It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wife and mother, Mary Vaughan on Friday April 2, 2010. Mom was born in Wallaceburg 77 years ago to Howard and Helena Elliott. Throughout her life she has been a hard worker. She met our Dad Leslie Vaughn while working in a tobacco field in Tillsonburg. Together they raised four children; Dianne Kuypers-Vaughan, Doreen & Robin Edwards and Howard & Diana Vaughan all of Chatham and Ronald & Deborah Vaughan of Blenheim. Mom was a loving and caring person who enjoyed knitting, quilting and gardening but her family always came first. She loved her grandchildren Harry Verburg, Thomas & Kathy Russelo, Roger Russelo, Katie Lucier, Kurt Lucier, Dale Edwards, Brent Edwards, Kelsey Edwards, Brooke Edwards, Maddalene Vaughan, Leslie Vaughan, Jo-Jo Vaughan, Kelsey-Lynn Vaughan, Todd & Shannon Walukiewicz, David & Diane Fahey, Shae-Lynn Vaughan, Shantel Vaughan and Ronald Vaughan and her great grandchildren Breyden Lumley, Quinn Fahey, Kevin Fahey and Allie Walukiewicz. Mom and Dad worked side by side owning their own fishing businesses, first WW and then H&R which is now run by Howard and Ron. They also owned Vaughan Fisheries until the last number of months when Mom has dedicated her time to taking care of our dad. Mom is survived by her sisters and brothers Leah Weaver, Alva & Fred Oliver, George Elliott and Harold & Rosella Elliott. She is predeceased by her sister Annie & Chuck Burroughs, her brother in law Frank Weaver and by her sister in law Linda Elliott. We invite our family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday April 6 from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on Wednesday April 7 from 12 – 2 p.m. A Funeral Service for Mom will follow visitation at 2 p.m. Cremation will follow. Anyone wishing to remember Mom with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Cancer Society.

Cassandra Janine Marie Leitans of Chatham passed away on Saturday March 27, 2010 at the age of 19. Cassie is the much loved daughter of Lyn & Arthur Leitans of Chatham and sister of Jessica Lynne Marie Leitans at home. She was predeceased by her twin brother Benjamin Robert John Leitans at birth. Cassie had a special bond with her Meme, Delores Demers of Chatham. She will also be missed by her Papa, Robert Leitans and Magda Riets of London and her Great Meme, Adeline Cartier of Chatham. Cassie is loved by many Aunts, Uncles and cousins. She is reunited with her Papa, Arsene Demers and her Grandma, Aina Leitans in Heaven. Cassie was a student at The Pines where she excelled in academics. She loved to debate the rights and wrongs of the world with her family. She will be missed dearly by all who loved her. A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday March 31, 2010. Those wishing to remember Cassie with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Woodeden Easter Seal Camp in London. Donations may be made by calling or visiting the Funeral Home.

Earnestine Margaret (Smith) Lachine, a resident of Copper Terrace, daughter of the late Roy and Margaret Smith passed away peacefully at the CKHA on Monday March 15, 2010. Cherished mom of her daughters Cathy & Wilf Harback (Chatham) and Lorrie & Ron Little (Blenheim) and daughter-in-law Linda Lachine (Ingersoll). Predeceased by her husband Leao Lachine (1997) and son Jim (2009) and sister Lorraine (1996). Loved by grandsons Matthew Little, John (Tonnyua) Lachine and granddaughter Susan Little. Devoted to her great-granddaughters Corine and Claire. Also survived by her sister-in-law Rosemary Burrell (Toronto) and brother-in-law Stewart and Yvonne Lachine (Chatham). Will be missed by numerous nieces & nephews. Long time resident of Charing Cross and member of Charing Cross United Church. The family will receive visitors at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 1:30 – 3:30 on Sunday March 21, 2010 and the Memorial Service will follow visitation at 3:30 p.m. Reverend David Steadman of Harrow United Church is officiating.

