Obituaries

Joseph “Dale” Peters

A photo of Joseph “Dale” Peters

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday February 14, 2012
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday February 14, 2012
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Joseph “Dale” Peters of Ridgetown passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday February 10, 2012 at the age of 73 years. Dale was born in Prince Edward Island, the son of the late James and Mary (Blackyear) Peters. He is survived by his wife Mary Catherine Taschereau of Ridgetown and by his children Darrell Peters & Sarah Price of Kingston and Bridgot Peters also of Kingston, by his sister Bety & John Courneya of Scarborough and by several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Roy Peters and by his brothers in law Anthony Matuska, Tom Matuska and Joe Matuska. Dale worked as a soil tester for Dominion Soil which allowed him to see many parts of the country, he owned and operated a restaurant outside Rondeau Park called The Hacienda and he also enjoyed a good game of golf. Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Tuesday morning from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. A Funeral Service for Dale will follow at 11:00. In keeping with Dale’s wishes, cremation will take place and he will be laid to rest with his Mom and Dad in Prince Edward Island. Friends wishing to remember Dale with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.

Sophie Owen

A photo of Sophie Owen

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday February 4, 2012
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday Februaary 4, 2012
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Sophie Owen (Ripchensky) who passed peacefully at Riverview Gardens on February 1, 2012 at the age of 92 years. Born in Montreal, Sophie was predeceased by her husband Alfred Richard “Dick” Owen. Loving mother of Carolyn & John Bloxham, Lorraine Barnes and Keith Owen. Grandmother to Chris Pidgeon (Todd), Kim Bloxham-Jenkins (Mark), Cory Bloxham (Agnes), Traci Fitzgerald (Jim), Jennifer Owen (Charlie), Steve Barnes and Katy Barnes. Fun loving great-grandmother to 8 great-grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St, Blenheim on Saturday February 4, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. for a time of visitation. A Funeral Service for Sophie will follow at 11 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Following the service, a reception for friends and family will be held at Blazin BBQ, St. Clair Street in Chatham from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to the staff at Riverview Gardens, especially 3 West, Rose Arbour for their compassionate care.

Robert “Bob” O’Neill

A photo of Robert “Bob” O’Neill

Robert Dennis O’Neill passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Saturday January 14, 2012 at the age of 67 years. Bob will be missed by his spouse Shirley McLennan and her family, by his daughter Leah O’Neill of London and son Patrick O’Neill of Calgary, by three grandchildren, by his sisters Peggy O’Neill of Olympia, Washington, Clarice & Ernie Moore of Chatham and Joy & Alex Kerr of Duart, by his brother Harry & Daphne O’Neill of Kelso, Washington and by his brothers in law Ron Fuller of Ridgetown and Jim Simpson of Toronto. Bob was predeceased by his sisters Pat Fuller and Mary Simpson and by his brothers Fred & Doreen O’Neill and Jim O’Neill. Bob was raised near Ridgetown and was a carpenter by trade. He and Shirley spent many summers at the Hickory Grove Campground near Rodney. Much of Bob’s life was spent making things better for other people and it was his wish that through his death he would be able to do the same. Bob made a choice to participate in the University of Western Ontario’s Body Bequeathal Program in an effort to help tomorrow’s doctors, dentists and health researchers make this a better world.

Wayne Fleury

A photo of Wayne Fleury

Service:

St. Mary's Church, Blenheim
Tuesday January 10, 2012
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday January 9, 2012
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Wayne Fleury of Blenheim passed away on Friday January 6, 2012 at the age of 50 years. Wayne is the much loved husband of Michelle (Legue) and proud father of Nicole and Matthew. He is the son of Carol Fleury of Chatham and the late Howard Fleury. He will be missed by his sister Elaine & Rick Martin of Tilbury, his brothers Ken Fleury of Chatham, Jim & Penny Fleury of Port Lambton, Mike & Theresa Fleury of Merlin and Darren Fleury of Chatham, by his mother in law Lynda Drew of Dealtown, his brothers in law Mike & Susan Legue of Chatham, Marc & Jan Legue of Shrewsbury, Ryan Drew of Dealtown and Justin Drew of Calgary as well as by many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was a kind and caring person who loved people and always wore a smile. Family was most the most important thing to him and many good memories were created from camping times, from cheering Nicole and Matthew on at their sporting events and from quiet times that they were able to spend together. For the past fifteen years Wayne showed true dedication and concern for others and his community by volunteering as a Firefighter with the Chatham-Kent Fire Service, first at Station 17 in Merlin and then at Station 18 in Blenheim…he will greatly missed by all of his extended family there.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Wayne’s family. Members of the Chatham-Kent Fire Services will gather at the Funeral Home to pay their respects at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Wayne will take place in St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Friends wishing to remember Wayne with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society or the Blenheim Blades Hockey Team.

