Obituaries

Linda Anhorn

A photo of Linda Anhorn

Linda Joan Anhorn of Shrewsbury, daughter of Margareta & the late George Harman passed away at home on Saturday July 2, 2022.  She will be forever missed by her husband of 33 years John Hartford and by her children Sherry Anhorn (Tim Thompson), Ernie Anhorn (Denise), Michelle McDonald (Lee), Jeral Lumley (Craig), Branden Brown (Chasity) and Tajen Brown (Bryan).  She was an awesome grandma and great-grandma to Kenson & Areial, T.J & Talia, Kayleb, Kayden, Quinten, Lauren, Brodie, Samantha & Albert, Anthony, Genesia (Zack), Brooklyn, Micah, Noah, Dryce and Lennon.  She will be missed by her sister Wanda Denomme (Richard), Richard, Christine, Jeff and Anne Marie.  Linda has many great nieces and nephews who will miss her.

Linda lived live through the motto that you should grab all the happiness you can, wherever and whenever you can and that above all things you should LIVE and not simply exist.  She worked hard.  She loved to travel and fell in love with Jamaica.  She respected nature, and to say that she was an animal lover would be an understatement.  She will be missed by her fur baby Zeus.  Linda felt that it was her responsibility to take care of God’s creatures and got great joy from doing that.  It was easy to buy birthday and Christmas presents for Linda because all she ever asked for was bird feed.  Not only did she feed the birds and squirrels but she also fed all of her loved ones with her amazing cooking.  Her house was open to anyone at anytime and no one ever left hungry.  She loved things that went fast, like her Firebird and her Javelin.  She lived her life so that at any hour she would be able to shake hands with herself and say “I have done my best”.  She was loved.

It was Linda’s wish that her family remember her in their own way, hopefully on a beach in Jamaica where they can smile and remember a life well lived.  Some of her ashes will be interred with her brother Ernie who passed away on May 12, 1966 and who she is now reunited with.

Friends wishing to remember her are asked to feed the birds, hug their kids, listen to music (because music always made her happy) or make a donation to either the Cancer Society or Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue.

See you on the other side!

Terri-Dawne McMillan

A photo of Terri-Dawne McMillan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Terri-Dawne McMillan on Saturday July 2nd in her home, surrounded by her loving children.  She is the daughter of June and the late Donald Hedrick of Blenheim.  She is predeceased by her brother Ted Hedrick and most recently her sister Jacklyn Bourdeau.  She will be missed dearly by her siblings Jane (George) Vandersluis, Lee (Ann-Marie) Hedrick, Steve Hedrick (MF Kluka) and her many nieces and nephews.

Terri-Dawne devoted her life to her 3 children and will be forever missed by Jada-Dawne, Murray and Suzy (Gurd).  She also was a very important part of her grandchildren’s lives and will be eternally missed by Summerly, Ross and Loretta.

Terri-Dawne could always be found working on various projects from crafts like needlepoint and knitting to painting and refinishing a variety of furniture pieces.  She enjoyed reading and could often times be found with a novel in her hand.  More than anything though, her happiness in life came from being a mother and grandmother.  She will be remembered by many for her calm demeanor, hard-working ways and amazing listening skills.

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A private family graveside at Evergreen Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Irene Fryer

A photo of Irene Fryer

Irene Fryer passed away peacefully at the Blenheim Community Village on Wednesday June 29, 2022 in her 100th year.

Predeceased by her husband Henry, her brother Allan, sister-in-law Alice and sister Leona.  She will be sadly missed by her sons Lorne & Terri Fryer and Doug & Barbara Humphry, her grandchildren Eric & Amanda, Nick & Kelsey and Lizzi, her great grandchildren Jayden, Blake, Max, Sophia, Ruby and Luke.  She will also be dearly missed by special friends Ethel Townsend, Marion Pepper, Marie Goodwin and Laura.

