It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing away of Madeleine Marie Paiement on April 18, 2022 at the Meadow Park Nursing Home in Chatham, ON.  Madeleine was the daughter of the late Hyacinthe and Thérèse Arseneault (née Racicot).  Beloved wife to the late Gilles Paiement.  Loving mother to France Coshall (Curtis) of Ottawa, the late Martin Paiement, and Gilles (Tonya) Paiement of Blenheim.  Grandmother to Christopher, Danielle (Rachelle), Tessa, Leo, Fiona, and Lukin and great-grandmother to Théodore.  Sister to Monique, Nicole, late Marie-Paule, Gilles, Pauline, Huguette, Guy, and Brigitte.  Madeleine will be remembered for her love of camping and social gatherings as well as her many talents baking cakes (especially wedding cakes), sewing and helping others and for her many years as a wonderful home daycare provider.  Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life and a graveside service will be held in McWatters, Québec at a later date.  Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.  Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Lynn Fox (nee, Patterson), a long-time resident of Blenheim, mother, grandmother, teacher, coach, and guidance counsellor at Blenheim District High School died on April 18, 2022. Lynn was proud to have descended from a pioneer family in Chatham area, starting at the family farm in Louisville. Lynn grew up in Chatham, attending McKeough School and Chatham Collegiate Institute, while golfing, participating in school sports, and figure skating. Lynn earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education degree, where she was one of only four women in a sea of male students (including her future husband Bob), and her Bachelor of Education degree from Western University. At Western, Lynn was a varsity golfer, and a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

Lynn had a passion for education, and was committed to helping high school students, be it in her English, Physical Education, or English as a Second Language classes, as a coach of high school teams, or through her love of supporting students as a guidance counsellor. She was one of those lucky souls who absolutely loved her career. Alongside her husband, Bob, she taught, or was involved in the educations of, multiple generations of students in Blenheim.

Lynn was avid about all sports and became a recognized judge in figure skating in Ontario and Michigan. She enjoyed social gatherings, particularly the annual Fox Christmas Eve and commencement parties at the Talbot Street home, summer gatherings with friends at the Rondeau Yacht Club, and political and charity events which she attended with her husband.
Lynn was a lover of all animals, with her house being filled throughout her life with a menagerie of poorly behaved dogs, and the garage housing some feral barn cats.  Of course, Lynn had the garage heated and insulated for the cats’ comfort.

Lynn treasured the winds, water, wildlife, and independence at her home on Rondeau Bay, where she surreptitiously brought feed to the deer, about whom she worried in the cold winters.

Lynn is survived by her husband, Bob Fox, her children Elizabeth (Scott Guidolin) of London and David (Christina) of Toronto, her grandchildren Thomas Guidolin, Grace Guidolin, and Katie Fox, and her cousin and closest friend Colleen (William) Bohunicky and her family. Lynn also leaves behind long-time beloved friends and co-participants in mischief, Noreen (Murray) McLauchlin, Cathy Phipps and Judy Watson.

Visitation will occur at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 20, between 7PM and 9PM. Lynn’s funeral will occur on Thursday, April 21 at 11am. A reception will follow the funeral at Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Private interment will occur in the family plot at Arnold Cemetery. Lynn requested that donations be made to the Chatham-Kent Pet and Wildlife Rescue.

Brenda Dianne Simpson was Born in Chatham Ontario August 30, 1957 to excited parents, Bev and Barb, and peacefully passed in her sleep the morning of April 14 into their loving arms.

Brenda spent her early years in Ridgetown and later in Blenheim where she had many adventures. She spent her working years at the SW Regional Centre retiring when it closed in 2008. She carpooled with many folks during her 30+ years and it is said she love to talk and laugh the entire ride. She made friends with many at the centre and was completely committed to the residents that were in her charge. Brenda loved to shop and give gifts to others, a very generous heart. She loved reading and discussing anything historical, and her cat, Truffles was # 1 in her world.

Brenda was predeceased by her mother, Barbara Yvonne (Edmondson) Simpson (December 10, 2017), her Father, Beverly Max Simpson (November 2, 2003) and eldest sister, Deborah Ruth (February 5, 1953). She is survived by her older sister Lynda Dunfield (Calgary), and her nieces, Marcy Mason (Barry), Ava and Liam, Red Deer, AB; Cara Nicolaysen (Brander), Cooper, Ellie and Harrison, Calgary.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Brenda‘s caregiver, Tara Huffman for her kindness and compassionate care over these last years. Many friends and helpful family have come and gone, you know who you are, please know you all made a difference in her life, thank you.

