Frances Lucille Longe, affectionately known as “Frankie” passed away at the age of 87 with her family by her side at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on March 3, 2025.  She was predeceased by her husband Joe on October 13, 2024.

Frankie was the proud mother of Frank, Fred & Wendy and the late Bill & Sandra Longe.  She was loved by her grandchildren Nadine & Ryan, Sara, Margaret, Curtis, Rachael and Chelsea, her great-grandchildren Jaden, Jude, Kaydence, Olivia Frankie and Jessie and her great-great grandchildren Noah and Luke.

She was one of six children born to the late George & Violet (Rumble) Bell and is survived by Dr. Ken & Mary Lou Bell, Ron & Gail Bell and Jayne & Jim Smith.  She was predeceased by her sisters Audrey (Ken) Garvey and Anna (Beverly) Summers.

Frankie retired after many years as a Developmental Service Worker at Southwestern Regional Centre where she made many friends.  She made the best of life even when it presented her with significant lifetime challenges and she never complained.  She was happy when she and Joe moved into their home in the Lanz subdivision because she was able to walk to Giant Tiger as often as she wanted to stock up her “candy pantry”.

A gathering for Frankie will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday March 16, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.   At her request, those choosing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the War Amps.

Amber was born June 3, 1980 and passed away March 1, 2025.  She is the oldest daughter of Brenda and David Knight.  Beloved sister of Arin Genttner (Ryan Vincent) and Breann Knight (Kris Vannoord).  Proud Aunt of Logan, Harper and Kolton.  Granddaughter of the late Bill and Norma Knight and the late John and Betty Phair.  She will be missed terribly by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  She kept a tight circle of her closest friends who will miss her incredibly.  Most of her days were spent with Wendy, Amanda, Amelia and Courtney.

Amber had a laugh that could ignite the room and she loved nothing more than to make others laugh.  She could add a dramatic flair to any story and make it better.  She was a hairdresser by trade; always willing to be honest about what your hairstyle should and shouldn’t look like.  Her honest nature made her so lovable to many.

Amber faced many health challenges in her life and rarely complained and faced them head on.  The family would like to thank Dr. Dale Pepper who helped in so many ways.  His ability to connect with Amber was vital to her quality of life when dealing with her health issues.  He listened and advised her, and Amber considered him a friend. Making him laugh was the highlight of her visits.

The family will be holding an informal gathering on Saturday March 15^th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim.  Memories will be shared at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundaton https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or a charity of your choice.

The world lost some sparkle on March 1, 2025.  Marilyn June (Wright) Belcoure passed, surrounded by love and family.  She will be immensely missed as a wife, mother, daughter, aunt, sister and mémé.  Marilyn was the true definition of unconditional love…loving everyone just the way they were.

We will be having a celebration of life, in true Marilyn fashion, with mini sandwiches, soup and lemon desserts at the Blenheim Legion on March 29^th from 1 – 4 p.m.  Please come celebrate Marilyn with memories and stories!

If you have any photos of Marilyn that you would like to include in the slideshow, please send them to [email protected] or on Facebook.

If anyone would like to make a donation in her name, she would have loved it to go to Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue https://ckanimalrescue.com/

With heavy sadness we announce the passing of our Mom, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother Pieterke “Pat” DeBoer on Sunday March 2, 2025 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice with her “sweetie” by her side Lindsay-Dawn.

Mom was born in 1923 in Groningen, Holland to Marinus & Rolina (Nienhuis) Knol.  In 1950 she married the love of her life Dick DeBoer who predeceased her in 1992.  Mom and Dad immigrated to Canada where they started their family; Rolina (late Pete) Hoekstra, Alvin & Francine DeBoer, Mario (late Lana) DeBoer, Don & Denise DeBoer, Joanne DeBoer (late Ed Franken), Donna & Bradley J Preston and Linda & Paul McGuigan.  She was blessed with 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brother Jannes (Janny) Knol, her sister-in-law Lena Knol and many nieces and nephews in Canada and Holland.  She was predeceased by her sister Tjitske (Hendrikus VanWolde) and brothers Luit, Henk & Ina and Hindrik, all of Holland.  She is reunited now with her grandsons Brad DeBoer, Jeff DeBoer and great grandson Carter Lackie.

Mom worked as a nurse in Holland but when she immigrated to Canada she devoted her life to family and farming.  Her strength, independence and determination allowed her to stay in her home until her recent move to Hospice.

Our family would like to thank everyone who looked after her, especially Jodi, Lisa, Nicole, Becky and Janet.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Pat will be held in the First Reformed Church, Chatham on Friday March 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  Following the interment at Pardoville Cemetery a light lunch will take place at Deer Run Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, Dennis DeJager on March 1, 2025.

Dennis was born in Blenheim, Ontario on November 12, 1943 to George and Marie (Russchen) and is survived by his sister Shirley Mihalco.  He attended Royal Military College and spent his entire career with the Canadian Air Force.  He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.  In his retirement years, he volunteered for numerous causes and was a life-long member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 in Blenheim.

