Marie Maxine Hebblethwaite of the Chatham Retirement Resort and formerly of Blenheim, passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday February 19, 2015 at the age of 88 years. Marie was one of four children born to the late Catherine and Walter Knott and is survived by her sister Irene Wildgen (late Robert) of Blenheim and her brother Raymond & Pat Knott of Pickering. She was predeceased in life by her brother and sister in law Maurice & Florence Knott. Friends will remember Marie for her kind ways, for displaying the values of a true Christian. She put the needs of others before her own, she prayed for her family and friends, she planted flowers to make the world a nicer place. She kept very involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, for they were the most important people in her life. In her spare time she loved to read, listen to music (especially Lawrence Welk and Frank Sinatra) and she loved to do word searches. One day a young lady named Marie Knott met a young man named Jack Hebblethwaite at a dance held at the Rondeau Pavillion. In 1956 they were married and began a journey that would span over 45 years until Jack died on March 11, 2002. Marie and Jack raised three children; Ann Bokor of Cedar Springs, Bob & Pam Hebblethwaite of Blenheim and Cathy & David Sykes of Owen Sound. They were the proud grandparents of Jenny & Tony Acampora, Jared Bokor & Chrissy Bonneau, Sarah Anderson, Jesse Anderson, James Hebblethwaite, Caitlin Sykes and Cody Sykes and great grandparents of Estella, Julia, Ava, Emma and Laila Acampora and Gracie Bokor. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday February 23, 2015 where visitation will take place from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will be held at 3:00 p.m. Cremation will follow with a private family interment at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Marie with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Salvation Army of Chatham-Kent.

Marion Eileen Huffman, wife of the late Glenn Huffman passed away on Saturday February 14, 2015 at the age of 92 years. Marion was born in Blenheim, one of three children to the late Harry and Fay (Anderson) Findlay. She loved to bake and cook, make clothes for her family and knit. She was part of the era when hard work was the norm. She worked in the fields, prepared meals for everyone during thrashing time and gave many hours to volunteer at school events. Marion was proud of her children Betty & Gary West, Ron & Rose Huffman, Paul & Wilma Huffman and Kim Huffman and she loved time spent with her 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was looking forward to her 12^th great-grandchild due next month. Marion is predeceased by both of her sisters Dora Jean Smith and Edith Durfy. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Marion, conducted by Rev. Curtis Marwood will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday February 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Marion with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

Dorothy Elsie Simpson, much loved wife of David Simpson passed away at home on Wednesday February 11, 2015. Dorothy was born in St. Marys 86 years ago to her late parents William and Jennie May (Pugsley) McRobb. She attended St. Marys Public and High Schools before attending the Stratford Business College. She worked in Blenheim for a number of years at Handy Bros. Dorothy married the love of her life David Simpson and they celebrated their 66^th wedding anniversary this past June. They were the proud parents of two daughters; Susan Simpson who lives in Blenheim and Pamela Dobbins who passed away in 2000. They welcomed into the world two grandchildren; Kaleb Dobbins (Krista) of Chatham and Stesha Dobbins (Mike) of Kitchener and four great grandchildren. Dorothy is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was the last surviving member of her family, having been predeceased by her sister Marion & Bill Atkinson and by her brothers Bill & Chris McRobb and by Tom McRobb. Dorothy acted as Past President of the Blenheim Kinettes. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Saturday February 14, 2015 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Dorothy will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday February 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. A private family interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on Monday. Friends wishing to remember Dorothy with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the C.N.I.B. or the Cancer Society.

Frank Anthony Santavy Jr. of Blenheim passed away in the early morning hours of February 11, 2015 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance in his 82^nd year. Frank was born in Czechoslovakia on May 31, 1933 to his late parents Anna & Frank Santavy and came to Canada in 1937, settling in the farmland on the Eau Road south of Blenheim. He was one of four children, being survived by his sister Helen Meacham and his sister-in-law Marge Santavy. Predeceased by his brother John (1998) and his sister Anna (1931).

Frank worked as a proud tool and die maker all of his life, and his master skills served him well in his passion for gun repair. He also took great pride in his hand-carved decoys, his time as a fishing guide in Northern Canada, and his love of the great outdoors. Together he and his former wife Marg Santavy raised three children of whom they are very proud of; Mark & Mary Lynn Santavy, Greg Santavy & Leah Lee and Dana & Paul Brezzi. They were also blessed with five grandchildren; Nathan Santavy, Brayden Santavy, Chase Santavy and Isabella Brezzi as well as Tyson Santavy who passed away in 2008. His grace on the dance floor and his smile in the coffee shop will be missed by many.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday February 13, 2015 for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 pm. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will be held in Glad Tidings Community Church on Saturday February 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow. A lifelong avid outdoorsman, friends wishing to remember Frank with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Rondeau Bay Waterfowler’s Association. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Irene Yakey of Cedar Springs, dear wife of Ed Yakey passed away in London on Monday February 3, 2015. Irene was born in Kirkland Lake 84 years ago. She and Ed raised two children; Laurie Meriano of Cedar Springs and Michael Yakey of Calgary. In keeping with Irene’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Lorna Mae (Huston) Tennant, loved wife of the late William “Bill” Tennant (2010) passed away on Monday February 2, 2015 at the age of 68 years. Dear mother of Bill & Julie of Chatham and Brad & Kailin of Blenheim. Awesome “Tama” of Karson, Konner, Meghan, Ashlynn, Taya and Tessa. She will be missed by her only brother Larry & Carol Huston of Melbourne and her nephews Mike, Jeff and Greg. Friends will remember Lorna from her many years as an employee at Canadian Tire, for her dedication to the youth in our community by serving as a Beaver leader for 10 years and volunteering at W.J. Baird Public School as a Student Aid and with the Breakfast Program for 5 years as well as for her love of gardening. Above all, Lorna’s passion in life was her sons and her grandchildren. In keeping with Lorna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Lorna’s family will receive friends at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday February 7, 2015 from 10:00 – 11:00. A Memorial Service officiated by Pastor Bill Terris will take place at 11:00

Madelene Sarson of Blenheim, much loved wife of the late Bernard Sarson (2005) passed away on Saturday January 31, 2015. Madelene was born in Dutton 76 years ago to her late parents James & Agnes (Butler) Clow. She and Bernie raised four children; Rob Sarson of Blenheim, David & Heather Sarson of Chatham, Doris Ann Sarson of Chatham and Don Sarson of Blenheim. She was blessed with five grandchildren; Aaron, Kolby, Lindsay, Carter and Spencer. Madelene was the dear sister of Wes & the late Elizabeth Clow and the late Neil & Margaret Ann Clow. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Tuesday from 6 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Madelene will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday February 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Madelene with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society or the Chatham-Kent O.S.P.C.A.

William “Bill” Van Breda of Harwich Township passed away peacefully at home in his sleep in his 92^nd year on January 30, 2015. Bill was born and raised in Holland by his late parents Hendrik & Hendrika (Lith) and came to Canada in 1948 where he settled in Shakespeare Ontario before settling in the Blenheim area. During WWII he was in a forced labour camp in Germany until he escaped and joined the Resistance. He hid from the Germans for three years sleeping in trees, ditches, hay lofts and narrowly escaped capture several times. Once Bill settled in the Blenheim area he worked drilling for gas and oil throughout Ontario and Quebec and also grew tobacco on his beloved farm for many years until his retirement. Bill is survived by his loving wife Cathy Van Breda (Crow) his dear brother Joe Van Breda of St. Catherine’s and his beloved sister Els (Toon) Hackkert of Holland. He is also survived by his extended family Carrie Opavsky of London, Lorrie (Tim) Vandersluis of London and Shellie (Terry) Sawyer of Guelph. Grandchildren Rowan & Ayden Bourdeau of Guelph and Nathan (Mel) Trudell of Chatham. Also survived by his brother and sister in law, Tom (Kathy) Burke, Carol Schade, Glen (Connie) Burk of Chatham, Freda (Blaine) Montague of Calgary Alberta and Sue (Terry) Hind of Ottawa. He is survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews both in Canada and Holland. His good friends Jack Van Boxtel & Bill Eenink will miss their frequent visits with Bill and reminiscing about living in Holland. Bill will be deeply missed by his personal Bayshore PSW’s Mary Ann Dreveny and Deb VanGassen who for many years provided much love and support to the Van Breda family.

Bill was predeceased by his first wife Denise (Van Waes) in 2000 and by his sisters Henny, Corry, Audrey and Giet and his brothers Jan-Dirk and Wymond.

Bill was a hard working kind gentle man with a big smile that made you feel welcome and was loved by many. He took great pride in his gardening and he provided many local families with fresh produce over the years. He loved spending his retirement years on the farm in his greenhouse with his best canine friend Molly who passed away this past November.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday February 2^nd for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday February 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Bill Capitano officiating. Cremation will follow. Friends wishing to remember Bill with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Food Bank.

Carol Tuck of Morpeth passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday January 25, 2015. Carol was predeceased by her siblings Stanley Campbell in 1967 (Margaret), Marjorie Simpson in 1993 (Clare), Verna Patterson in 1994 (Elroy) and Calvin Campbell in 2005 (Ann) and by her son Steven Tuck in 2004. Carol Anne Campbell was born on June 24, 1941 in Chatham Ontario. She was raised in Ridgetown where she attended elementary school, Ridgetown District High School and Agar Business School. In 1960 she married Kingsley Tuck and spent twenty-eight years farming and raising two boys. For a number of years she worked as a secretary at Ridgetown District High School. She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Kingsley of Morpeth and by her son Kevin (Heather) of Quathiaski Cove, B.C. Cremation has taken place. Friends wishing to remember Carol with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice. Interment will take place at a later date. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

Agnes Noreen Dekker, of Chatham and formerly of Port Colborne, passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday, January 14th. Noreen was one of three children born to the late Robert & Georgina (Henderson) Roy and was predeceased by her sister, Joyce (Robert) Wylie, and brother, Robert Roy. On August 26, 1961, Noreen married her best friend, Reindert Dekker, and began a journey that would span over 58 years; five years dating and 53 years of marriage. Together they raised two sons, Ronald, married to Ruth, who live in Chatham with their three children and Robert Dekker who lives in B.C. and has three children. Noreen was a kind and caring person, with a fantastic sense of humour, who loved reading, gardening and telling stories After her father died, Noreen and Reindert moved in with her mother to care for her. Noreen lived for her grandchildren and enjoyed summer holidays because it meant that she could have Erin, Owen and Morgan, from Chatham, for extended visits to her home in Port Colborne. In their retirement years, Noreen and Reindert enjoyed adventures in far flung places, including Hawaii, Alaska, Holland and Scotland. They frequently travelled to New York state to visit her niece, Joyce, her husband, Brian Mader and their three children. In August, 2013, they moved to Caleb Village in Chatham to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In keeping with Noreen’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Saturday, January 17, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a casual reception and a time to share stories and celebrate Noreen’s life. Friends wishing to remember Noreen with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.