It is with love and sorrow, the family of Donna Jean Frances Stover-Krehm wish to inform you that she passed away peacefully on November 15^th, 2011 at Toronto General Hospital at the age of 72 after an 11 month battle with leukemia.

Born in Chatham Ontario, Donna Jean was the daughter of the late Robert Cecil Stover and Julia Victoria Stover. Beloved wife of Andy Krehm for 32 years and loving mother of Ron (Judy) Arnold of Toronto and Jocelyn Arnold of Toronto. Proud “Granny” of Nicole, Megan and Brittney. Dear sister of Perry ( Janet) Stover and Herb (Margie) Stover and preceded in death by her late sister Margaret Ann Stover. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Donna Jean or D.J. (as she preferred) will always be remembered for her love of family, her passion for the arts and co-founding Arcadia Housing Cooperative for the Arts. D.J. touched the lives of everyone she encountered, friends, family and strangers. She will be missed.

A memorial service will be held in her honour in the summer of 2012 (date to be announced).

Donations in memory of D.J. can be made to Craford Cemetery through the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

Alice passed away November 5, 2011, at home in Erie Beach, after a lengthy illness. Alice was born in Vancouver British Columbia in 1918 daughter of David Stuart Aitken and Hope Allison Park. Alice was both an accomplished skater and artist. She graduated from the Vancouver School of Art before moving to Chatham in 1936. Alice skated at the London Figure Skating Club until moving to Toronto during the war to work at Research Enterprises as a draftsperson. During this time, she met the love of her life, William Kendall Clarke (1986) and they were married in 1943. After the war, they returned to Chatham and Alice became the first instructor for the newly formed Chatham Figure Skating Club. She was involved until the late 50’s. In the 1960’s she was a co-founder of the Thames Theatre Artist Workshop and co-owner of the Fisheries Art & Craft Shop at Rondeau Park. Alice was a founding member of Studio 10, a group of Chatham’s well known artists in the 60’s & 70’s. Alice’s paintings can be found in both public and private collections across North America. She was also a Life Member of the Chatham May Court Club and past President of Sprucedale Home and School Association. Dear sister of the late Gilbert Stuart Aitken (1996). She leaves behind her two children Stuart Kendall Clarke and his wife Barbara of Kincardine and Caro Patricia Clarke and Robert Hatton of Erie Beach. Alice is also survived by three grandchildren, William Earl Crothers of St Catharine’s, Heather O’Brien of Guelph, and David Clarke of Fergus, 4 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. At Alice’s request there will be no visitation or funeral; a private remembrance will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Alice to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Michael “Murph” Murphy passed away Thursday, November 3, 2011. Husband, brother, uncle and friend to many. Mike will be remembered for his calm and thoughtful approach to everyone and everything, except for a bad day of golf. Michael leaves his “Sweetie”, Fiona, best friend and wife of 42 years. Mike and Fiona appreciated the excellent medical care Mike received and the ongoing support from family and friends. According to Mike’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be held a later time. Expressions of sympathy may be mailed to P.O. Box 242, Erieau, N0P1NO or online at this website. In memory of Mike, donations to The London Health Science Center Cancer Clinic would be greatly appreciated.

Francis Donald “Don” Banfield of Blenheim passed away on Thursday November 3, 2011 at the age of 91 years. Don was born in Winnipeg. At an early age he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 as an Air Craftsman 2^nd Class. When he received his honourable discharge in 1945 he was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. Don’s experience in the Air Force with communications equipment led him to his next career in life as an Electronics Technician. Don owned and operated Banfield T.V. Services in Blenheim for many years. He was a life member and a Past Governor of the Sertoma Club in Blenheim and Winter Haven, Florida where he lived in semi-retirement until 2003 when he returned ‘home’ to reside in Erieau and Blenheim. Don is predeceased by his wife Mary (Malina Dawson). He is survived by his children Grant (Vivian) Banfield of B.C., Howie Banfield of Florida and Barb (Mike) Young of Indianapolis. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his grandchildren Kristen (Corey) St. Peter, Duane Kelly Banfield and their mother Johnette (Pancho) Kelly-Barrera, Adam Banfield, Rachel Banfield, Joe Young & Julie Young and by his great grandchildren Cohen, Mackenzie and Lindsay. Don is also survived by the mother of his children, Jean Margaret Banfield, B.C. and the Murray family, Chatham and area. Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to show their support to Don’s family on Tuesday from 2 – 4p.m. & 7 – 9 p.m. with a Legion Service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday November 9, 2011 at 11:00a.m. with Legion Padre Rev. Bill Terris officiating. Cremation to follow. Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer or Alzheimer’s Societies or the Salvation Army.

