Edith Lacey, affectionately known as “Edie” passed away with her favourite person in the world, Iris by her side on April 2, 2024.  Born in Germany on July 26, 1924 to the late Gertrude & Wilhelm Schunke, Edie was the last member of her family having been predeceased by her sister Elly Wehrmann and her brother Horst Schunke in Germany.  She was also predeceased by her husbands Werner Helass in 1981and Sean Lacey in 2016.

Edie’s captivating personality, doubled with a smile that lit up a room let you know you were loved.  She was the best friend of her daughter of Iris Keating (Jim Knowles) and “Omi” to her grandchildren Jason & Tara McKinnon and Ryan & Laura McKinnon, her great-grandchildren Lucas, Lincoln, Leela and Sunny and their friends as well.  She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.

After emigrating to Canada from Germany in 1960, Edie went to night school to learn English.  She got jobs with Sears, Cockshutt Farm Equipment and finally retired from Zimmer Biomet, a company that manufactured the replacement parts for knees and hips that she would eventually receive herself.

Edie was quite the trendsetter, especially when it came to procedures, and a trailblazer who always put her family first.  She was the “hostess with the mostest”, entertaining anyone who sat at her well  dressed table that included all the bells and whistles or who joined her for a walk through her gardens that she spent many hours manicuring.  She was one of those people who had a certain twinkle in her eye and smile on her face that let her get away with many things, including tossing all filters aside and speaking her mind.   The staff at the retirement and nursing homes described her as “cute”, “a firecracker”, “spicey”, “happy”, “affectionate” and “feisty”.

Many thanks go out to the caring staff at the Village On The Ridge in Ridgetown and Riverview Gardens in Chatham for their patience, guidance and great care of Mom.  Also, we want to give a shout out to Angelo at the Venus de Milo restaurant and Fred Burchiel at the Blenheim Legion, who Mom affectionately referred to as her “boyfriends” for giving her all of the special attention that she so enjoyed.

Mom was seldom without a pet dog.  If you would like to remember her with a memorial donation, please consider the Pet & Wildlife Rescue https://pawr.org/funds/  That would have made her happy.  Her wish at this time was for us to remember her privately (with a glass of wine)!

It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of their matriarch, Jane Elaine Hope.  Born March 31^st 1941, to Willoughby and Mabel Ford.  Sister to Bud (Karen) and Jack (Linda) Ford.  Wife to Doug Hope.  Mother To Chris (Leanne) and Scott (Laura).  Grandmother to Brett (Jordan), Brenden (Samantha), Kyle (Heather), Shawn (Kelsey) and Jeremy (Dominique).  Great Grandmother to Piper, Kempe and Krue.

Mom lived a great life enjoying friends and family in and around the Blenheim area.  She enjoyed curling, golf and playing cards.  She was a teacher, mentor and friend to many in the Blenheim area.  She passed peacefully with family by her side on 11 March 2024 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or Chatham-Kent Health Alliance https://mycharityfund.ca/charity/64433/foundation-of-chatham-kent-health-alliance would be appreciated.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR JANE WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2024 AT THE WILLOW RIDGE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB FROM 11 AM – 2 PM

Glenda Ann Sales of Merlin passed away at the Windsor Regional Hospital in the early morning hours of Friday March 29, 2024.  She was the second youngest of nine children born to the late Roy & Angela (Gryp) Wallace and will now be reunited with her sisters Evelyn and Mary Ellen and brothers John and Jim.

Glenda and her late husband Tom (1985) were the proud parents of two children; Shay Lynn Smith (Gary) and Tim Sales (Alyssa).   Becoming a young widow dealt her the strength and determination she needed to raise her children to become successful and independent.  She was proud of them.  She was excited to become the grandmother of Caitlyn, Donovan and Kameron and when she met her second husband Bill Ross (2012), she welcomed two more sons; Wayne and Jeff and a grandson Kyle.

Glenda was a long time resident and supporter of Merlin.  She was a member of the Merlin Legion and could often be found in her kitchen preparing for bake sales or promoting the Perch and Merlickin Chicken Dinners.  Her career was spent at Southwestern Regional Centre as a Developmental Service Worker where she made many friends who she considered as family.  After leaving the Centre she returned to school to become a PSW and provided in home care for several individuals in the area before she “retired” completely!

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A private graveside service will be held at a later date in the Merlin Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with Tom.

Family and friends wishing to remember Glenda with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation or the Heart & Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/legacy-giving .

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Linda Sue Suzor (nee Maynard) who peacefully passed away surrounded by her family at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Thursday March 28, 2024 at the age of 65. Linda was the loving wife of Richard ‘Rick’ Suzor of Blenheim. Dear mother of Lacey Ogle (Shaun Gray), Glen Ogle, and Randy Ogle (Amy Morandin). Spoiling grandmother of Jorgia Ogle, Ginny Ogle, Jayden Ogle, Eden D’auvernay-Ogle, Ella Dubuque-Ogle, and Chloe Morandin. Sister of Marg (Dave) Reaume, Janet Maynard, and Bruce Maynard. Sister-in-law of Ron (Lisa) Suzor, Raymond (Patricia) Suzor, Kenny (Mable) Suzor, and Larry (Mary-Beth) Suzor.