Kathleen (Powell) Braun

A photo of Kathleen (Powell) Braun

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday January 16, 2012
1:00

Kathleen (Powell) Braun of Sarnia passed away at the Bluewater Health Palliative Medicine Unit on Thursday January 5, 2012. A kind and caring person who will be remembered for her contagious smile, her love of shopping and her impeccable taste in clothing, Kathleen will be missed greatly by her son Bob, his wife Lisa and their children Sarah and Jason Braun of Bright’s Grove. Kathleen was born in Hearst ninety-one years ago to her late parents Agnes and Harry Powell. She is survived by her sisters Evelyn Cartier of London and Marjorie Brown of St. Catharines. She was predeceased by her brother Lorne Powell. In keeping with Kathleen’s wishes and good taste, friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday January 16, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. for a time of remembrance and hospitality. At the conclusion of the reception, Kathleen’s urn will be taken to Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim where she will be laid to rest with her mother and father. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care afforded to Kathleen by Nurses and staff and would be pleased if friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation would consider the Bluewater Health Palliative Medicine Unit.

Patricia Vaughan

A photo of Patricia Vaughan

Service:

St. Mary's Church
Wednesday January 4, 2012
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday January 3, 2012
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Surrounded by her loving family, Patricia Margette (Marchand/Reaume) Vaughan peacefully passed away on Sunday January 1, 2012 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance after a long and courageous battle. Loving mother of Gary Vaughan of Sudbury, Murray Vaughan of Michigan, Shelley & Peter Marsh of Blenheim, Michelle & Michael Osborne of Chatham and Michael & Barry Vaughan-Warford of London. Loved dearly by her grandchildren Jeremy, Michelle and Mandy Vaughan; Kathy Vaughan; Jennifer and David Kozlof, and Ashley and PJ Marsh; Jeffrey, Julie and Jessica Osborne; Carter Vaughan-Warford and 14 great grandchildren. Patricia is survived by her sisters Betty Bonneau of Tilbury, Mary Berry of Kingston, Jean Bechard of Toronto, by her brother Gerard Reaume of Halifax and by many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her daughter Angela Vaughan, her son Peter Vaughan, her grandson Matthew Vaughan and by her sisters Joanne Ryan, Carmen Glowacz and Marie Hinnegan and by her brothers Raymond Marchand, Robert Marchand, William Marchand and Clemente Reaume. Patricia was born on March 3, 1935 to Agnes and Alfonse Marchand and was adopted as an infant by Rose and Israel Reaume. She remained connected with all of her family members throughout her life. Patricia was tireless in her lifelong devotion to her family…to her, family always came first. Patricia’s friends and others in the community were also greatly impacted by her hard work and dedication. She found great joy and satisfaction in taking care of others which was shown through her involvement in Home Care services both privately and through the Canadian Red Cross. Patricia will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched. Family and friends are welcomed at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street Blenheim on Tuesday January 3rd between 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Patricia will be celebrated on Wednesday January 4th, 2012 at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be David Kozlof, PJ Marsh, Jeff Osborne, Jeremy Vaughan, Josh Rudorfer and Stephen Lambrecht. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be appreciated by the family.

Nina Swackhamer

A photo of Nina Swackhamer

Service:

Blenheim United Church
Friday December 23, 2011
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday December 22, 2011
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Nina Mildred Swackhamer of Blenheim, loved wife of the late Leonard Swackhamer passed away on Tuesday December 20, 2011 at the age of 84 years. Nina is survived by her children Donna & Rev. Bruce Cook of Blenheim, David & Carol Swackhamer of Toronto, Deb & Bill Wickham of Blenheim, and Norman & Bev Swackhamer of Newfoundland. Nina was blessed with 10 grandchildren; David (2009), Dawn, Sarah, Geneva, Jordan, Matthew, Elizabeth, Bradley, Madelyn and Christina and 2 great grandchildren Kendra and Morgan. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to the family. A Funeral Service for Nina will be held in the Blenheim United Church on Friday December 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Wanda Burse officiating. Cremation to follow with interment in Newfoundland.

Elliana Grace VanderEnde

A photo of Elliana Grace VanderEnde

Service:

Blenheim Christian Reformed Church
Wednesday December 21, 2011
2:30 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Christian Reformed Church
Wednesday December 21, 2011
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Psalm 139 “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Brad and Julia VanderEnde were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Elliana Grace, on December 8, 2011. In the ten short days she was with us, she touched the lives of us all and will always remain in our hearts. On December 18, 2011 little Elliana Grace went from the loving arms of her parents to the open arms of Jesus. Elliana will be sadly missed by her Pake and Beppe, Pier and Darlene van der Hoek; Opa and Oma, Harold and Marg VanderEnde; great-grandparents, John and Edith VanderEnde and Grace Counsell. Elliana will also be missed by Uncle Hans and Aunt Michelle, (cousins Alyssa, Chloe, Pierce and Emily), Uncle Henry and Aunt Ashley, Aunt Janelle, Uncle Andrew and Aunt Andrea and Aunt Kim. We are all blessed to have had Elliana Grace in our lives. Visiting will be held at the Blenheim Christian Reformed Church on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Frank DeBoer officiating. Interment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery. Family and friends wishing to remember Elliana with a memorial donation are asked to consider the NICU Unit at the London Children’s Hospital or the Ronald McDonald House Foundation.

