With her loving husband Jack of 59 years and family by her side, Frances Emily Arnold (nee Moir) peacefully passed into her heavenly home on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at the age of 82.

Fran was born in Dartmouth N.S. and is the daughter of the late Hilda and James Moir. She is predeceased and now re-united with her precious young son Johnny and brother Peter.

Forever loved by her two children, Tracy Arnold (Tim) of Windsor, Ont. and Paul Arnold (Kim) of Hamilton, Ontario. Sister of Donna Reaume (Bernie) of Chatham, Ont. Sister-in-law to Helen Graham (Harry) of Perth, Ont., and the late Richard and Donna Arnold of Chatham, Ont. She was also the sister-in-law to Marilyn Moir of Chatham, Ont.

She was the proud loving Nana to Bridgette Picard (Claude), Jeffrey Diepering (Sean), Aaron Arnold and Brittany Shaw (Steven). Filling her heart with love and joy, great-grandchildren Joseph, Maxine, Mathius, Seth and Lucas. She also adored her many nieces and nephews.

Lovingly remembered by foster children Lynn, Helene, Donna, Briggitte and the late Louise and families.

Fran will also be fondly remembered by neighbors and many friendships she developed over her lifetime.

Fran’s home was a reflection of her life, filled with collectibles from her worldwide travels with her husband’s work. But moreso, it was abundantly filled with the unconditional and generous love she had for her family and friends, where she welcomed you around her kitchen table to share a cup of tea and chat at any time. Her gentle and generous spirit left a last impacting on those who knew her.

The family invites you to join them on Saturday December 9, 2023 at 11 a.m. for Fran’s committal service at Arnold Cemetery, 10282 Longwoods Road, Chatham, followed by a luncheon to share memories at Blenheim Community Funeral home, 53 Stanley St., Blenheim, Ont.

The family would like to thank the Chatham-Kent Dialysis Centre, Bayshore, and staff at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for their great care.

Donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Society and Chatham-Kent Hospice.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Fraser who passed away at Riverview Gardens on Wednesday November 29, 2023 at the age of 85.  Gary was the son of the late Vern and Belle Fraser (nee Shrader).  Loving husband and best friend of 60 years of Vicky Fraser (nee Iwanchun) of Blenheim.  Father of Robert (LeeAnn) Fraser, Scott Fraser, and Chris (Jackie) Fraser.  Grandfather of Robyn, Holly, Hannah, Zoe, Logan and great grandfather of Mason, Oliver, and Jayden.  Predeceased by his sisters Mildred (Charles) Perdu, Betty (Don) Burton, and Francis (Albert) Jones, and brothers Harvey (Jean) Fraser and Ronald (Shirley) Fraser.  Also predeceased by his brother-in-law John (Loretta) Iwanchun and sister-in-law Olga (Roy) Keech.  Sadly, missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends (especially his Tim Hortons group).

Gary will be remembered for his fun loving nature, sense of humour, his years of working at Rockwell, and enjoying a happy retirement with Vicky in Southern Texas as “Winter Texans”.  A visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St in Blenheim, on Sunday December 3, 2023 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm with cremation to follow.  A private interment at Evergreen Cemetery will take place at a later date.  Donations made in memory of Gary to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.  Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Eva Handy who passed away at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Sunday November 26, 2023 at the age of 97. Eva was the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Loveday (nee Cartwell). She was the loving wife of the late Murray Handy. Dear mother of Carol (Dave) Nagle, Jim (Cathy) Handy, and the late Brenda Handy. Grandmother of Jason (Andrea) Leach, Cheri Leach (Jason Gownlock), Amanda Handy (Aaron Tate), Matt (Ashley) Handy, and Brett Nagle (Katie Simmons). Eva had 14 great grandchildren: Jessica, Cody, Carter, Ashana, Gavin, Nash, Jayla, Orionna, Taccoa, Eastonn, Kaydence, Emelia, Keagan, and Vienna. Eva was the sister of Ken Loveday, Don (Carol) Loveday and predeceased by Jean (Allan) Downie. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Eva will be remembered for her love of her family and her many, many artistic talents including: gardening, dancing, knitting, crochet, puzzles, pottery, cooking and canning, as well as being known for her many travels around the world. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday November 30 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm. A funeral service will then take place at 3:00pm with cremation to follow. A private interment at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Donations made in memory to the Blenheim Senior Centre or the Blenheim Medical Health Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A memorial video of Eva may be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/27LD7YGFJJHQN84S

Ann Nadine Motycka (nee Bell) passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Monday November 20, 2023.  She was the much-loved wife of Jerry Motycka, mother of Jeff, Jeanette and Jennifer Motycka (Gerry Pfaff) and grandmother of River and Rain Pfaff.

Ann was born 81 years ago to the late Jack & Belle Bell.  She is survived by her siblings Nancy Shannon, Mike Bell (Denise) and Ken Bell (late Janet).  She was predeceased by her brother John Bell (survived by Florence).  She was an aunt and a friend to many.

