Rose Marie (Pepper) (Richards) Swance, much loved wife of Al Swance of Blenheim passed away at Riverview Gardens on Tuesday, September 4^th, 2012. Rose was born in Raleigh Township 81 years ago to her late parents Walter & Florence Pepper and worked as a bookkeeper for Town & Country Lumber. She has one sister, Lorna Kay, of Chatham. Rose married her high school sweetheart, Harry Richards, who predeceased her in 1977 and together they had four children; Leroy (Karen) Richards of London, Ronald Richards of Delhi, Janet (Stephen) Ross of Dundas and Deborah (Mike) Degan of London. Their family grew to include grandchildren and great grandchildren Stephanie (Dan) Roberts and their daughter Savannah, Pamela (David) Pridmore, Andrew Ross, Christopher (Stephanie) Ross and their daughter Samantha, Nicholas Ross, Hannah and Olivia Richards. In 1982 Rose married Al Swance and her family grew again to include his children; Gary Swance (Kathy Kohajda) of Kearney, Gregory (Darlene) Swance of Blenheim, Gordon (Monica) Swance of Morpeth as well as Al’s grandchildren and great grandchildren Shalynn Ramsden, Desirée Swance, Brandon Swance, Colin [Nadja) Seney and their daughter Bianca, Jordan Swance and Kelsey Swance. Rose was a former member of Blenheim Kinnettes as well as a Past District Governor and National Convenor. She promoted youth bowling in Blenheim, was a former award winning ladies golfer at the Blenheim Community Golf Course, a member of the Blenheim United Church, and a member of the Blenheim Seniors Centre. She enjoyed playing cards, knitting and dancing, travelling to new places, but nothing surpassed time with her family, especially on Christmas morning. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to show their support to Rose’s family. A Funeral Service will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Friday, September 7^th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook officiating. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Rose with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer Society or Cancer Society.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother Clara Marie Sullivan who died on August 27, 2012 at Blenheim Community Village after a long fruitful life. She was in her 100^th year. Clara was born March 11, 1913 in Pain Court, daughter of the late Alphy King (Roy) and Olivia (Caron). She was the dear wife of Thomas W. Sullivan for nearly 60 years before his death in 1994. They started their life together in Tilbury East Township before moving to the Communication Road (RR 5, Blenheim) and later to RR 3, Blenheim where they farmed for many years. Clara and Thomas were blessed with three children: Betty Ann (Henry) Lister of Windsor, Ronald (JoAnne) and Robert (Beth) both of RR 3, Blenheim.

Clara was proud of, and will be fondly remembered by her 10 grandchildren: Tom (Lori) Lister, Mary Lynn (Mark) Santavy, Gerry (Martha) Sullivan, Karen Sullivan, Michael (Debbie) Sullivan, Ronald (Leanne) Sullivan, Scott Sullivan, Patrick (Beth) Sullivan, Christine (Christopher) Chapman and Brian Sullivan. Eighteen Great Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandchild. She was the oldest child in her family. She is survived by her sister Rita Burke of Chatham; sisters-in-law Irma King of Pain Court, Olive Bradley of Chatham and Irene Sullivan Vella-Zarb of Prairie Siding. She is predeceased by brother Roland (Cecile) King, Gerald King, and sister Pauline (Gerald) Gagner and infant sister, Laurentia, and brothers-in-law Donald Burke, Gerald and Leo Sullivan, Jim Bradley and sister-in-law Mae (Hilliard) Jubenville. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

In their later years Tom and Clara enjoyed many happy winters in Lake Worth, Florida where they made new friends over the years. The church played an important and major role in Clara’s life. She was active and a lifetime member of the Catholic Women’s League in Blenheim and Erieau, working tirelessly on numerous projects. A must part of Clara’s day was saying the Rosary through much of her life. For years Clara helped on the farm and tended to her gardens (she loved flowers) and her household chores.

The family would like to thank the staff at Blenheim Community Village for the tender care over the past 12 years. Mother would often say “this is my home”. The staff made her feel comfortable in “her home”. Special thanks to Dr. Tom Perkin.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home Wednesday August 29,2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Prayers will be offered at 7pm. Mass of Christian burial will be in St. Anne of the Lakes Church in Erieau on Thursday August 30, 2012 at 11 am. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be Tom Lister, Gerry Sullivan, Mike Sullivan, Ron Sullivan, Scott Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan and Brian Sullivan. Donations to the Blenheim Food Bank or the St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund would be appreciated.

