WIEBENGA, L. Betty (nee Spin) has left this earth to be with her Lord and Saviour on Saturday, May 2, 2026. She was born in Holland on January 4, 1927 to parents Jan & Hilligje (nee Oosterhof) Spin. She was the 10^th child of 11. In her 20’s, Betty came to Canada to work and met and married her husband, W. Ben Wiebenga. Betty has outlived not only her husband but all her siblings and their spouses. She is survived by her children, Henry & his wife Sue (nee McKillop), Hilda & her husband Ewoud Van Goch, Jody & her husband Ran Charles. She was a grandmother and great grandmother to Lucas & Katie and their children Harrison & Penny, Mitchell & Sarah and their children Fiadh, Henny, Finn & Mirrlee, Neven & Holly, Aidan and his son Sawyer, Dylan & Helen, Griffin & Emily, and Jordan & Sami. Betty is also survived by her sisters-in-law Joyce Wiebenga and Joan (& Pete) Anderson as well as many nieces and nephews in Canada and Holland.

Betty was the heart of the family and a true matriarch. She was a pillar of strength and a source of boundless love and prayer for us all. She spent her life in service to her family, her Church and her community.

Visitation will take place at the First Reformed Church on Tuesday May 5, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 followed by a funeral service at 11:00 officiated by Rev. Florence Dekker.  A luncheon will follow the service.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, friends are being asked to consider making a memorial donation to Betty’s favourite charities: Effect Hope (formerly The Leprosy Mission Canada) http://www.effecthope.org , Christian Blind Mission http://cbm.org/donate or World Vision Canada http://www.worldvision.ca .

Brenda Wiltenburg of Blenheim passed away on Thursday April 2, 2026 at the age of 70 years.  She is the daughter of the late Burton & Audrey (Ortelli), and is survived by her brothers Brad Caughy and Murray & Chris Caughy.

Brenda worked as a Paediatric Critical Care Nurse in London.  In March of 1987, she married Ton Wiltenburg and began a life on a farm outside of Blenheim.  Together they raised three children; Rebecca & Terry, Renee & Robert and Len & Joann.  She was blessed with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  She is survived by 4 brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in law in Holland.

Brenda will be remembered fondly as an honorary mother to many children who she babysat over the years.  She was a kind and caring person whose life was spent making the lives of those she cared for a little bit better.  She will be missed.

Brenda’s wish was not to have a funeral.  If you want to do something in her memory, give your children an extra hug and let them know how proud you are of them.  If you choose to make a memorial donation, choose a charity that is close to your heart.

A graveside service will take place at Pardoville Cemetery on Saturday May 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Blenheim Legion.

The life of Gloria Parker will be celebrated on May 9, 2026.  She will be interred at the Craford Cemetery, 19368 Craford Road in Cedar Springs at 11 am with Pastor Bill Terris officiating.  Following that time, at 12:30, there will be a reception  at the Community Room at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim.  All are welcome.

Please join us as we gather to celebrate the life of Susan Guthridge Shriver on May 9, 2026, in Blenheim, Ontario. A short ceremony and interment of ashes will take place at 1:00 pm at the Evergreen Cemetery, 470 Talbot Street, Blenheim, Ontario. The Celebration of Life service will start at 2:00 pm at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street, Blenheim, Ontario. Please stay and join us for a reception with refreshments at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home following the service.

Jim Boothe, much loved and dedicated husband of the late Carolynn Boothe (2012) passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on April 24, 2026 at the age of 74.   He will be missed greatly by his son Dennis (Kat), his daughter  Stephanie (John), his daughter-in-law Wendy (late Jimmy) (2019) and his grandchildren Kirkie (Alex), Kalvin and Lexie.  He was looking forward to being a first time great grandpa in May.  He will also be missed dearly by his partner Sue who helped him to enjoy life again.

He was one of twelve children born to the late Elizabeth & George Boothe and is survived by his siblings Elizabeth DeBaene (Wayne), Susan Daly (Brian), Emily Daly, Georgina Boothe, Kathy Gehl (Dave), Joe Boothe (Leanne), John Boothe (Donna) and George Boothe.  He was predeceased by his brother Bob Boothe (survived by Laurie) and his sisters Pam McCullough (survived by Ron) and Lynn Ameel.