Much love and light is extended to all of you who helped make Ann’s life meaningful.  A heartfelt thanks goes out to Dr. James Wheeler and the nurses, PSW’s, staff and volunteers at the Chatham-Kent Hospice, the Erie St. Clair LHIN and the VON.  Your kindness, compassion and your service is great.  You filled a need at a most vulnerable and sacred time.  Thank you for holding the space with us for our beloved wife and mother.  We will be honouring her at a later date with a private family funeral.

Please consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice in your charitable donations this year.

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Ronald Wilfred Jones on Sunday November 19, 2023 at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, at the age of 82.  Ron was the son of the late Wilfred and Josephine (DeLaet) Jones and son-in-law of the late Charles & Ella Walker.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend Patricia “Pat” (Walker) Jones.  Loving father of Jackie Woods (Rob), Sherry Sonneveld (Wayne) and Ron Jr (Lori).  Proud grandfather and #1 fan of eight grandchildren whom he adored; Jake Howes, Jordan Howes (Alisha), Kurtis, Kaitlin and Korinne Sonneveld and Megan, Cassie and Ronni-Lynn Jones.  Great-Papa to Oliver and Arya Howes.

He was the brother of Ruby Rutter, late Roy (surviving Edna) Jones and the late Bob Jones.  He was a brother-in-law of Jeanne (late Kaye) Osborne and the late Gwen (late Jim) Jenkins.  He will be remembered fondly by long time friends Marian & Fred Osmon, Nancy McIlroy and Theo & Lia VanAsten.

Ron retired from the Gates Rubber Company in 2001 and was a former employee of the Motor Wheel Corporation and Canada Dominion Sugar.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Friday November 24, 2023 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Ron conducted by Pastor Bill Terris will be held in the Charing Cross United Church on Saturday November 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  A private family interment will take place in Pardoville Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Charing Cross United Church Memorial Fund or the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family.

Corey Scott Wilkins of Blenheim passed away on Sunday November 5, 2023 at the age of 61 years.  He was the son of the late Rose (Chilcott) Wilkins who passed away just thirteen days before him, and the late Kenneth Junior Wilkins in 2011.  He is survived by his sister Sheri Huffman (Greg), his brothers Jeff (late Diane), David (Kathleen) and many nieces and nephews.

Corey was dubbed “Candy Man” during his years of delivering for Courtney’s Candy.  From there he went on to work at the Beer Store and for Hector & Marilyn Delanghe at Delhaven Orchards.  He made lots of friends wherever he went and never passed up an opportunity to have fun.  He will be remembered for his love of animals, especially “Pete”, his Jack Russell Terrier and for his no B.S. opinion of Canadian politics.

Cremation has taken place.  A private family graveside service will take place at the Springfield Cemetery where Corey will be laid to rest with his Mom and Dad.

If you wanted to honour the memory of Corey, don’t forget to vote in the next federal election.  Also, adopt a pet if you can, but if you can’t, then consider supporting the Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue www.ckanimalrescue.com

Anna Mae Pardo (nee Antaya) passed away on November 3rd , 2023, at Riverview Gardens, Chatham, Ontario, at the age of 86. She was surrounded by her loving husband and her 6 children and their spouses.

Born in Chatham Ontario on May 1st , 1937, Anna Mae lived in Jeanette’s Creek until the age of 5 when she moved to Selkirk Street in Chatham with her family and later relocated with them to Stanley Avenue at 16, one year after meeting the love of her life. She made her biggest move in 1955 when she relocated to Pardoville with her husband Doug and began sowing the seeds of her legacy.

Queen of the Crystal Ball in 1954, Anna Mae was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside and made a lasting impression on all who she encountered. She encountered Doug 71 years ago at a Councillor’s Picnic in Rondeau where he asked her to dance. They danced all night and never stopped.

A dedicated mother, wife and business owner; a talented marketer, baker, singer, comedienne, mimic and devout Catholic, she was a force. From humble beginnings selling melons on the roadside of Hwy 3, Pardo Villa Acres became a thriving business that Doug and Anna Mae envisioned and made a reality in 1977.

While she had a passion for the farm and the market, nurturing her family was her calling.  As chief caretaker, school lunch maker, science project facilitator and speech writing collaborator; she fostered the development of 6 happy and healthy children, who grew up to love and laugh with her as adults and pass on that legacy to their own children. Anna Mae Pardo loved and was loved deeply by her husband Doug, her children Rick & Michele Pardo, Ron & Colleen Pardo, Mary Beth & Mike Goetz, Paul & Judi Pardo, Melanie & George McTavish and Jason & Ania Pardo.  Her world was made even brighter with the addition of 16 grandchildren Glynnis, Thomas, Emily, Brock, Danica, Megan, Matthew, Shelby, Sadie, Summer, Sophie, Shylene, Nicholas, Braydon, Sebastian and Sofia, and 10 great-grandchildren Tavin, Tate, Simon, Miles, Naomi, Milo, Emilia, Eva, Hailey and Molly. She is survived by one brother
Robert Antaya. She was predeceased by her infant daughter, her parents Edward & Olive Antaya and her siblings Leonard, Bernard, Nora, Loretta and Donna.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday November 5th, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Parish prayers will be held at 6:00 p.m.  A Funeral Mass for Anna Mae will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Monday November 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada and Riverview Gardens Chatham, 5th Floor West would be appreciated.