Those who were blessed to have known Linda, will have many wonderful memories and countless stories to cherish and share for years to come. Linda loved telling amazing and hilarious tales with friends over a great cup of coffee. She was loving, caring, welcoming and had a magnificent sense of humour. She was a crutch to lean on and offered comfort to anyone in need. She was the ‘Matriarch’ to her children and their friends.

She loved her family and friends immensely and was a humble woman who cherished all the little things in life that people most often take for granted. Linda was a kind soul and no matter what life presented, she faced it with love and grace. Many people could take a lesson from Linda– “Cherish and appreciate your time with loved ones and the memories you make together”. Linda will be deeply missed and will forever be deep in the hearts of those she loved.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St in Blenheim from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. Cremation will follow with a private family interment at a later date. Donations made in memory of Linda to the Canadian Lung Association would be appreciated.  Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A memorial video of Linda can be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/GNXG6WR49W54FLZJ

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Jean Hill, who passed away at home on March 28, 2024, at the age of 70. Barb was the daughter of the late Cecil and Louise Stone. Dear wife of 49 years to the late Ronald “Bucky” Hill. Loving mother to Chris (Sarah) Hill and proud grandmother to Riley and Easton. Sister to Betty Ann Stone (Randy), and the late Bruce (Terry) Stone. Sister-in-law to Tom Hill, Carol (Lionel) Hebert, Nancy Ireland-Beattie (Charlie Beattie), Alice Hill, Elizabeth (Bill) Reid, Mary Jane Wilkinson-Hill and predeceased by Donald Hill, Johnny Hill, Twyla (George) Lee and Sandy Hill. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Barb will be remembered by her years working as a bartender at the Blenheim Hotel and then Mallory Industries Ltd. She was a quiet and gentle person who enjoyed playing bingo, cards, casino games, spending time with her family (especially her grandkids), and making her famous peach pies.

Visitation for Barb will be held on Friday April 5th, 2024 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St. in Blenheim from 12:00pm until 2:00pm. A Funeral Service will then take place at 2:00pm followed by an interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Donations made in memory of Barb to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 Poppy Fund would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Caroline “Carol” Bradie of Blenheim passed away at home on March 24, 2024.  Born in Detroit Michigan on September 17, 1940 to the late Hilda & Allan Marshall, Carol came to Canada when she was 19 years old.  She will be remembered by her “boys” Micheal Bradie (Debbie) of Wallaceburg and Robert Bradie (Lois) of New Hamburg, her grandchildren Dylan (Jamison) Bradie of Port Lambton, Jamie (Jess) Bradie and Sherri Bradie (Mat Osinkowski) both of New Hamburg, and James Letourneau of Kitchener, and her great-grandchildren Parker and Alexander of Port Lambton and Payton, Nash, Mason, Alexandra and Theo all of New Hamburg.

Also survived by her sister-in-law Annette Marshall of Detroit Michigan and several nieces and nephews and their families throughout the United States.  She was predeceased by her brother Allan Marsall.

Carol was a member of the Blenheim Baptist Church and enjoyed the friendships that she made there.  One of her favourite pastimes was to attend bible study whenever she could.

Cremation has taken place.  Her family will be remembering her quietly.

Donald James Maris of Merlin passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday March 19, 2024.  Born to the late Watson & Isabella (Pratt) Maris 92 years ago, Don was the last surviving member of his family.  He was predeceased by his siblings Thomas Maris (1922), Oliver Maris (1926), Watson Maris (1931), Margery Keast (1965), William Maris (2011) and Muriel Dale (2017).   He will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Don’s working career was spent at Southwestern Regional Centre where he retired as a Residential Supervisor.  He enjoyed real estate speculation and acquiring antique furniture for his home.  He was happy to remain independent and at home.  His wishes for this time were to be cremated and laid to rest with his mother, and that his family and friends remember him on their own.  If you would like to make a memorial donation in memory of him, he would have deemed the Chatham-Kent Hospice a noble cause.

Doug departed this world from Franklin Gardens in Leamington on March 15, 2024 – the Ides of March. He was 70 years old.  Doug was the son of the late John and Flossie (Russell) Smith and brother of Rusty (Jean), Sally (Bob Cook), Randy (late Isla May), George (Mary Jane), Sherry (late Adam Godfrey) and Paul.

Doug’s life was colourful – never dull.  He loved his dogs, boats and Chevy Caprices. Doug was an accomplished salesman, selling everything from potatoes to Christmas trees, tropical plants to citrus fruit. He knew the backroads of Southern Ontario well, always arriving with a trunkful of cheer. (if only he had marketed those beer sock coolies…)

Dr Moncur and all the staff of Franklin Gardens became Doug’s friends and no matter what mischief or chaos he put them through they provided for him always. “Doug is part of our family”. They accepted and cared for him with patience, humour and grace.

Everyone who knew Doug will have their own favourite memory to reflect upon. As his long time friend, Janet Bellamy said Doug is likely with his best friend Wayne driving the cosmic highways and byways.

