Obituaries

Wanda Chesney-Travis

A photo of Wanda Chesney-Travis

Peacefully, surrounded by her family, Wanda, in her 77th year, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus.  Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort from knowing she is no longer suffering and in pain.

Mother to Lisa (Scott) Campbell.  Loving and proud Nana to Cole (her angel as she called him).  Their bond was so very special.

Born in Blenheim, Ontario, to Earl and Ora Wardle (nee Helterbridle), Wanda was one of 13 children. Predeceased by her sisters Carris Wickwire, Hildred Hillman, Marjorie Formosa, Betty Deleeuw, Nancy Crow, and Becky Brideau; her brothers Bob Wardle, Arthur Wardle, and John Wardle.  Survived by her brothers Gary Wardle (Carolyn), Harold Wardle, and her sister Brenda Ritchie; her sister in law Debbie Wardle, and brother in law Romeo Brideau.

Wanda worked at the Chatham Hospital for 28 ½ years, a job she always took pride in.  In her younger years, Wanda loved to hunt and fish.  She never caught anything but she was outdoors.  She didn’t eat the fish either, but her fishing buddy and brother in law Ernie was grateful.  She loved to bake, even if it was to share with others.   She made the best shortbread cookies, date squares, cheesecake, rice krispy squares and banana bread.   She didn’t have much but she would give her last dollar to someone in need.

The family wishes to thank her neighbors for keeping an eye on her and helping whenever it was needed; to the family and friends who came to visit, call, and text; the pastors who came to visit and pray with Mom from Bethel Pentecostal Church despite not being Mom’s home church; and Pastor Ken who she always spoke so highly of.

A very special thank you to Marlene and Randy Gardner who were always there for her.   Words will never be enough to show our appreciation.  Thank you to Vision Nursing Home Transitional Care program for allowing Mom to go there for a short stay.   It allowed her to be closer to her family.  To the Bluewater Health Palliative care unit, Dr. Crombeen and her team, hospice nurses and staff and PSWs for the wonderful support and care they gave Mom and the support given to her family.

At Mom’s request, there will be no services.   Cremation has taken place.   There will be a private gathering to scatter her remains at a later date.   Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice of Sarnia.

Nancy Drewery

A photo of Nancy Drewery

Nancy Drewery of Blenheim passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on June 10, 2026, at the age of 74.

Nancy was the beloved wife of the late Bryan Keith (2021).

Born on June 25, 1951, Nancy was the daughter of the late Glenn and Beulah (Jacques) Drewery. She was one of seven children and is survived by her siblings Ruth-Anne Bennett (Eric), Ivan Drewery (Bonnie), Marie Sykes (Murry), John Drewery (Lorrie), and Neil Drewery. She was predeceased by her sister Betty Gardiner (2020).

Nancy leaves behind Bryan’s children, Belinda Keith, Jolene Keith (Bob Payne), Victoria Keith, and Master Corporal Bryan James Keith (Crystal), whom she loved as her own. She will be lovingly remembered as “Nanny” to Justis, Charlie, Ryerson, Sawyer, Hudson, Denver, Devon, Ava, Everly, and Sigourney, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Nancy held a special place in the hearts of her many nieces and nephews and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Nancy was a dedicated and valued employee of Mallory’s in Blenheim for many years, where she built lasting friendships and took pride in her work. In her spare time, she could often be found helping Bryan with his painting business, tending to her gardens, or enjoying life’s simple pleasures with her favourite music playing and a cold drink in hand. A devoted fan of Rod Stewart, Nancy could often be found listening to his music and singing along to her favourite songs. She never missed an opportunity to share a story, and whether it was a cherished memory, a funny moment, or a tale from years gone by, she always had something to tell. Her stories, laughter, and presence will be dearly missed by those fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

To respect Nancy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to celebrate Nancy’s life by sharing one of her many stories, raising a glass in her memory, or making a donation to a charity of their choice.

Jean Burk

A photo of Jean Burk

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Burk, age 96, on June 6, 2026.  She was predeceased by her husband, veteran Leonard Burk in 1997.

Jean was born on April 3, 1930 just outside Ridgetown.  She was one of nine siblings born to the late Orlo “Pete” Jackson and Neva (Merritt) Jackson and is survived by her sister Doris Tengelis (late John) and brother Lloyd Jackson (Joanne).  She was predeceased by her sisters Velma Miklos (late John) and Gloria Ripley (Melvin), and by her brothers Glen Jackson (Nellie), Herbert Jackson (late Francis), Leo Jackson (late Freda) and Cliff Jackson (late Audrey).

Jean and Leonard were also parents to nine children: Gloria Bell (late Jim), Gary Burk (Elena Huseynova), Lenny (Leonard) Emmerson Burk who died in infancy, Laura Shoemaker (Brad), Sandra Burk, Donna Ogle, Connie Stothart, Kimberly Burk (Larry Osmon) and Jamie Burk (Kathy Kunzler).  She was loved by 23 grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren.  She was predeceased in life by her grandchildren Chawn, Dustien and Braedon.

Jean enjoyed going for walks, crocheting, knitting, sewing and growing plants.   She was a queen of crossword puzzles and a professional living room Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy contestant.  She loved all pets, especially her budgies and her memories of Bailey were always close to her heart.  Jean’s final days were filled with tenderness, surrounded by the grandchildren who stayed close and held her with the same love she had always given them.

In keeping with Jean’s wishes, a private family interment will take place in Burk Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ontario SPCA or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Lawrie Maris

A photo of Lawrie Maris

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday June 4, 2026
1:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday June 3, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday June 4, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Lawretta “Lawrie” Anne Maris, 66, of Blenheim, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026. She will be dearly missed by her children, Michael (Stacey Rowsome), Christopher, and Lawren (Markus Hall). Lawrie was the proud Gram of Zelda, Hudson, Adelaide, and Anderson Maris.
Lawrie was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Rosetta (née Alldred) Rowell; her stepfather, Larry Bodeis; her brother, Joel Rowell; and her infant brother, Gary.
Lawrie devoted her career to caring for clients at Southwestern Regional Centre. She later worked in the pharmacy at Blenheim Shoppers Drug Mart and continued helping others through Community Living. She generously volunteered with CK Animal Rescue. Lawrie had a lifelong passion for live music and found joy in her morning aquafit classes at the Blenheim pool.
Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 3, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., and again on Thursday, June 4, from 12:00–1:00 p.m., followed immediately by a Funeral Service. A private interment will take place at Hillsdale Cemetery in Petrolia.
Friends wishing to honour Lawrie’s memory through a memorial donation are invited to contribute to causes close to her heart: the Blenheim Medical Health Foundation for the Health Hub https://www.bmhf.ca/donate-now or Blenheim Rotary for Lawrie Park.

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Louella Lindsay Celebration of Life

A photo of Louella Lindsay Celebration of Life

Service:

Please join the family to celebrate the wonderful life of Louella Lindsay.
June 13, 2026 at the Royal Canadian Blenheim Legion from 2pm-5pm.

Grace Wick

A photo of Grace Wick

Grace Wick, the much loved wife of the late Elmer Wick (1995) passed away with her daughter by her side at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on May 26, 2026.  She will be forever loved and missed by her children Noel, Shannon and Jay (Joanne), by her grandson Quinn and her siblings David Robb (Janet) and Gordon Robb (Tracy).  She was predeceased by her brothers Jim Robb (survived by Cathy), Randy Robb and her parents Dolores & Bill Robb.

Grace was a kind and caring person who always thought of other people first.  She spent her working career with the Ministry of Community & Social Services, beginning at the Midwestern Regional Centre in Palmerston before moving to Blenheim, where she retired from the Southwestern Regional Centre.  She loved people, playing the piano and watching her orchids bloom.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  Grace will be interred with Elmer in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.  If you want to do something in memory of Grace, give your kids an extra hug, your grandchildren two extra hugs, and always let them know how much you love them.

 

Jean Shoemaker

A photo of Jean Shoemaker

Service:

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home
on Monday June 1, 2026 from 12:00 – 2:00 followed by a funeral
service officiated by Rev. Bruce Cook. Interment will take place in
Evergreen Cemetery.

Jean Shoemaker, wife of the late Kenith Shoemaker (2009) passed away on May 29, 2026 at the age of 87 years. She was the loving mother of Kathie Shoemaker, Donna & Jim Unwin, Brad & Laura Shoemaker, Todd  Shoemaker and Tracey Purdy (late Bill) & Len Murray. She is survived by 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.  She was predeceased by her husband Kenith and her granddaughter Jolene Unwin and grandson Jeffrey Unwin.

