. To watch the live stream of the service please click the following link to register: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=255db177-fee5-4e23-8d5a-81dc677c1f1e.  Interment at Pardoville-Union Cemetery to follow. Donations made to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com  A tribute to Velma’s life may be viewed by clicking the following link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/QY52YSJNRRHGC8XK

Surrounded by love, Patricia Ann Ryckman of Blenheim peacefully slipped away at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Sunday, September 18. While she would kindly remind you that a lady never reveals her age, she collected 71 years filled with love, loss, and a healthy dose of laughter.

She is survived by her son Jeff Dunlop (Candace), sisters Marie Smith (Leonard), Gloria Anson (late Ed), Stacie Beaton (Doug), Tami St. Lewis (Stacey), and brother Ken (late Linda). She is predeceased by husbands Michael Dunlop and Fred Ryckman, son Michael Dunlop, parents William and Dona Nealey, as well as siblings Fran Stothart, William Nealey II, and Dona Bechard. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews in the Nealey, Dunlop, and Ryckman families and by partner-in-crime Dorothy Ivison.

Born in a puddle, but eventually settling in Blenheim, she was the fourth child in the Nealey clan but was considered the glue that held nine siblings together. She lived briefly on the Jersey coast as a toddler, cementing her love for the ocean. A determined and resolute worker by inheritance, Pat worked at the Southwest Regional Centre for a time and was proudly employed at Mallory Industries for over 30 years. In her retirement, Pat enjoyed her time as a volunteer with New Beginnings.

She was a dedicated and proud mother to her two sons, and “mom” to many who made short visits or extended stays. After the tragic loss of her husband Michael, fate intervened and she reunited with her high school sweetheart Fred. Together, they finished a beautiful love story and discovered a thirst for travel. One of her favourite places was the Lido deck of a cruise ship, surrounded by friends and family, with a boat drink in her hand.

Family and friends are invited to gather around her once again at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, September 22, 2022, where visitation will take place from 7-9 p.m. Visitation will take place again on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 12 p.m. until the time of Patricia’s funeral service, officiated by Pastor Bill Terris, which will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Patricia with a memorial donation are asked to consider New Beginnings ABI and Stroke Recovery Association http://newbeginnings-cksl.com/donate/ or Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

Theresa Maria Henderson (nee Huybers) peacefully passed away on September 15, 2022 at the Sun Parlor Nursing Home in Leamington at the age of 88. She was the daughter of the late Barend and Maria Huybers (nee Bernaards) and predeceased by 17 siblings. She was the loving wife to the late Reg Pardoe and the late Peter Henderson.
Sadly missed by her large extended family. Theresa worked many years as a housekeeper and enjoyed gardening, sewing, cross stitching and a variety of crafts as her hobbies. As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family interment was held at Evergreen Cemetery. Donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Theresa would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com