He married Cheryle (Srokosz) in 1968 and after her passing in 2000, he married Janice (Fader) in 2004.  Their blended families filled their home with love and laughter.

Dennis was a proud Dad to three children:  Chris (Penka), Jayna (Stephen) and Michelle (Mike) and three step-children:  Matt (Rachel), Josh (Alecia) and Vicki (Chris).  He was a proud Papa to 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Dennis will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday March 4, 2025 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and again at Glad Tidings Church on Wednesday March 5, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.  A Funeral Service will immediately follow the visitation at Glad Tidings Church.  Cremation will follow and the family will gather in the spring at Craford Cemetery to inter his urn.

If you are considering remembering Dennis with a donation, it would have made him happy to support the Blenheim Medical Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia “Pat” Mantle (nee Shantz) on February 27, 2025. Pat passed away peacefully and comfortably on her own terms with her family by her side, at the age of 84. Pat was born to the late Loretta and Wesley Shantz in Guernsey, Saskatchewan on March 17, 1940. Pat’s life was filled with love, laughter, faith, and caring for others. She always cared for and put others before herself, which allowed her to build a successful career as a nurse that spanned over 50 years. 

It was after graduating from nursing school that Pat met the love of her life and late husband, William “Bill” Mantle (2017), where they embarked on a journey together that lasted an incredible 54 years. Together, Pat and Bill raised four wonderful children, and she will be fondly remembered by Crystal (Tom) Tye of Blenheim, Laurie Mantle of Chatham, Bradley (Cristina) Mantle of Texas, and William “Bill” Mantle Jr. of Florida. 

Pat was also a loving grandmother and “gram” to Marissa, Brandon, Joel, Kyle, Jessica, and Garrett, and 17 great-grandchildren, who will miss her immensely. She was also predeceased by her great-grandchildren Daeton (2006) and Abigail (2021).

Pat came from an incredible family and was one of seven children. She was predeceased by her brothers Keith (late Martha) and Carl (Joan), and is survived by and will be forever missed by her siblings Ellen (late Lloyd), Wilma (late Robert), Gilbert (late Pat), and Gordon (Elaine).

Before retiring and moving back to Blenheim, Pat and Bill lived and travelled across many parts of Canada and the United States. Most recently, they lived in Indiana where they made the decision to settle down and move back to Canada to be closer to family. Family and travelling were two of Pat’s greatest passions in life. She would always be over at the house as soon as you called, and would jump at the chance to get in the driver’s seat and go on a day trip or board a cruise ship and travel to somewhere new – which her and Bill enjoyed doing quite often.

We find comfort in knowing that Pat has finally gone home to be with her husband, Bill. She missed him dearly after his passing and deserves to now rest eternally with him. Special thanks to the retirement and long-term care staff and VON staff at Blenheim Community Village, where Pat called home in her final years. We would also like to thank the incredible staff on the continuous care and palliative care floors at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, who cared for Pat so compassionately and kept her comfortable in her final days. We also greatly appreciate the care and compassion from Dr. Martha Clendenning, Nurse Practitioner Kaitlyn, Wanda Burse, and for Bill Terris and Pastor Kent who kept Pat’s faith strong and at peace as she transitioned into her next chapter of life.

As per Pat’s wishes, cremation will take place. Those wishing to remember Pat are asked to consider a memorial donation to the Blenheim Medical Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ or Chatham-Kent Health Alliance https://ckhaf.ca/donate/

Alfred Kenny, affectionately known as “Andy” passed away on February 25, 2025 at the young age of 34 years.  He was born in Chatham on August 28, 1990 and was welcomed into the hearts and home of his forever family when he was 11 years old.  He was loved unconditionally and supported through his medical challenges for the next 23 years by his Mom; Kim Ferguson, his Grandma; Sandra Ferguson (predeceased by Kinnon) and the rest of his large, loving and sometimes crazy family that included Anita (Adam), Jessica, Alex, Chris, Allen, Bryan, Tasha, Shae-Lynn and Brooklyn.  He will be missed by his nieces Faithlyn, Madeline and Lyric, his nephew Nyx and by his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Andy was a loving and affectionate young man who had many varied interests in life.  He loved Star Wars, building Lego, and watching movies.  His idea of a great night was getting himself some pop and bubble gum, and then settling in for a night of gaming.

Andy, you were braver than you believed, stronger than you knew and smarter than you thought.  You were loved beyond measure.  Goodbye old friend, and “may the force be with you”.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and brother Leroy Talcott on February 25, 2025.

Born 80 years ago to the late Muriel Jean & Joseph Raymond Talcott.

Leroy is the much-loved husband of 57 years to Susan Sandra (Hough), father of Tanya (Barry) Parker and Sally (Craig) Turgeon, the proud grandfather of Alexis, Logan, Neil, Wayne and Courtenay, great-grandfather of McKenna and Kylea.  He is survived by his sister Marie Beattie and brother-in-law William Hough.