Doug’s family offers their heartfelt thanks to Janet Bellamy. Her dedication to keeping Doug’s affairs in order was a difficult task that she managed so very well. Her unwavering friendship toward Doug meant so very much to everyone.

Cremation has taken place and the family will remember Doug in private.

 With his adoring family by his side, Steve passed away peacefully at home on Saturday March 16 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. 

 Born March 12, 1956, to the late George and Elizabeth (Betty) Hibbert, Steve leaves behind his wife, soul mate and business partner, Wendie, children Aaron Hibbert, Cory Hibbert (Jessica), Nicole Hibbert, Sean Stafford (Sarah), Casie Nurse (Brent). A proud grandfather (Bumpa) of twelve grandchildren Braden, Bhrett, Broc, Brooklyn, Gavin, Jayla, Chloe, Bella, Blakely, Tenley, Avery and his Brinboo (Brinley).

Steve was born to humble, yet loving beginnings as the eldest of five children. He will be greatly missed by his siblings whom he adored, Brian Hibbert (Jacqueline), Bill Hibbert (Kathy), Doug Hibbert (Fran) and Beth Cartlidge (Paul). Sadly missed and fondly remembered by in-laws Jean Walker and Eric Baldwin, Laurie Bearss (Mike), Julie Tanguay (Rob).

 Steve was a “larger-than-life” character, never to be forgotten by all that came to know him. Not only large in stature, he had the personality to match. Steve was the epitome of “work hard, play hard”. He loved working, and loved a good time with family, friends, and business associates — many who became lifelong friends. He started working from a young age which led him to the trucking industry. In 2007, Steve and Wendie acquired SM Freight Inc. in Blenheim, ON. Over the last 17 years, Steve, as the CEO, poured his heart and soul into growing and leading a profitable and respected trucking company, employing just under 100 employees. In April of 2023 it was sold to a multi-national, public company. Knowing he would always need something to stay busy, Steve and Wendie also developed a commercial real estate and warehousing business in Blenheim, ON, (Graham Street Warehousing Inc)., that continues today.

In 2007 Steve and his wife Wendie settled in the community of Rondeau Bay Est., and it wasn’t long before Steve became the self-appointed “Mayor”. He loved his neighborhood (The Hood) and the neighbors. He held the position of the Vice-President of the community’s Association to this day. He never did anything by half measure and the bigger the equipment to get the job done, the better. He had a passion for anything and everything involving trucking, farming and equipment. His method of teaching and leading was “watch me” — never asking anyone to do anything he wasn’t willing to do himself. Anyone who truly got to know Steve knew his bark was worse than his bite. He had a soft spot for kids and supported many local sporting and youth programs in the area, never saying no to anyone who came knocking for a donation small or large. 

Steve and Wendie enjoyed many years RV’ing with friends in the summer while spending time in the winter months in North Ft. Myers FL, where he also became a notable figure and member of the local community’s “Garage Guys”. He made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed golfing and provided many of his friends with some good laughs on the course. There was never a dull moment when Steve was around.

Finally, Steve loved his family and was always there to support them. His passion for equipment and trucking has been passed down to his children; four of whom remain in the industry today. 

Steve was not ready to go as he had much left he wanted to do. He fought very hard to beat his cancer in the hopes of achieving more goals and being able to enjoy his hard-earned retirement with Wendie, and tour North America in their RV. When it became evident no more could be done to ensure a quality of life, without spending most of the time in treatment, in true Steve fashion, he took control, no longer allowing his cancer to dictate his final days. 

“Call a spade a spade” was another term he lived by which is exactly what he did. Fortunately for Steve, he passed away very peacefully without the need for further medical intervention although he was grateful it was available. The family would like to thank Nurse Practitioner Willi Kirenko, who made Steve feel so comfortable and at peace in his final days and, although MAID was not required in the end, she made herself available to the family and was there to help guide and support, as well Blenheim Community Funeral Home for their care and guidance. Thank you to all those who took the time to message Steve in his final days, he enjoyed them immensely. They were incredibly moving, funny, loving and will help to heal our broken hearts.

There are no words to describe the heartbreak we are experiencing. There will never be another quite like our Big Guy. Rest easy Big Steve, SG, Boss-Man. We’ll take it from here. Keep your stick on the ice! 

Cremation has taken place and Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday April 7, 2024, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club, 439 Chatham St S, Blenheim ON.  Words of remembrance and a toast at 2:00pm.

The family asks those who wish to make a donation in honor of Steve, to please consider the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario.  Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing away of Barry Meredith who left this earthly world on March 12, 2024 at the age of 50. May he be remembered as a father, son, brother, and friend with many cherished memories that you will never forget. He was the middle son of Alfred ‘ Sly’ Meredith (Claudette) and the late Elizabeth ‘BJ’ (Kelly). Loving father of Chassidy, Jamieson, and Knox. Brother of Dan and Vern Meredith.
A visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St. in Blenheim on Wednesday March 20, 2024 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm and 6:00pm until 8:00pm. Cremation will follow with a private family interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in remembrance of Barry to the Chatham-Kent Hospice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A tribute to Barry may be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/4JSQZF354NSZB33L