A special thankyou to Dr. Martha Clendenning, N.P Delynne Teetzel, James and the entire staff at the Blenheim Community Village for their never-ending care and compassion.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Irene’s life will take place at a later date.  Friends wishing to remember Irene with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Karen Kuchta

A photo of Karen Kuchta

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday June 27, 2022
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Karen Isabelle Kuchta of Erieau, loved daughter of the late Colin (2005) & Olive (2004) (Kersey) McMurphy passed away on June 23, 2022 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice.  Karen will be missed by her children Christine Kuchta of Chatham and Eric Kuchta (Tara), by their father Bob Kuchta, her grandchildren Logan and Lydia Kuchta and her chosen grandchildren Coral and Alaska.  She is survived by her siblings June Babister, Leonard (Debbie) McMurphy and Wayne (Gail) McMurphy and her nieces and nephews Shawn Preece, Breann (Ryan) Hall, Amie (Craig) Morrison, Sara (Matt) McMurphy, Kristen (Jeremy) Wilson, Christopher McMurphy, Annie (Zak) Taylor, Jillian (Scott) Mc Murphy, Lee (Kelsey) McMurphy and her great nieces and nephews Mason and Everly Hall, Lennon and Jones Morrison, Eliot, Noal and Violet Wilson, Beau, Lincoln and Cohen Taylor, and Gus and Molly Jo McMurphy. Predeceased by brothers Dougald (2006) and Archie (2015).

The joy in Karen’s life was being a caregiver.  She studied to become a Registered Nurse and spent many years working at Southwestern Regional Centre.  In her retirement she became a foster parent who maintained long lasting and meaningful relationships with her charges.  She also became a safe haven for her rescue dog Freeman.  More than anything though, her happiness in life came from being a Mom and Grandma.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A time to gather as friends and family will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday June 27th from 11:00 – 1:00.  Karen’s urn will be interred with her parents in Oil Springs.

Shirley Clayton’s Celebration of Life

A photo of Shirley Clayton’s Celebration of Life

Service:

Saturday June 25, 2022
2:00 P.M.
Turin United Church
14188 Turin Line, Thamesville

For those not able to attend in person, a zoom link to the service is included in the obituary

Shirley B Clayton of Ridgetown passed away at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday January 27, 2021.  She was born 85 years ago, one of four children to George and Elsie (Wildblood) Spence.  She is survived by her brother John Spence and her sister Marion Teskey (Al).  She was predeceased by her sister Donna Underwood and her husband Jack, as well as John’s wife Marion.

One day at a Junior Farmer Field Meet in Ridgetown, Shirley met Ralph Clayton, the person she would marry and share her life with for the next sixty years. Their life’s journey took them from Ridgetown to Newmarket and back and also brought them two children who she loved dearly; Lynette Scott (Ken) and John Clayton (Micheline Lacombe). Shirley was a very proud grandmother to Carlene, Colin, Craig, Caryn and Laura Joy.

In her teen years she was active in church,4H and Junior Farmer activities before attending Normal School in London and becoming a school teacher.  She taught in Glenwood, Bethel and Tilbury. Following her marriage, she devoted her life to being a very supportive wife, mother and grandmother – all bringing her a life of joy.”

A Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at Turin United Church on Saturday June 25, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.  Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program.  For those unable to attend in person, a zoom link to the service is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87122454346?pwd=Ky93UnJrNkJpTE5ESzNPL2ZhTVZLUT09

Murray Wright

A photo of Murray Wright

Surrounded by the many prayers of family, friends, and church family, Murray Wright passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday June 14, 2022.  He is survived by his children Jean Dawson (David), David Wright and Paul Wright (Trina), by 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and his brother Howard Wright.  He was predeceased in life by his wife Eileen, his infant son Dennis, his brother Allan Wright (Cathy), his sister-in-law Carol Wright and his parents Pearl & Bertram Wright.

Murray was a kind soul who worked hard all of his life and always carried a tune in his heart.  He loved to sing.

A Funeral Service for Murray will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim on Monday June 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Colin Swan officiating.

Friends wishing to remember Murray with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Merlin United Church or the Chatham-Kent Hospice. A tribute of Murray’s life may be viewed by clicking the following link:

tributeslides.com/…/show/5QRLJ275WY3GM8WM

Lloyd Coleman

A photo of Lloyd Coleman

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Lloyd Edward Coleman on Tuesday March 22, 2022.  Dad was born in Chatham on December 22, 1951 to the late George & Margaret (Stevens) Coleman.  He grew up with his sister Penny Deman (John) and two brothers Ric Coleman (Sue) and Chris Coleman (Sandi).

Dad was an adventurous man who preferred to live a nomadic lifestyle.  His travels took him all over the world including Africa, Costa Rica, Korea and Italy, as well as a 40-day backpacking excursion through Australia.  He loved the outdoors, slept in an igloo, canoed and fished as often as he could.  He especially appreciated the beauty of Thunder Bay.  Having a daughter who served in the military was exciting for him because he got to visit every country and every U.S. state where I was stationed.  He was my number one fan along with my husband Ricky and our two children Joshua and Kaelani.