Jim was raised in a time when hard work and determination weren’t just values – they were the way you built a life.  And he carried those qualities with him every day.  His presence was quiet but powerful.  He was a truck driver, farmer and strong provider who was happiest when his fingernails were dirty.

In keeping with his wishes, a private graveside service will be held in Evergreen Cemetery where Jim will be laid to rest with Carolynn and Jimmy.  A Celebration of Life at a later date will be announced.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Donald Haynes Warren announce his passing on April 22, 2026. Born August 13, 1931 and raised in Canfield Ontario, Don was the eldest son of Charles Warren & Florence Haynes. Predeceased by his wife of 70 years Marlene Warren nee Walsh (1936 – 2023). He leaves behind four daughters Rose Vanthuyne (Patrick), Melinda Carrol (John) of Alberta, Frances Warren, Patricia Warren (Gordon) of Alberta. Also, proud Grandpa to Stephanie, Dan, Kerry, Warren and Corrina. Great Grandpa to 7 and Great-Great Grandpa to 3.

Don is predeceased by 3 brothers James “Howard” Warren, William Warren, Edward Warren and he is survived by one sister Ruby Robinson (Al).

At the age of 14 Don moved to Blenheim where he met Marlene. He went on to graduate from Chatham Vocational School earning a diploma in Tool and Die. Don was soon hired by Superior Machine and Tool while it was in its infancy and worked there for all 40 years of his career.

Don was always an avid car guy. He and Marlene were members of the Canadian McLaughlin Buick Club and the Kent Historic Auto Club taking part in many rallies and car shows. Don’s hobby after retirement was restoring antique cars where his tool and die skills were put to good use recreating parts.

He will be missed.

Special thanks to the staff at Grand Retirement Living for their care of Don and Marlene during the many years they were in residence there.

A special thanks also to the nursing staff at Chatham Kent Health Alliance for their kindness and care during his final days.

As per Dad’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Internment for both Dad and Mom will take place at a future date during a private family gathering in Sparta.

Sonja Soentjens was born on June 23, 1954, in Beerse, Belgium, as the eldest of seven children of the late Roza and Jozef Soentjens. She grew up in Tielen Belgium, and later moved to Herentals with her beloved husband, André, whom she affectionately called her “poezeke.” They shared 36 years of marriage until André sadly passed away in 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Together, Sonja and André built a loving family and were blessed with three children: Tom, Bart, and Ann. The loss of Bart and Ann far too early in life was an unimaginable hardship, yet Sonja showed extraordinary resilience. Despite the pain, she always found reasons to keep going and to continue embracing life with strength and determination.
Sonja was a proud and devoted grandmother to Laura, Jens, Wouter, and Kyara. She also held a special place in her heart for her godchild Coralie and her children—Léo, Noa, and Mila—whom she loved as her own grandchildren.
In 2006, Sonja and André traveled to Canada to visit family and quickly fell in love with the country. They made the life-changing decision to move to Cedar Springs in 2007, where they were welcomed by wonderful neighbors and friends, including Heather Cook and her family. Ten years later, Sonja moved to Newbury, where she continued to build meaningful connections.
In 2021, Sonja was diagnosed with lung cancer. True to her nature, she faced the illness with unwavering courage and determination—and she won that battle. Her strength inspired everyone around her, and her family was immensely proud of her. In the summer of 2025, she returned to Belgium for the first time in many years, cherishing precious moments with family and friends. It was a time filled with joy and happiness. Sadly, upon her return to Canada, it was discovered that the cancer had returned and had spread. Once again, Sonja fought with everything she had. Her bravery and fighting spirit were nothing short of remarkable, but this time, it was not meant to be.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, surrounded by love and gentleness, Sonja found the peace she so deeply deserved.
Though distance separated her from family and friends in Belgium, Sonja made sure that connection was never lost. Through almost daily messages—often a heartfelt mix of English and Dutch—she kept everyone close. Those conversations, sometimes needing a bit of decoding, brought comfort and joy to all.
Sonja faced many hardships throughout her life, yet she remained a woman with an incredibly warm and generous heart, always ready to help others. Her determination was inspiring, and her ability to find joy in life’s simple pleasures—good food, a drink, and laughter shared with loved ones—will be fondly remembered. Her dry sense of humor brought smiles to many.
We take comfort in the hope that she is now reunited with her beloved “poezeke,” and with Bart and Ann, watching over us together.
She ended every conversation with “love you to the moon and back” or “love you more.” Now it is our turn to say: we will never forget you. We love you to the moon and back—and more.