Elroy Wilson Patterson of Blenheim passed away on Saturday October 29, 2011. Born 87 years ago to his late parents Arlo and Mildred Patterson, Elroy lived on and worked the family farm until his retirement. Elroy and Verna (Campbell) who passed away in 1994 raised four children; Linda Patterson & Terry Dorkin of Woodstock, Wendy & Everett Mellin of Grand Bend, David & Lynn Patterson of London and Scott Patterson of Guelph. Elroy is also survived by his grandchildren Cara, Krista, Kirk, Chad and Kate, by seven great grandchildren and by his sister Evelyn Pegg of Chatham. He is predeceased by his sister Lillian McNeil and by his brothers in law Peter Pegg and John McNeil. Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to show their support to the family on Wednesday November 2, 2011 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. A Memorial Service officiated by Rev. Wanda Burse will take place at 1:00 p.m. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown. Friends wishing to remember Elroy with a memorial donation are asked to consider the War Amps of Canada.

It is with many positive reflections and fond memories, the family of Flossie Bell (Russell) Smith wish to inform you that she passed away peacefully on Oct 17^th 2011 at the Blenheim Community Village in her 96^th year.

Born in Raleigh Township, Flossie was the daughter of the late Wilaferd and Ada Pearl (Bennett) Russell. Beloved wife of the late John E. Smith for 68 years. Loving mother of Russell (Jean) Smith of R.R.#1 Blenheim, Sally (Bob) Cook of Alliston, Randy Smith (Isla Mae Cleveland) of R.R.#1 Blenheim, Doug Smith of Erie Beach, George (Mary Jane) Smith of R.R.#1 Blenheim, Sherry (Adam) Godfrey of Cedar Springs and Paul Smith of Blenheim. Proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 12 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Dena Drewery and Faye Stokes, both of Chatham. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Flossie was predeceased by her sister, Wilda Jenner, and her brothers, Lorne and Carl Russell.

Many of you will remember Flossie as ‘The Peach Lady’. She did the majority of her visiting with friends, neighbours and many cherished customers on the docks of Manitree Fruit Farm. Both she and her late husband, John E. were passionate about their farm and the community. All outings in their retirement years had to include a trip to the farm to inspect the various seasonal crops.

Family to receive friends at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley St, Blenheim on Saturday Oct 22, from 3:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Cedar Springs United Church, 8643 Talbot Trail, on Sunday October 23 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Ed Nicol officiating. Interment to follow at Craford Cemetery. Donations made in memory of Flossie to Cedar Springs United Church, Craford Cemetery or the Blenheim Senior Centre would be appreciated by the family.

Dawn Judith Minnie (nee Livesey) Marwood.

Born May 26, 1942. Passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13, 2011 in Chatham Kent Health Alliance surrounded by her family.

Beloved wife of Rev. F. Curtis Marwood, mother of Stephen Marwood of Windsor, Chris Marwood (Jenni) of Carleton Place, Suu Taylor (Neil) of Alliston and Shelley Marwood of Toronto. Most treasured grandma to Gabrielle, Aurora & Jasper-Addison Taylor, and Fern and Willow Marwood.

Predeceased by parents John Livesey & Minnie McAdoo, sisters and brothers Ruth, Gladys, Fred, Marjorie, James, George, Rennie & Kenneth.

Survived by brothers Lawrence (Phyllis), Gerald (Frieda), Alan (Margaret) & sister Maribeth.

Dawn will also be dearly missed by her MANY nieces and nephews and large extended family.

Dawn was an active volunteer in the church and community. She sang in the church choirs, served on Presbytery and Conference committees, taught English as a Second Language, and organized one of the first Block Parent programs in Ontario.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley, Blenheim, on Sunday, October, 16, 2011 from 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at the Blenheim United Church at 49 George St., Blenheim, on Monday, October, 17, 2011 @ 1:30 pm.

Dawn requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada.