At Brenda‘s request cremation has taken place and her remains will be interned at Shanks cemetery at Port Alma with her loving parents. The date for this internment and a small celebration of her life will be announced later.

Should you wish to honour Brenda’s memory with a donation, please consider your local animal shelter. Adopt a kitten and name her Truffles, that would certainly bring a smile to Brenda’s face.

Rest in eternal peace dear sister. 

Joseph Franklin Odell of Chatham passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday April 14, 2022.  He leaves a lifetime of memories with his wife of 58 years, Rose (Malott) Odell.  He will be missed by his children Carol Lennox of Camrose Alberta, Brenda Odell (late Alexander Summerfield) of Blenheim and Allen & Linda O’Dell of Richmond Hill, his grandchildren Joey and Nicole Lennox, Bradley (Kaitlyn), Nicholas and Alyssa Summerfield, Rachel and Stephen Odell as well as his great-grandchildren Shaydn, Holton and  Orsin.  He is survived by his brother Don (Nancy) Odell of Tupperville and his sister Nina May Schram of Corunna.  He was predeceased by his sister Marie, brothers George, John and Keith Odell, his parents Alex & Kate Odell and by his great grandson Happy Summerfield.

Joe wore many hats in his life.  He served with the Air Force and drove truck for Sterling Construction, Jubenville Trucking, Western Freight Liners and Overland Freight.  In 2000 when he was 64, he retired from Siemens after a 30 year career.  Joe’s favourite hats to wear in life were his baseball hats…he played for 7 different teams over time until he turned 75 years old.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday from 2:00 – 5:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  with a Legion Service being held at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday April 19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Joe with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

Doris June Ward of Blenheim passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Thursday April 7, 2022.  Born in Dealtown, Raleigh Township on June 1, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Ross & Lenetta (Horner) Storey.  She was predeceased by her husband John Walker Ward on March 15, 2015 as well as her sister Ruth, her brother Charles and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Mother of Linda Dianne Goddeeris (Derick), John Paul Ward (Michelle) and David Ross Ward.  Grandmother to Carey Ann Marshall (Richard), Gilbert-John Goddeeris (Krista), Matthew David Ward (Bree), Rachel Elizabeth Kirkconnell (Ben) and Great-Grandmother of six.

Sister-in-law to Leora Rodwell, Shirley Green, Blanche Burke and aunt of many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Doris’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday April 23, 2022 from 11:00 – 12:00.  A Funeral Service will take place at 12:00 followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Salvation Army.

Gary Pickering of Erieau, much loved husband of Lynda (Graham) Pickering passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday April 4, 2022.  He was the proud father of Brad & Rachel Pickering and Bob & Carrie Pickering and even prouder grandfather of Blaine, Quinn, Elizabeth and Madison.

Gary was born to the late Harvey & Catherine (Hebblethwaite) Pickering on July 5, 1943 and was raised with seven brothers and sisters.  He is survived by Joanne Drury (late Leonard), Pauline DeVries (late Ben) and Brian & Linda Pickering.  Predeceased by Harvey & Elda Pickering, Eileen & Hank Srigley, Louise & Don Sutherland and Percy Pickering (survived by Betty Ann).  He was also predecessors by brother-in-laws James Graham (late Maxine), Robert Graham and sister-in-law Mary Anne Johnston (late John).

Gary was an avid hunter & fisherman with a passion for the outdoors.  His collection of fishing lures would rival any charter boat on Lake Erie!

Gary’s family will be remembering him privately.  The interment of his urn will take place in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

In keeping with support of Erieau his love of animals, those wishing to remember Gary are asked to consider the Erieau Firefighters Association or the Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue.

William (Bill) Bentley, at the age of 88, passed away on Sunday, April 3^rd, 2022, at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance with his family by his side. Bill was the loving partner for 39 years of Tilly Plat. He was from a family of 11 children and raised 8 children of his own – Stephen (Vickie), Barbara, Dan (Jane), Pam (Jim), Shirley (Chris), Hettie, Tim (Coleen), and Sarah.  Bill was a hard working man who loved the simple life. He always made time for his family, friends, and running his beagles.  What   mattered most to him was being with family and friends watching a game of hockey or baseball, or being outdoors enjoying some fishing or hunting.  His fun loving pranks and friendship will be sadly missed by all who had the good fortune to know and love him. 

A private family gathering will be held Tuesday, April 5^th, 2022 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. 