Theresa Bertha “Terry” Fulkerson passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Thursday August 23, 2012. Born in Pembroke, daughter of the late Hugh & Anne (Perry) Cameron. Dear Mother of Cam (Nancy), Lawrence (Wendy) and JoAnn Christensen. Lovingly missed by her grandchildren Brad Fulkerson, Michelle Naclerio (Fred), Sean Fulkerson (Diana), Melissa Avery (Gerry), Trisha Bougie (Shane), Parry Christensen (Renee) and Svend Christensen and 14 great grandchildren. Sister of Jimmy, Bobby, Teddy, Susan, Shirley, Joan & Gwen. Terry will be missed by her extended family Mary Ann, Robert, Terry and Jean and will be fondly remembered to many nieces and nephews as “Aunty Bingo”. Special thanks to Dr. Perkin and the staff of the Blenheim Community Village. Cremation has taken place and a Private Family Memorial will take place at a later date.

Wayne Lincoln Stoehr of Blenheim passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Tuesday August 21, 2012. Born in Chatham 61 years ago to his late parents Roland and Anne (Bell) Stoehr, Wayne will be remembered each and every day by his wife of 27 years, Debra (Feduk) Stoehr, by his children Tawnya & Scott Stephens of Charing Cross, Trina & Dave Hrdlicka of B.C. and by his grandchildren Melissa, Jessica and Jordan. He will also be fondly remembered by his family Liz & Murray, Pat & Jim, Byron & Sharron, Jeff & Kim and Greg & Liz as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Wayne worked for many years and was well known in his profession as a licensed mechanic. In his personal life, he appreciated quiet moments. It was his wish that cremation would take place and that a private family service be held at a later date. In keeping with Wayne’s quiet and unselfish ways, his family asks that you remember him by paying it forward…plant a flower, love your neighbour, do a favour and find peace. Should you wish to remember Wayne with a memorial donation, friends are encouraged to consider Bayshore Home Health in Chatham to assist staff with continuing educational opportunities or the O.S.P.C.A. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Marvin David Dowler, much loved husband of Adriana Wilson-Dowler passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday August 7, 2012 at the age of 69 years. Marvin was born on June 5, 1943 to his late parents Bruce and Verna (Amlin) Dowler and worked for 36 years at 3M in London. Marvin loved the outdoors and loved his new life, living back in the country. He is survived by his children Tom & Diane Dowler, Cheryl Naylor, Shannon & Marshal Hemmings, Lianne Dowler & Mike Angeski, Jason & Christie Wilson, Duane & Veronica Wilson and Derek & Megan Wilson, by his grandchildren Lauren, Nathan, Holly, Adam, Charlotte, Julia, Amy, Lilly and Seth, by his siblings Gord & Muriel Dowler, Jim & Margaret Dowler and Sharon & Bill Brock. Marvin will be loved and missed by his family and friends, by many nieces and nephews and also by his new extended family and his neighbours. He was predeceased by his sister Shirley Wright in 2006. Cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Michael’s Church, 26 George Street, Ridgetown on Saturday August 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Friends wishing to remember Marvin with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

Brenda Lillian (Dick) Poile, much loved wife of Robin Poile passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday August 2 at the age of 61 years. She was born in Chatham, daughter of Naomi Dick and Edsel Dick (Judy). Loving mother of Cory King (Terri) of Sarnia, Shauna Brown (John) of Chatham, Mike King of Woodstock and step mom of Christopher Poile (Yuki) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Matthew Poile of Waterloo. Proud Grandma of Adrianna, Evan, Elijah, Payton, Bree, Julia, Natalie, Kaydence, Natalia and Mai. Dear sister of Ralph Dick of Blenheim, Darrell Dick (Kathy) of Strathroy, Kevin Dick (Lisa) of Merlin and Brian Dick (Eileen) of High Prairie Alberta. Fondly remembered by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by her older sister Diane as an infant. A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held on Wednesday August 8 at the Blenheim Masonic Community Hall from 4 – 8 p.m. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Terrence “Terry” Reeks Sr. passed away peacefully with his family at his side on August 1^st, 2012 at CKHA at the age of 77. Born in Yorkshire, England and survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Doreen, devoted father of Lorraine Wildash, late son Terrence Jr., Tony Reed, Dawn Reeks and Gary Reeks. Sadly missed by his 7 grandchildren and his 3 great grandchildren, brother Paul Reeks and sister Sheila Barker, both of Chatham.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Avril MacDonald and to all of the nursing staff and support workers on Med “C” at CKHA for your compassion that you showed our family and father at this time of sorrow.

Also, a special thank you to Gary and Jean Schnekberger for their continued support and friendship to our family throughout the years.

Terry’s last wish was that he could make it home one last time. That wish will be honoured on Saturday August 11^th 2012. The family will be holding a memorial service at 21046 Queen Street, Charing Cross, Ontario from 1 – 4 p.m. for anyone that would like to pay their respects to Terry and his family. Family and home meant everything to him and that’s where he will always be remembered at. The family has requested no flowers or plants, just precious memories.

