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.

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 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.

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.

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.