Leora May (Ward) Rodwell passed away peacefully on November 1, 2023 at the age of 102 years.  She was predeceased by her husband Clarence in 2017 following a marriage of almost 74 years.  She was also predeceased by her infant daughter Marilyn Jean.

Leora is survived by her sisters Blanche Burke (late Frank) and Shirley Green (late Jim) and her sister-in-law Elsey (Rodwell) Martin (late Albert).  She was predeceased by her siblings Jean & Byron Tole, John & Doris Ward, Sidney & Jackie Ward, Earl & Loretta (Foulis) Ward and Raeburn Ward, as well as her sister-in-law Jean (Rodwell) & Ken Little.

Always a Blenheim girl, Leora worked at various retail shops but was primarily a homemaker who took pride in the home that she and Clarence created.  She was a kind and caring lady who was loved by everyone.

In keeping with Leora’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A graveside service will take place on Thursday November 9, 2023 at 11:00 in Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim.  In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

We are sad to announce the passing of Louisa “Lois” Simpson (nee Langstaff) on October 29, 2023, who passed away with Laurie and Lee by her side at Victoria Hospital in London at the age of 89. High school sweetheart of the late Gary Simpson (2020) with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. Loving mother to Laurie Simpson and Lee Simpson, both of London. She was the youngest daughter of the late Alfred and Beatrice (nee Kelly) Langstaff.

Predeceased by all her siblings, Alfred (Muriel) Langstaff, Crawford (Leila) Langstaff, Margaret (Matthew) Humphrey, Helen (Jim) Sturdevant, Lloyd (Marion) Langstaff, Marion (Art) Slade, Jenner (Tom) Fisher, Elliott (Helen) Langstaff, Lillian (infant) Langstaff, and Arnold (Mary) Langstaff.

Sister-in-law to Marion (Jack) Sherman of Ridgetown and predeceased by Audrey (Ted) Hall. Much loved and adored Aunt to many nieces and nephews and she will be sadly missed by many cousins and friends.

Lois will be remembered for her 22 years of teaching. She taught in one-room schoolhouses throughout Chatham township and MacKenzie Island (Red Lake, ON) as well as various grades in Burford, Brantford, Ridgetown and Chatham. After retiring to the family farm, Lois’s gardening became a passion creating her own gardens from scratch. Louisa was always a ‘lady’ and will be remembered for her kind, intelligent, gentle and loving way. Though primarily in her outdoor apparel, her love of fashion was noticeable in classy outfits over the years. A penchant for style included her wedding dress from the cover of Vogue magazine in 1959.

Cremation has taken place and we will celebrate Lois’s beautiful life at the Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre (591 Wellington Rd. S., London) in the Oak Room on Sunday November 12, 2023 from 1:00pm until 4:30pm. A service and warm regards will take place at 2:00pm which will be livestreamed through the following link:  https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84040629455?pwd=JrEpgRb3LGyXzg6ax1whTqftrAb2nP.1  A brief interment at Morpeth Cemetery (located on the north side of Highway 3 –#12637 Talbot Trail — just east of the town of Morpeth) will occur Tuesday Nov. 21st at 1:30 pm for those who wish to attend. Donations to PAWR (Chatham), the World Wildlife Canada or Salvation Army would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A tribute video of Louisa’s life can be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/L7L6K8G8JN72M5S9

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the unexpected death of a truly remarkable man, Pete Duff.

Pete was a devoted family man who will be missed forever by his wife Ester (Barlas), by his children who he simply adored; Adrian, Julia and James, by his parents Hugh Duff (Marg) and Judy Webster-Duff, his sister Laura & Josh Ellis and the entire Barlas family.  He was predeceased by his sister Candice Duff and his grandparents Bill & Aggie Duff and Walt Webster.

In 2003 Pete entered the Canadian Armed Forces as an infantry reservist with the Essex-Kent Scottish Regiment in Windsor.  He held different positions in the Armed Forces and in his service to his country, he was deployed on numerous operations.

Pete will be remembered for his countless accomplishments, his devoted service to Canada and as a family man who loved to laugh and lend support to anyone in need.  He was a man who appreciated his childhood and the people in it.  He often shared the stories of growing up.

A Funeral Service for Pete was held in Ottawa followed by interment in the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces.

Friends wishing to remember Pete with a memorial donation are asked to consider helping his children in life with the things that he would have wanted to give them himself.  A gofundme page has been set up for that purpose at    https://www.gofundme.com/f/pete-duff-memorial-fund

“You were a blessing to us, Pete.  You will always be loved beyond words and missed beyond measure”.