Leroy retired 20 years ago from International Truck & Engine where he had worked for 30 years.  He enjoyed spending his free time at Word of Life Church, helping with the soup kitchen.

Leroy loved to travel with his wife Susan and all the family.  He especially loved his campfires.

Cremation will take place and there will be a private graveside service in the spring.

Family and friends wishing to remember Leroy with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider donating to the Word of Life Soup Kitchen.

With both a deep sadness and an eternal gratitude for the life that she shared, we announce the passing of Joanne Sullivan (nee Dries) on Monday, February 24th, 2025 at the age of 85.  

Born in 1939 in Ruscom, Ontario, Joanne was the daughter of the late Henry and Rose Dries.  In 1964, she married Ron Sullivan and, for more than six decades, theirs has been a story of deep love, respect, commitment, and partnership.  Joanne was loving mother to Gerry Sullivan (Martha), Karen Sullivan (Michelle Simpson), Mike Sullivan (Deb), and Ron Sullivan (Leanne).  She was an endlessly proud and always positive grandma to Shaun Sullivan, Maddy Sullivan, Kevin Gevaert, and Brian Gevaert and had a special place in her heart for Rachel, Lavonne, Jessie, and Phoebe Simpson.  

Joanne is survived by her sister Elaine (late Dan) Dillon, brother Ed (late Liz) Dries, brother-in-law David (late Helen Dries) Cree, sister-in-law Betty Lister (Henry), and brother-in-law Bob Sullivan (Beth).  She was also predeceased by her brothers Charlie (late Sandy), Joe (late Terry), and Ray (Lorraine Haskell).  Also mourning her loss are many nieces, nephews, and cousins far and wide as well as cherished “chosen family” Bonnie and David Nicholson, Sheila and Blair Clark, and Edward VanRossen.

In her professional life, Joanne was a proud and dedicated nurse, having graduated from the St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Chatham in 1959.  She cherished her friendships from those days, celebrating just last fall the 65th anniversary of their graduation with her classmates.  Whether working at the hospital, in various doctors’ offices in Blenheim, or simply fielding calls from family and friends, she was a trusted and caring advisor.  Her circle of friends was wide as it grew with each pursuit throughout her life, from curling, and the Kinette Club, to the many social events in which she and Ron participated and organized in Rice Creek, Florida where they wintered for 18 years.  

Joanne’s greatest joys came from time with family.  She loved large gatherings and was the master of putting a chicken and sliders feast on the table with remarkably little evidence of it in the kitchen.  Birthday outings with her girls were cherished events.  Planting and tending her garden with her grandchildren was a joy.  

Her grandchildren will tell you that Grandma was like summer; no matter the day she brought brightness and cheer.  She was our biggest cheerleader and our rock and will be greatly missed.

Special thanks to Dr. Martha Clendenning and the many caring staff from Ontario Health at Home, VON, Bayshore, and the Chatham Kent Hospice who made mom’s final days as comfortable as possible and so kindly guided us through the past few weeks.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are invited to gather  at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.  A  Funeral Mass will be  conducted by Father Paul at St. Mary’s church in Blenheim at 11am on Friday, February 28th with a reception to follow at St. Mary’s Hall.  

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or Blenheim Medical Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ would be greatly appreciated.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and son, Lee Stewart on February 16, 2025.  Born 67 years ago to Betty (Ashby) (Stewart) Lindsay and the late Donald Stewart, he was predeceased by his only brother Dale just three years ago.

Lee is the much loved husband of 44 years to Mary Anne (VanHaecke), father of Lee Anne Hould (Ben) and Shawn Stewart (Amanda), the proud grandfather of Andrew and Katelyn Hould, and Jack and Noella Stewart and brother-in-law to Barb Wells and Janice Cole (Earl).

Lee retired 8 years ago after a lifelong career as a sheet metal worker in the heating and cooling industry.  He enjoyed coffee at Tim’s, Friday night cards and supper with the neighbors and Sunday morning breakfast with his Mom and Barb.  He loved travelling the world with Mary Anne, helping his kids with anything from coaching their hockey and baseball teams to renovations to their homes.  He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Visitation for Lee will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday February 21, 2025 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. and will be followed immediately by a Funeral Service conducted by The Reverend Canon John Anderson.

As a father, it was always important to Lee to be present and to be supportive of Lee Anne and Shawn through whatever turns life took them.  To that end, there are two charitable organizations that became near and dear to his heart…the Walker Family Cancer Centre that continues to support Lee Anne https://niagarahealthfoundation.com/ways-to-donate/general/ and Autism Nova Scotia that continues to support Shawn’s family  https://www.autismnovascotia.ca/get-involved/#donate  If you are considering remembering Lee with a memorial donation, it would have made him happy to have these charities supported for his children.