Unfortunately, Dad was affected far too soon with Alzheimers.  His final years were spent living at the Blenheim Community Village and his adventures became limited to weekends that I was able to bring him to our home in Michigan.  I will miss him greatly, but I smile to think that he is free now and off on a new adventure.

Happy trails, Dad.

Brandy (Coleman) Leal

A graveside service for Llyod will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday June 18, 2022 @ 1:30pm with a reception to follow at the funeral home.

Pat Hoffman

A photo of Pat Hoffman

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday June 13, 2022
12:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday June 13, 2022
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Patricia Ann Hoffman, wife of the late Gary Hoffman, passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday June 8, 2022.  She was the proud mother of Robert Wardle (Donna), Gerry Wardle (Deb), Richard Wardle (Veronica) and the late Debra Wardle and Cory Wardle and she was loved by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She is survived by her sisters Gilberte Cofell (Val Martin) and Victoria LaMarsh and her brother Donald LaMarsh (Joanne).  Predeceased by her brother William LaMarsh and his wife Helen.

Pat was born n Leamington on May 3, 1937 to the late William & Ethel LaMarsh.  She made Blenheim her home many years ago and was a long-time member of Glad Tidings Community Church.  She worked as a waitress and a homemaker which were the perfect jobs for her because she loved people and it gave her the opportunity to meet and make a difference in so many lives.  She always had a smile and a story to tell.  She also loved her Lord and her second family at Glad Tidings Church.

Pat’s family would like to invite family and friends to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for a time of visitation on Monday June 13, 2022 from 10:00 – 12:00 which will be followed by a funeral service at noon.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with Gary.

Those wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider Glad Tidings Church.

Danny Adams

A photo of Danny Adams

Danny Adams of Blenheim, much loved husband of Patricia Ann Adams (2020)  passed away with his family by his side on Saturday June 4, 2022.  He will forever remain in the hearts of his son Ian Adams, his daughter Dannielle Adams (Brent Lane), his grandsons Colter and Dillion and his brother Kerry Adams.  He was predeceased by his sister Lee Bell,  grandson Austin Adams-Lundy and  his sister-in-law Sharon Lee Adams

Danny spent his career as an avionics engineer and enjoyed meeting people through the industry he loved.  His early days as a new husband and father were spent on a hobby farm by Orangeville…the memories that his family made there have been long lasting.  He was kind and caring, he was caring father who loved his children & grandchildren unconditionally.  He was the best big brother that a guy could have.

Danny’s friends from the Gable-Rees pool in Blenheim were a second family to him.  He appreciated the friendships and the kindness that was shown to him over the past few months.  In honour of that friendship, friends wishing to remember Danny with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Gable-Rees Pool.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and Danny’s ashes will be scattered at some of the places that meant the most to him.

Pam McCullough

A photo of Pam McCullough

McCULLOUGH, Pam Ann, age 60, of the tiny village of Kent Bridge passed away Sunday May 29, 2022. Surrounded by her loving family members; each taking turns holding her hands and telling her how much she will be missed and how courageous she was in her battle against cancer. The family wishes to thank the entire team at the CK Hospice for their caring professionalism and comforting compassion.

She is survived by her amazing, 90 year old mother Elizabeth Boothe and siblings Jim Boothe, Elizabeth Debaene, Joe Boothe, Susan Daly, Emily Daly, John Boothe, Georgina Boothe, George Boothe and Kathy Gehl and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father George Boothe and siblings Lynn Ameel and Bob Boothe.

Pam devoted her life to her family and will be forever missed by her loving husband Ron McCullough, her children Becky (Peter) Ash, Alex (Sarah) McCullough and Korin (Scott) Gallant. The true light in Pam’s life were her grandchildren. She was a fun-loving Grandma and was an integral part of many trips to parks, splash pads, beaches and zoos. She will be greatly missed by her grandkids Brynlee, Aubrie, Ember, Avery, Oliver and Wesley. She was predeceased by her two dogs Eddie and Reggie. Her Grandkids take comfort knowing she has been reunited with her dogs who she loved and missed very much.

There will be a Celebration of Life, date and location to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the CK Hospice.