Sonja has been cremated and will at last return to her family in Belgium. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Newbury Legion at a later date.

Curtis Ross Burchiel passed away at the CKHA on Sunday April 19, 2026 at the age of 72.

He was predeceased by his parents, James W. Burchiel and Donna (Morgan) Burchiel,

He will be missed by sister Heather (Robert) Burns and brothers James R. Burchiel (Alicia) and Fred Burchiel.  Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Curtis attended George Brown College (Culinary Arts), in Toronto.  He worked in the food industry most of his life.  He specialized in pastries, making the most beautifully decorated and delicious cakes for his family.

We will remember him for his extraordinary memory.  He had an instant recall for dates, whether it be a birth, death, anniversary; even historical events.

The family would like to thank the staff of Maple City Retirement Residence for the care Curtis received over the last year and a half.  He made many friends there and especially enjoyed playing euchre, cribbage and bingo with them.

Thank you to Bayshore Home Care for assisting with Curtis’s daily needs.  A final thank you to the CKHA 3^rd floor Continuing Care nurses, doctors and support staff for your compassionate care.

As per Curtis’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  The family will remember him privately.

Donations in Curtis’s memory to the Blenheim Health Hub are welcome. https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/

It is with great sadness that the family of Petrus (Peter) Lambertus Van De Hogen announces his passing on Saturday April 18, 2026 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 86. Born September 16, 1939 in Nistelrode, Netherlands was the son of the late Frank & Anna (nee Van Aalst) and was the 5th of 8 children.

He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years Annette Van De Hogen (nee Benoit) (d.2021) and by his daughter Lisa Anne in 1964. Father of Jason Van De Hogen (Elaine) and proud Grandfather of Ian and Emily.

Brother of the late Martin (late Liz) Van De Hogen, late John (Mary) Van De Hogen, late Adrian (late Anne) Van De Hogen, late Joe Van De Hogen (late Helen), Nellie (late Joe) Venclik, late Annie Beuglet, Frank (Carol) Van De Hogen.

Peter and his wife, Annette, purchased land on Communication Road in Blenheim in the mid-1960s, shortly after they were married, and began building their life together. While both worked full-time jobs, they also dedicated themselves to farming. In 1986, they proudly purchased the farm that had once belonged to Peter’s parents, bringing his roots full circle. Annette always referred to Peter as her “Silver Fox.” They often enjoyed hosting dinners, spending quality time gathered around the table with family and friends.

Peter took great pride in maintaining his farms. He was meticulous about keeping the fields free of weeds and the yard well cared for, often trimming trees and tending to the property. He was never at a loss for words — a quick two-minute visit to his farm could easily turn into a two-hour conversation. Farming was truly part of who he was, and even up to this past year, he could never sit still. He was always outside, working on something. When he did come indoors, he enjoyed watching the news, keeping up with world events, and following the latest political issues – often staying up to watch the late-night talk shows.

Visitation will be held Friday April 24 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street, and Peter’s life will be remembered Saturday April 25 at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church at 95 Marlborough Street in Blenheim. Peter will be laid to rest beside Annette at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim.  A reception will follow at St. Mary’s Hall.

In lieu of flowers you are welcome to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/

Linda was born in Oshawa, the daughter of the late Reta & Bert McLean.  She was one of six children and is survived by her sister Rebecca Anne Fava and her brother Wayne Calvery McLean.  She was predeceased by her brothers Bertram Drew, Johnathan David and Stephen Aaron McLean.  She will be remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was an employee of Libby’s for many years and she travelled to many parts of Canada and the U.S. with her husband John, but her number one joy in life was being a Mom to her boys.

A service will be held Saturday April 18 at 11 a.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street in Blenheim, followed by internment at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.