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will take place Friday, May 20^th, 2022, in Wallaceburg at the Moose Lodge, 110 Duke Street, beginning at 3pm. All are welcome to attend. 

Friends wishing to remember Bill with a memorial donation are asked to consider Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Mary Ellen Siddall (McBrien)

December 7, 1944 – March 22, 2022

Mary Ellen passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Tuesday March 22, 2022 at the age of 77.

Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Harry & Violet (nee Mills) McBrien of Thamesville.  Sister-in-law to Beth McBrien and Marjorie McBrien, both of Ridgetown.  Sister to the late Bill McBrien and Tom McBrien.

Aunt to Mary Margaret (Bill), Lori (Ray), Karen (Tom) and Sean (Deena).

As per Mary Ellen’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  Those wishing to honour her life can make donations in her name to the Chatham-Kent Hospice or Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario.

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

The sun shine warm upon your face,

The rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

It is with great sadness that we share the sudden passing of Julianna Michelle Osborne on March 17^th.  She was a loving Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt and friend.  Julie leaves behind her daughter Brooklyn Eva Osborne, her parents Mike and Michelle (Vaughan) Osborne of Chatham, her brother Jeff (Shalynn) Osborne of Chatham, her sister Jessica (Josh) Rudofer of Duart, a niece and 2 nephews Jordyn, Benjamin and Colton Rudorfer and a loving lifelong friend Chantelle (Rick) Bernicky of Chatham with their 2 children.  Julie also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that loved her very much and will all miss her dearly.

Julie graduated from UCC and went to college to become a P.S.W.  She loved working with the elderly and later returned to school to become an E.C.E. where she found much happiness and a rewarding career impacting the lives of many children, families and staff that she worked with.

Julie was passionate about the Toronto Maple Leafs and her love for animals.  Julie was a single mother who dedicated her life to her daughter and her family.  She enjoyed crocheting and baking her Christmas treats for everyone in the family.

Julie is predeceased by her grandparents George and Helen Osborne, Garry Vaughan and Pat Vaughan who she shared a very loving ad special relationship with.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service will take place at the Funeral Home on Monday March 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Friends and family wishing to remember Julie are asked to consider making a donation to the Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/mental-health-network-of-chatham-kent/ or donate to a fund that will help her daughter Brooklyn at  https://www.gofundme.com/f/s92gf-for-funeral-costs

Patricia Wardle of Rondeau Park passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Monday March 14, 2022.  Born in England 81 years ago, Pat was the proud mother of Sheri & Richard Peltier and Rodney Phillips.  She was predeceased by her husband Art Wardle this past December and will be remembered by his children Diane Mazan (John), Lynda Quick and John Wardle as well as a long-time friend Cindy Phillips.

Grandma will be missed by Shaylene Greevink (Peter), Curtis Peltier (Malerie), Kayla Micallef (Matt), Ryan Phillips (Miranda Gray) and Alyssa Phillips, Justin Brideau (Erica), Jeremy Brideau (Vicky), Janine Ferguson (Steve), Richard Reeves (Tonya), Arthur Reeves (Catherine), Victoria Morton (Chris) and Johnathan Wardle.  She was delighted when she became a great-grandmother to Everett, Emberly and Georgia.

Pat will also be remembered by her sister Ann Beatty (Ernie), her brother Frank Pullen (Heather) and by Art’s siblings Hildred Hillman, Nancy Crow, Brenda Ritchie, Beck Brideau (Romeo), Wanda Chesney-Travis, Gary Wardle (Carolyn) and Harold Wardle.

Throughout her working life Pat was employed as a cook at the Southwestern Regional Centre, the Blenheim Community Village and Ridge Kids where she shared lots of her tasty meals.  After several years at Ridge Kids, she became known as “Grandma Pat”.  At the end of her work day, she could be found baking and decorating special occasion cakes. In her retirement, she developed a love of hand-making greeting cards that she would send out with pride and sell at the farmer’s market in Ridgetown and the odd craft show.

Pat enjoyed making goodies for her family and friends, especially her homemade jam.  She especially looked forward to making meals and treats for Rick and Ryan and the rest of the group for their hunting and fishing trips.

You could always count on Pat to make you laugh with her funny sayings and sassy attitude.  She enjoyed country music and attending numerous concerts and events.   Everyone knew not to call or visit when the NASCAR race was on especially when Jeff Gordon was behind the wheel of car 24.  She truly made an impact on every one she met and will be missed by all.

A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.  Friends wishing to remember Pat with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ or the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ .