Mary Gervason

Mary Magdelena Gervason (nee Van De Velde) passed away peacefully with family by her side, at the Chatham Kent Hospice, on Tuesday August 21^st, 2018, after a lengthy illness. Born 82 years ago, she was the youngest child of Alphonse and Martha (DeMeester) Van De Velde. She was raised on the family farm in Wallaceburg On, then eventually became a long-time Blenheim resident.

Mary was the beloved wife of Ron Gervason for 62 wonderful years. She was a loving mother to 5 children, Paulette Steel & the late Rick (2012), Dave Gervason & Yolanda Brisco, Pamela & Leon Dorssers, Patty & Dave Smith, Yvette White & Paul Rivait. She was an amazing grandmother to her 12 grandchildren, Adam & Nathalie Steel, Julia & Ernie Jenkins, Eric & Vanessa Steel, Corey & Natalie Gervason, Aaron & Amanda Gervason, Heather & Jeremy Vlasschaert, Drew & Angele Dorssers, Lee Dorssers, Tiffany & Aaron Benoit, Rachel Smith, Jillian White & Armando Lucarelli, Vanessa White & Brad McCallum. She adored her 14 great grandchildren: Alexys, Oliver, Reagan, Sophia, Lachlan, Grant, Autumn, Evelyn, Isabelle, Ivy, Koraline, Elliot, Emmett, Nolan, and the 15^th on the way. Mary will also be remembered by her special step grandchildren Chris & Danny Smith, Jason, Jeff, Kelly & Brandon Brisco, Shelby Rivait.

Mary was the youngest sister to the late Rene & Alice Van De Velde, Nascarino & the late Harry Rosseel, Clara & the late Alton Brown. Sister-in-law of Paul & the late Gladys Gervason of Nova Scotia. She will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews & dear friends that were like family to her.

Mary and Ron owned and operated the IGA grocery store in Blenheim for 5 years. Following that, they opened the BP Mini Mart/Petro Canada gas station and variety store, that they owned and operated for 20 years. Following their retirement in 1989, Mary & Ron enjoyed a small farm in Harwich Township.

Special thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mayo, Dr. Chandrasena, the caregivers and volunteers of the Chatham-Kent Hospice for the kindness, dignity and compassion shown to Mary and her family during her final weeks.

Family and friends will be received at Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday, August 24, 2018 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 95 Marlborough St. Blenheim. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Chatham-Kent Hospice.