Jean was one of six children born to the late Ruby & James Stothart and is survived by her brother Bert Stothart (late Nancy).  She was predeceased by Marie Grant (survived by Bob), Eleanore Heil, Isabell McAuley (survived by Dawn) and Frank & Fran Stothart.

Friends will remember Jean working as a waitress for 20 years at the Venus De Milo Restaurant in Blenheim.
Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday June 1, 2026 from 12:00 – 2:00 followed by a funeral service officiated by Rev. Bruce Cook. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Jean’s honor to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/  or to the Alzheimers Society https://alzheimer.ca/chathamkent/en

Donald W. Chapple

A photo of Donald W. Chapple

Service:

A private family service will be held Saturday, May 23 as per his wishes

Donald W Chapple passed away with family by his side on Monday, May 18 at the age of 80 years. He is survived by his wife Margaret (Peggy), son Craig (Tracey), and daughters Kelly Roy (Rick) and Dawn Anne Drouilllard (Don). Grandchildren Chase, Kaden, Soren and Zane. His bother Roger and several nieces and nephews.

Don spent more than 30 years of his career at Thompsons, where he finished as CFO. He also dedicated many years to serving in various roles on Blenheim Town Council and was a longtime member of the Rotary Club.

He was passionate about caring for his wife, spending time with his grandchildren and golf.

A private family service will be held Saturday, May 23 as per his wishes.

Friends and family wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Kidney Foundation https://kidney.ca/ or the Alzheimer’s Society https://alzheimer.ca/chathamkent/en .

Special thanks to the staff at Village on the Ridge for taking such good care of Dad, Mom and us.

Fredric James Heintz

A photo of Fredric James Heintz

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday May 18, 2026
1:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday May 18, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong fisherman whose love for the water defined much of his life.  Throughout his career as a commercial fisherman captain on the tug boat Kar Lou, he found purpose on the open water, earning the respect of fellow fishermen through hard work and determination.

Fred leaves behind his wife and best friend of 59 years Barbara (Round).  He was born in Port Elgin to the late William and Alma (Terry).  Cherished father of Lisa (Stephen) Rigby and their children Austin and Aiden who he was so proud of.  Father of Frederick James Jr and his children Cody, Brylie and Tryten.

Predeceased by his brothers Ed, Ralph and Carl, sisters Edith and Marie.  Survived by his brother Norman.  Brother in law to Doug Round, Daniel Round (deceased), Dona Fields, David Round (deceased), Patricia Dyck, Linda Heyninck, Duane Round (deceased) Carol Round, Marjorie (Dave) Trotechaud, Deb (Doug) Toland, Darrel Round (deceased), Dean Round and Doreen (Gord) McGee.  Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday May 18, 2026 from 11 – 1 p.m. followed by the funeral.  Interment at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of donations, Fred would be most happy if you spent time on the water, which he was never far from, enjoying those you hold dearest.

Jeff Patterson

A photo of Jeff Patterson

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday May 20, 2026
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Words of remembrance
will be shared at 4:00 p.m.

Jeff Patterson passed away peacefully with his loving partner and best friend Laura by his side on Thursday May 14, 2026, just one day after their 50th wedding anniversary.  He was an incredible father to Chris (Vandana) and Justin (Kate) and the adored grandpa to Nathan and Stella.

Jeff was born in London, the only child of the late John & Carolyn Patterson.  At a young age he learned the importance of devotion to family and the art of selflessness; characteristics that he carried throughout his life.  Beyond that, he was a humble man who was more comfortable being behind the scenes and not taking credit for his accomplishments.

He worked for IBM as a technician for 35 years.  One of the highlights of his career was going to the 1988 Calgary Olympics where he was responsible for ensuring every jump, finish and record-breaking moment was captured with total accuracy.  He was a member of the Blenheim Kinsmen for 30 years and enjoyed acting with Theatre Kent in Chatham.

Sometimes in life you are lucky enough in life to find someone you love and who loves you back as much.  Jeff was that someone to us.  He was one of a kind and we were blessed.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday May 20, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 followed by words of remembrance.

Friends and family wishing to remember Jeff with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/   or the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/