Barbara (Sanderson) Cote of Chatham passed away on Saturday March 13, 2010. Barbara was born in Guelph 74 years ago to her late parents Harold and Rose (Windle) Sanderson. She married her childhood sweetheart Pat Cote and they raised their four children; Donna West and her husband Richard of Haliburton, Debra Haskell of Chatham, Karen Cote of Chatham and Patty Cote-Duncanson and her husband Scott of Cambridge. Barbara and Pat moved their family to Merlin in 1967 where Pat was stationed with the O.P.P. After Pat predeceased Barbara on June 12, 1990 Barbara stayed in the Merlin area until her move to Chatham in 2003. She enjoyed going to Bingo, collecting teddy bears and the company of her dog Buddy and her cats TJ and Jen. Barbara is survived by thirteen grandchildren; Nicole Wilton, Jayme Barnes, Jessica Bezzo, Greg Haskell, Jason Haskell, Pat Haskell, Kristin Haskell, Adrien Paquette, Andre Paquette, Matt Buchanan, Robert Buchanan, Kevin Edwards and Chris Edwards, by twelve great-grandchildren Dalton, Cole, Bryton, Noah, Quinton, Kylie, Kyla, Shalynne, Ethan, Katelynn, Kaden and Sydney, by her son-in-law Paul Paquette, her sister Rose Young and her brother Robert & Renee Sanderson. She was predeceased by her son-in-law Rick Haskell in 2007 and by her great-grandson Bryce Buchanan just one month ago. Barbara’s family invite family and friends to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Tuesday March 16 from 7 – 9 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday March 17, 2010 at 11 a.m. Interment in Stewart Cemetery between Merlin and Valetta. Friends wishing to remember Barbara with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Everett Isaac Shelp of Rondeau passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday February 26, 2010. He will be missed by his loving wife Doris (Rumble) Shelp, his daughters Carrie & Ron Ball of Aylmer and Marie Shelp and Marsha Shelp of Rondeau, by his grandchildren Bryan & Abbie Ball of Barrie and Heather & Chris Harder of St. Thomas, his great grandchildren Keira Harder and Zephyr Ball and by his sister in law Carole Shelp of Kingston. He is predeceased by his only brother Lloyd Watt Shelp. Everett was born in Russell Ontario and celebrated his 82nd birthday on February 11th. He was a well respected member of the Ontario Provincial Police being stationed in Ridgetown, Chatham and Merlin before returning to Ridgetown and retiring at the rank of Corporal from the Ridgetown Detachment in 1984. Everett was passionate about his career in law enforcement and his footsteps have been followed by his granddaughter Heather and his grandson Bryan as well as a nephew and great-nephew. Retirement allowed Everett to concentrate on his woodworking skills which was another passion in his life. In 1985 Everett built the house that he and Doris share at Rondeau. He also worked for Faas Construction in Ridgetown framing houses and was appointed Building Chairman of Emmanuel Congregational Church in Ridgetown, a position that he was very proud of. Doris and Everett’s family invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim on Sunday February 28 from 7- 9 p.m. and again on Monday March 1 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Everett will be held at Emmanuel Congregational Church, 68 Erie Street North in Ridgetown on Tuesday March 2, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Barry Dixon officiating. Interment in Morpeth Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Everett with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance or Emmanuel Congregational Church.

Hazel Arrand (nee McLaughlin) passed away peacefully at the Blenheim Community Village. Born 90 years ago in St. Thomas, Ontario to her late parents Matthew and Laura (Batté) McLaughlin, Hazel was predeceased by her sister Ruth Kavanaugh in 1986, her brother Joseph Frank McLaughlin in 1999 and her nephew Michael Joseph McLaughlin in 2003. Hazel worked in Chatham at the old Rockwell Plant during the Second World War where she was a “Shift Supervisor”. She returned to St. Thomas where she was employed by the local newspaper “The Times Journal” and later by the law firm of “Sanders, Cline” until her retirement. She stood by her parents and took care of them until her father’s death in 1963 and her mother’s death in 1967. Hazel leaves behind her nephew Paul & Wendy McLaughlin and their sons Robert and Kevin, niece Marnie & Noel Loyson and their sons Sean & Christine Lamb (son Owen) and Jason and Justine Lamb, niece Beth & Wayne Lachine and their daughter Alisha, niece-in-law Maureen McLaughlin and her son Mark, nephew Jim & Sheila Lumley and their children Bradley and Sandra, nephew Don Lumley and his children Theresa and Coleman, nephews Bill Lumley and Bob Lumley and niece Karen & Tim Dennis and their sons Tim and Ryan. Hazel was a long standing member of Holy Angels’ Parish in St. Thomas where she held local executive positions with the Parish as well as Catholic Women’s League in her younger years. Hazel moved to Blenheim in 2004 and resided at the Blenheim Community Village until her passing on February 20, 2010. A memorial service will be held at a later date in St. Thomas at Holy Angels’ Parish. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Donna Marie Williams passed away on Wednesday February 17, 2010 at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital in Windsor. Donna was born in Hamilton 71 years ago to her late parents Ann Marie & Harold Knight. She is predeceased by her husband Richard Williams. Most important to Donna in her life were her children Richard Williams of Blenheim, Scott & Shannon Williams of Blenheim, Robert & Robbin Williams of Cambridge, Jason Williams of Blenheim and Jamie-Lee Taylor & Anthony Vander Molen of Blenheim. Donna was predeceased by her son Mark Denman in 2001. She is the loving grandmother of Kristin, Trevor, Justin, Ashley, Chantelle, Danielle, Ricky, Jesse, Kayli, Kyle, Korey, Tiffany, Tyler, Vince and Shy-La, and great grandmother of Brenden, Kayden, Nathan, Nollen, and Harmony. Donna is survived by her sisters Edith-Ann Robertson of Fisherville and Bonnie-Lynn Hendwick of Hamilton. A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday. Friends wishing to remember Donna with a memorial donation are asked to consider the O.S.P.C.A.