Vivian Morningstar

A photo of Vivian Morningstar

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday December 14, 2011
2:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday December 13, 2011 from 7 - 9 p.m.
Wednesday December 14, 2011 from 1 - 2 p.m.

Vivian Jeannette (Johnston) Morningstar, beloved wife of the late Roy Henry Morningstar (1991), of Chatham and formerly of Blenheim passed away on Sunday December 11, 2011 at the age of 98 years. Vivian was one of nine children born to Lila and William Johnston. She will be fondly missed by her daughters Audrey Dawson (Lyle) of Chatham and Irene Campbell of Blenheim. She was dearly loved by her grandchildren Christie Dawson, Harvey Dawson (Tracy), Melanie, Paul Dawson (Julie), Steven Dawson (Wayne), Robert Dawson (Glenna), Miki Dawson, Jim Campbell (Joy), Bob Campbell (Anne), Janet Nauta (Jim) and Marianne Fenton (Shawn). She was also the “grandmother that everybody wanted” to 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Vivian is survived by her brothers Gordon Johnston and Lloyd Johnston (Jean) as well as her sisters in law Margaret Johnston, Marilyn Johnston and Marion Matt. She was predeceased by her son in law Gordon Campbell, by her grandson Dale Dawson, by her sisters Florence McVicar (Dan) and Mary Margaret Johnston and by her brothers Norman Johnston (Phyllis), Harold Johnston, Donald Johnston and Kenneth Johnston and by her sister in law Jean Johnston. Vivian will also be missed by her extended family at the Chatham Retirement Resort. The value of education became important to Vivian at an early age. Not only was she a dedicated teacher in the former Townships of Dawn, Howard and Harwich, but she also instilled the value of education in her daughters who became teachers. She encouraged her grandchildren to recognize those same values and to accomplish the great things that they have. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to show their support to Vivian’s family on Tuesday December 13, 2011 from 7 – 9 p.m. and on Wednesday December 14, 2011 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 officiated by Rev. Wanda Burse of the Ridge Community Church. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Vivian with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ridge Community Church or to the foundation supporting post secondary education for foster children in Chatham-Kent.

Beverley Grieve

A photo of Beverley Grieve

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday December 7, 2011
2:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday December 7, 2011
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the passing of Beverley Jane (Cronmiller) Grieve of Chatham on Saturday December 3, 2011. Bev was born in 75 years ago in Gosfield South (which is now a part of Kingsville) to her late parents Clarence and Ada (Robinson) Cronmiller. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Roy Grieve and by her children Debra Lynn & Mark Boisvert, Donna Leeson, Dorothy & Stephen Aikens, Tammy & James Matte, Daniel & Pam Grieve, Joe Grieve and Kenneth & Tanya Grieve. She is the proud grandma of 21 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Bev was predeceased by three of her children; Cathy and Joey who were twins and later by a daughter Shelie. She was the last surviving member of her family, having been predeceased by her sister Dorothy Cronmiller and by hr brothers Billy Cronmiller, Ross Moore and Earl Moore.

Bev was a member of Providence United Church, Chatham and a retired employee of Chrysler’s in Windsor. In her retirement years, she and Roy gave much of their time and money to make the world a better place for their families. In her personal life, Bev’s simple belief was that you “play with the cards that you were dealt”. And so it would be that a very few weeks ago she accepted her diagnosis of cancer with great courage and made the best of her time, sharing every moment she could with her family. It was Bev’s wish that a special acknowledgement be given to her friend Samantha who was such a great friend and help over the past number of years. Her work on earth now done, Bev is reunited with her children in Heaven. We’ll miss you, Ma.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to show their support to Bev’s family on Wednesday December 7, 2011 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Bev will be held in the Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Tyler Powell of Providence United Church officiating. Cremation to follow. Friends wishing to remember Bev with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.

From the Family…

At this time, we would like to thank all that has helped and supported with Mom Grieve. A special thank you goes out to Rose Peseski, and Stacey Ronse for the daily intervention with us here. These two ladies were our VON nurses who came in everyday these past two weeks. It is sooo nice to have them call every two hours or so to check on things here with Mom. These ladies went above and beyond with their diligence of moms care and the sensitivity of the family members. Also a thank you to Bayshore and ProResp for their professional duties. Noone knows how much everyones thoughtfulness has touched this family…..With all our Love…The Grieve Family.