Betty Jean (Wardle) DeLeeuw passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus on Tuesday January 9, 2007. Betty was born in Blenheim 61 years ago to the late Ora (Hilterbridle) and Earl Wardle. Betty is survived by her husband Hector “Bud” DeLeeuw of Blenheim along with a daughter Diane (Gilbert) Campbell. Also surviving are sisters Hildred Hillman of London, Nancy Crow of Chatham, Brenda Ritchie of Chatham, Wanda Chesney (Ken Travis) of Chatham, Becky and Romeo Brideau of Chatham Surviving brothers include Bob and Deb Wardle of Blenheim, Gary and Carolyn Wardle of Browns Burg Indiana, Arthur and Pat Wardle of Rondeau, Harold Wardle of Blenheim and John Wardle and Michelle of London. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Recently predeceased by a sister Carris Wickwire (2006), also predeceased by another sister Marjorie Formosa.

Becky Demeurichy, on Wednesday January 3, 2007 the village of Erieau lost one of her most precious treasures. Becky was born to her parents Randy and Nancy Rhodes only 25 years ago. In the same way that her parents loved her, Becky loved them. Unlike many children, Becky couldn’t have been happier than to have her Mom and Dad living only a short walking distance away. It wasn’t very far from her parent’s house that Becky met and fell in love with her husband Robert “Rob” Demeurichy. Together, Becky and Rob’s life was full of many wonderful memories of warm sunny days on the sandy beaches of Erieau. There was always plenty of love and plenty of fun spent celebrating life with their family and friends.

Careful to watch out for her until she could hold her own, Becky was the cherished “little sister” of Sarah Milodrowski and her husband Jeff and Suzanne Lux. In so many ways, Rob’s Mom, Connie Vidler and Dan Thomas, along with Rob’s Dad Jack Demeurichy and his companion B.J., were like her own family. Rob’s brothers Rich Demeurichy and Ryan Demeurichy became like brothers to Becky. Also surviving are Grandparents Bobbi Scribner and Marylou and Hartley Vidler. Aunt Becky will be missed by three nieces and a nephew.

Famous for dragging home any critter that in Becky’s mind needed a home, she will be missed by her four legged fuzzy children named Corona, Diezel, Austin and Sienna.

Extended family, friends and community were invited to support Becky’s family by attending visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday January 7, 2007. On Monday January 8, 2007 the Rhodes and Demeurichy families will marked the saddest day of their lives when they came together along with their extended families and community for a funeral service commemorating Becky’s life.

On the day of Becky’s passing, Pastor Tim Joyce (a Police Chaplain and the pastor of the Word of Life Church) came into the Demeurichy’s and Rhodes families lives with care and sensitivity, helped to shepherd them through the crisis at hand.

John K. “Jack” Baker of Lambeth, passed away Sunday December 31, 2006 at Parkwood Hospital in London. Jack was born 74 years ago in Markdale to the late Marabel Halbert (1995) and Harry Baker (1980). He is survived by his wonderful and loving wife Patricia “Pat” Baker (Gander) along with sons Garry Baker and Pam of London and Jerry Baker of Vancouver. Grandfather will be missed by a special granddaughter Melissa. Also surviving are sister-in-laws Glenda Vermeersch of Kitchener and Shannon McKillop of Blenheim and a brother-in-law Don Gander and Kim of Blenheim. Old friends will remember Jack from his days when he owned and operated the family variety store “Baker’s Red & White” in Cedar Springs. Jack continued to work in Retail Management for over thirty years for “Mac’s” in a number of locations including Sarnia, St. Thomas, Union, Mildmay, Tavistock and Preston.