♦♦♦

Dawn (Livesey) Marwood (1942-2011)

Dawn was born in Essex, ON in 1942. She was number 11 of 13 children of John and Minnie Livesey. At the age of 3, her family moved to Kingsville where she attended school. Following graduation from Kingsville District High School as an honour student, she joined the Air Force and served as a Radio Control Operator with NORAD based in St. Hubert, QC. After 3 years in the Air Force, she returned to Kingsville and trained as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Curtis and Dawn were married August 20, 1966. In 1967, Dawn and Curtis were assigned by The United Church of Canada to the United Church of Zambia where Curtis taught in a boy’s residential secondary school. Dawn volunteered at the school community with the local people in teaching sewing, cooking and the Nutrition Clinic. But most important for Dawn was becoming a mother and raising her children. Stephen, Chris and Susan were born in Zambia. Shelley completed the family in 1980.

The family returned to Canada in 1974, where Dawn continued to volunteer in community and church. In 1978, when Curtis entered ministry, Dawn gladly joined him as his partner in ministry in Alvinston, Blind River, Point Edward, Windsor and Blenheim. She initiated and organized one of the first Block Parent programs in Ontario in Kingsville and again in Blind River. She was an alto in church choirs, was a member and president of the United Church Women in several communities, served on Presbytery and Conference Divisions of World Outreach of The United Church of Canada, and was a volunteer with the English as a Second Language program.

In 2002, she had surgery for colon cancer. In 2008 the cancer returned, but with her inner spiritual strength and a deep faith, it did not overcome her sense of humour and zest for life. Even during her struggle with cancer during the last 9 years, she kept an active interest in global affairs, refugee concerns and the mission of the church as well as enjoying her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She lives on in our memory and with the family of saints.

Diann Lillian Armstrong passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus on Saturday October 8, 2011. Born in Windsor, Ontario 74 years ago, daughter of the late George and Myrtle (nee Rabjohn) Knowles. Beloved wife of Clifford Armstrong for 53 years. Dear Mother of Ronald Armstrong of Blenheim and Judi Burke of Windsor. Survived by her grandchildren Aaron Armstrong and his wife Ashley and Michelle Armstrong of Kitchener. Also survived by her brother-in-law John Armstrong and his wife Marge of Thunder Bay. She will be missed by her special Dachshund Madi. For 39 years, prior to their retirement in 2004, Diann and her husband owned and operated Blenheim Stationery. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Diann, officiated by Rev. Bruce Cook and assisted by Rev. Gordon Duncan will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday October 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Diann has chosen cremation and will be buried in Victoria Memorial Gardens, Oldcastle Ontario on Saturday October 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. To honour Diann’s life, donations to the Historical Society of Blenheim and District or Talbot Trail Place (Blenheim Rotary) would be appreciated.

James Larry Cooper of Ridgetown, much loved husband of Anne-Marie passed away on Friday October 7, 2011 at the age of 73 years. Jim will be missed by his daughters Tanya Cooper, Debbie Leslie, Barbara Bowen and Lisa Cooper, by his grandchildren Mark and Joel Jackson, Ryan, Jason and Derek Leslie, Tiffany Bowen, Trina Kelly, by his great grandchildren Wyatt Bowen and Cameron Kelly, and by his sisters in law Dorothy and Carolyn Cooper. Predeceased by his brothers Dave and Jerry Cooper. Jim was born in Leamington and drove truck for Heinz and later Stockwell. He was a life member of the Rondeau Rod & Gun Club and the Wabash Gun Club. Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to show their support to the family on Saturday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Jim will be conducted in the Funeral Home on Sunday October 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Joyce Cunningham officiating. Interment in Pardoville Union Cemetery.

Celebrating Her Life: Wear Pink (her favourite colour) or other colours as Eileens wishes were to discourage wearing all black. Thank You.

Eileen Wright of Merlin passed away at Riverview Gardens on Friday September 30, 2011 at the age of 82 years. Beloved wife of 50 years to Murray Wright, mother of Jean & David Dawson of London and their children Christina, Jonathan and Joy, David Wright of Merlin and his daughter Ally and Paul & Trina Wright of Brampton and their children Michael and Laura. Eileen was predeceased by her infant son Dennis. Eileen will be remembered through her teaching days at S.S.#7 Raleigh School and Kent Centre School from 1953 – 1962. She was predeceased by her parents Thomas Edward and Elma Olive Corlett. Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to show their support to the family on Monday October 3, 2011 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Eileen will be held in the Charing Cross United Church on Tuesday October 4, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Margaret Trapnell officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Eileen, in lieu of flowers, are asked to consider making a memorial donation to the Charing Cross United Church, the Merlin United Church, the Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.