On Tuesday February 16, 2010 Trenton Calvin Ray Russell tip-toed into the lives of his parents Rebecca Stothart and Jeff Russell. He stayed only for awhile, but the footprints he left in the hearts of those who love him will last forever. Trenton is the precious grandson of Connie Stothart and Mike Stothart, both of Blenheim and Calvin & Jannie Russell of Blenheim. Becky and Jeff invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday February 18, 2010 from 7 – 9 p.m. A private family service for Trenton will be held on Friday.

Dr. Howard J Rees died at his home on Tuesday February 9, 2010. Born in Toronto, Howard was raised by his mother Marjorie Rees who predeceased him in 1988. He studied at the University of Toronto Medical School, graduating in 1951. After learning that Dr. Pickering was selling his business, Howard and his mother moved to Blenheim in 1956 where he became a much respected physician with over 5000 patients before his retirement in 1996. Howard’s office was in his home which enabled him to always “be there” day and night for his patients. Howard was not only generous in the time that he gave to people, but he has been very generous to the community as a whole. In 1992 Howard’s vision of supporting his community was realized by the creation of the Dr. Howard J. Rees Foundation. The Foundation was established to support the arts, health and education in the Blenheim Area. Since its inception, the foundation has provided academic scholarships, assisted in the expansion of the Gable Rees Rotary Pool and made it possible for school-aged children to receive swimming lessons. In 1994 Howard was awarded the Lifetime Membership in the Ontario Medical Association and later the OMA Glenn Sawyer award for his outstanding contribution to the medical community. A man honoured by many organizations, Howard always remained the humble man he was when he served his patients and delivered babies quietly in the wee hours of the night. Predeceased by his companion of many years Joan Boyes in 2004, Howard will be missed by his family Brian & Anne Fisher and their children Brian “Bo” Fisher II, Drew Fisher and Blythe Fisher as well as Neil Boyes and his family Cassie Boyes and Jeff Boyes. Brian, Anne and Neil invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday February 12, 2010 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Howard will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday February 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to honour Howard’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Dr. Howard J Rees Foundation.

Donald Allen Smith of North Buxton passed away on Saturday February 6, 2010 at the age of 55 years. Predeceased by his father Donald in 2005 and by his mother Alberta in January of this year, Don lived life to the fullest. He worked at Chrysler for 30 years until his retirement. He loved hunting and fishing and spending time with friends, and he loved country music and singing with the Buxton Men’s Choir. But most of all Don loved his family. He married the love of his life Linda (Weyrauch) on July 21, 1973 and together they raised three children of whom they are very proud: Gary & Sarah Smith of London, Charles Smith & Katie Martin of London and Brandie & Dave McKenzie of Stratford. They also are the loving grandparents of Tiffany Jubenville, Brent Smith and Reid McKenzie. Don is the brother of Barb & Robert Siddall of Wheatley and Leroy & Pam Smith of Monetville. He was predeceased by his brother Ralph. Don’s family invite friends and relatives for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Tuesday February 9, 2010 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. and on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. Cremation will follow. A public graveside service will take place at the Morpeth Cemetery on Friday February 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Following the graveside service there will be a gathering at the Buxton Community Hall. Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.