The family of Harland Drury is sad to announce his passing. Harley passed away July 12, 2012 at the home he was born in on January 18, 1923 at RR5 Blenheim. Harley and his late wife Jean (Embury 2006) farmed there and raised four surviving children; Christine Ryckman of RR5 Blenheim, Sue & Bob Segeren of Windsor, Terri & Lorne Fryer of RR2 Blenheim and Ken of RR5 Blenheim. Harley is also survived by his only sister Evelyn Edmonds of Ridgetown and sister in law Joan Drury of Blenheim. Predeceasing Harley are his parents George and Florence Drury, brother Leonard Drury, brother in law Glenn Edmonds and grandson Dustin Drury. Harley was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Visitation is at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street Blenheim from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday July 17, 2012. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday July 18, 2012 at 11 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be grandsons Tony Segeren, Jeremy Segeren, Eric Fryer, Nick Fryer, Tyler Drury and Rob Milne. Flower bearers will include granddaughters Daffny Milne, Ann Rotschenk, Emily Segeren, Amanda Fryer, Kelsey Fryer and Lizzi Fryer. Friends wishing to remember Harley with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Association or the Cancer Society.

Bonnie Bowman (nee Rumble) passed away peacefully on July 10, 2012 with her daughter Cathy and her son Brad assisting her in her last stage of God’s journey through life. Bonnie was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Sandy Bowman in 1996. Bonnie and Sandy were blessed in life with their children Cathy & Richard Sibinski of Dorchester and Brad & Janice Bowman of Sudbury as well as their grandchildren Craig VanTorre of London and Tanner Sibinski of Edmonton. Bonnie was predeceased by her only brother Ken Rumble whose wife Mary Jane and daughter Shan live in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. She is survived also by Sandy’s brother Murray & Carol Bowman of Erieau, their daughters Linda, Jackie and LeeAnn and their extended families and was predeceased by Sandy’s sister Betty Bowman.

Bonnie may be remembered for her many years at Serena’s Ladies Wear in Blenheim, a position that she inherited from her mother and kept until she was 70 years old. She may be remembered for chosing to live life on her own terms; a quality sometimes misconstrued as being stubborn instead of determination to maintain her independence. And Bonnie may be remembered for her liberal views of life or her impeccable taste in fine clothing and white wine. Ultimately, Bonnie Bowman was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister in law and aunt who will be missed by all.

It was Bonnie’s wish that this time be regarded with quiet grace and dignity. To that end, cremation will take place and a graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Cathy & Richard and Brad & Janice invite friends and family to an informal gathering at Bonnie’s home, 185 Cameron Street, Blenheim on Friday July 13, 2012 between 2:00 and 7:00 to share a memory and a glass of wine. Friends wishing to remember Bonnie with a Memorial Donation are asked to consider the Lung Associating or the Farley Foundation www.farleyfoundation.org

Cathy and Brad would like to extend a warm thank you to the staff at Bayshore Home Health Care for their compassion in Mom’s last few days.

Martha Elizabeth Kirkpatrick (nee Jenner) of Chatham passed away on Friday June 29, 2012 at the age of 70 years. Martha met and married her best friend Donald Kirkpatrick and together they raised two children; Jill and Roy who also met and married their best friends. Jill & John Whelan of Pickering and Roy & Wendy Kirkpatrick of Chatham gave Martha her greatest source of pride and joy, her grandchildren; Riley Kirkpatrick, Emily Kirkpatrick, Colleen Whelan and Scott Whelan. She is survived by her sisters and their husbands Jean Agar & Alfred of Woodstock and Katherine & Richard Whittington of Chatham and her brother-in-law Jack Hunt of London. She is predeceased by her parents Roy & Margaret (Jackson) Jenner and by her sisters and brothers- in-law, Ruth Myers (Francis), Shirley Marlatt (Nick) and Keith Coutts. Martha was a dear sister- in- law to the late, Jean Henry (Tom), the late Margaret Hunt, the late Betty McLaren (Ernie), and the late Mary Lou Conway (Ray). Martha was respected and loved by many nieces and nephews.

Martha trained at Woodstock General Hospital and shared her compassion and caring by working as a Registered Nurse until her retirement. Friends will remember Martha through her years at Southwestern Regional Centre where she worked as a Nursing Supervisor.

In keeping with Martha’s wishes, a private family gathering took place followed by cremation. A graveside service will be held at Thanksgiving in Bracebridge, Muskoka. In keeping with her kind and caring ways, Martha’s wish would have been that in lieu of flowers or memorial donations, you give a child an extra hug. Blenheim Community Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.