Jean Ruth (Embury) Drury of Blenheim, passed away Thursday November 9, 2006 at Four Counties Hospital. Jean was born in Blenheim 80 years ago to George and Annie Embury. She is survived by her husband Harland and together they farmed on the Drury Side road for 59 years. Jean is survived by her children, Chris Ryckman, Sue & Bob Segeren, Terri & Lorne Fryer and Ken Drury. Missing their grandmother are nine grandchildren Daffny Ryckman, Tony & Nicole Segeren, Jeremy & Emily Segeren, Eric, Nick & Lizz Fryer and Tyler Drury, two great grandchildren Abby & Dylan Segeren, a step grandaughter Tammy Lavoie and two step great grandchildren Chelsea and Cameron. Predeceased by her grandson Dustin Drury, her daughter-in-law Judy Drury, and her eleven brothers and sisters.

Joanne Marie Carpenter, JoAnne Marie Peacefully with her beloved husband Donn by her side, JoAnne Marie Carpenter passed away on Monday October 16, 2006 in Chatham. JoAnne was born in Iroquois Falls 50 years ago to her parents Roger and Rita Sauve. She and Donn were married on October 4, 1978 and spent a number of years in Calgary where their two children were born. Their son Justin married his wife Giulia this past July and now lives in Barrie. Their daughter Jolene passed away at the age of 11 months. Joanne is fondly remembered by her sister in law Theresa Timm and by her niece Debbie Summerfield.

Matilda “Til” Stevens (McAleece) Clayton passed away at Blenheim Community Village on Wednesday, August 16, 2006. Til was born in Blenheim 89 years ago. She is predeceased by her husband Gordon in January 1995. Surviving are her three daughters Maryanne and Bob Simpson of Blenheim, Carol and Rick Coll of Blenheim, Kathy and Phil Bertonlini of Wallaceburg. Missing their grand mother are Tara Simpson and Justin Faubert, Matt Simpson and Heather Hawley, Jason and Jamie Coll, Meghan Bertolini and Benn Bertolini along with great grand children Oliver Faubert and Jack Simpson. Also surviving Til are her sisters Agnes Greer of Blenheim and Marg Sibbald of Durham. Predceased by her parents Rachel (McFetridge) and Archibald McAleece, along with sisters Jen Fiddler, Anne Riseborough and a brother Sam McAleece.

Linda Carey, peacefully at home on Friday July 28, 2006, Linda Carey at the age of 61 years. Linda and her beloved husband Bill would have celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary in October. Linda will be sadly missed by her sons Will & Laurette Carey and Craig Carey & Brandi Buchan, by her daughter in law Jackie Carey and by her grandchildren Lauren, Ashlyne, Jesse and Taylar. She will also be missed by her brothers Dave & Claudette Cragg, Richard & Arlene Cragg, by her sisters Fran & Rick Campbell and Margery & Ty Newby as well as her niece Marg & Dean Muharrem.

Jack Boogaart of Blenheim, in his 77th year passed away on Friday February 17, 2006 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Beloved husband for over 50 years to Catherine Maria (VanRaay). Jack was born in Zeeland, Netherlands, son of the late Adrian and Maria (Hommel) Boogaart. He immigrated to Canada in 1949 and farmed in the Blenheim area for over 40 years.

Dear father of John and Cindy Boogaart, Rose and Larry VanGerven, Corinne and Steve Varney, Therisa and Leonard Morrice and Hilda and Brad Stirling. Dear Opa of Mark, Erin and David Boogaart, Tara and Mitch VanGerven, Amanda (and Bill DeVries), Nicole and Paul Varney, Jolene and Cliff Morrice, Ryan and Devin Stirling. Jack is survived by his dear brother John (and Mary) Boogaart of Chatham, seven sisters in Holland and one sister in Australia. Predeceased by two brothers in the Netherlands. Jack was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7744 and Right to Life Kent.

Léontine David née Lebot of Nort-Sur-Erdre, France passed away December 18, 2005 at the age of 90. Beloved wife of the late Guy David (1945). Dear mother of Marie-France and Roy Wilkinson of Ridgetown , Ghislaine and Yvon Carles, Guy (2000) and Christiane David, Roland and Jacqueline David, André (1999) and Chantal David, René and Réjane Lebot, all of France. Loved Grandmother of nineteen grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren in Canada and France. Predeceased by grandson Christian David (1962).