It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jacklynn Susan Bourdeau who passed at the London Health Science Centre Victoria Hospital in London on Saturday March 12, 2022. Jacklynn is the daughter of June and the late Donald Hedrick of Blenheim. Dearly loved mother of Luke Bourdeau (Stacy Melrose) of Blenheim and Donald (Sondra) Bourdeau of St Thomas. Loving grandmother to Cameron, Thaydan, Chace, Kolson, Devin and Ana. Sister to Jane (George) Vandersluis, Terri-Dawne McMillan, Lee (Anne-Marie) Hedrick, Steve Hedrick(MF Kluka), and predeceased by Ted Hedrick. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Jacklynn will be remembered for the 23 years that she served her country in the Royal Canadian Air Force, retiring with the rank of sergeant. After her retirement, Jacklynn spent the next 20 years working at the Riverview Gaming Centre. Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St. in Blenheim on Wednesday March 16 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:00pm. As per her wishes, cremation will take place. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ronald McDonald House would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

AUDREY DENISE GRAHAM VARNEY (née Millar)
Born: Killead, County Antrim, Ireland May 18, 1943
Died: Ridgetown, Ontario, Canada March 4, 2022

To capture in a few words the essence of a beautiful human being is not an easy task. And that was who Audrey Denise Graham Varney was – a beautiful human being.

Audrey was introduced to her Christian faith at a young age. It guided her throughout her life, giving her strength when she needed it most. She was a loving and faithful servant to all. This was defined through her actions, in recognizing and giving to those in need:  whether those she knew or those she didn’t.

She never wanted recognition for her gifts of Self, which is the best gift anyone can give. She gave them all with a loving heart and a silent grace. She was like the good Samaritan seeking out those who needed help and doing her best to fulfil that need. Though a ‘giver’ in every sense of the word, she never saw herself as such and we can only assume this is why she found it so very difficult to receive in kind.

Her generosity to others throughout her life would be a mystery to the selfish, to those who don’t care about others’ woes unless it affects them and to those who feel that the greatest legacy in life is measured through monetary value.

Audrey loved her family as she loved her God. They were her blessings and she cherished them like the treasures they are. She adopted her in-laws and the friends of her children and grandchild and treated them like they were her own. She opened her home for joyous occasions to others and as a refuge when people needed a helping hand. She was a true and loving friend to many.

Audrey loved life and valued each moment of the days she was given. Her zest for life was witnessed in the way she lived it. She was always on the move, enjoying each day to its fullest. As she reminded us in the end, the only day you have is today and you should make sure you live it to the fullest.

She was fiercely independent in speech and in her actions. She was also very private.  But as the Irish lass she was, she never backed down from a good debate and was always generous in her opinions.

Audrey said that the greatest gift her husband Alan gave her was her two sons Kyle and Dale. They lived up to her belief in, and love for them. The endless support they gave their mother was noted by many. Their answer when praised was, ‘We learned by example.’ What a beautiful gift to a mother’s ear.

Audrey departed her earthly home on Friday, March 4^th 2022. Despite her illness, she fought valiantly and with laughter, making the most of each day she was given.

Now she has travelled to that beautiful Garden of Eden in the sky and is reunited with her beloved husband Alan and all those she loved and lost through the years. What a celebration that must have been! God is smiling that Audrey has come home.

Audrey leaves behind her son Kyle and his loving wife Tammy, and her granddaughter Samantha, her son Dale, sister Kathryn Young and family, and her brother Rev. Roger Millar, his wife Nancy and family plus so many more family and friends who loved her so very dearly.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home located at 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim, Ontario (www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com) from 12:00 to 2:00 with the funeral service immediately following at 2:00.

The family would request that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the ALS Society of Windsor-Essex County http://www.alswindsor.ca.

Do not weep for me for I have not gone.
I am the memory that dwells in the heart of those that knew me.

Junne was the beloved wife of William (Bill) Jenkins, and devoted and loving mother to Sandy (Richard Gilbert), all of whom cherished her and will miss her dearly.

Junne was one of ten children born to the late Bert and Lillian Graves on December 31, 1936.  They all lived on the family farm just outside of Ridgetown.

She is survived by and will be remembered with love by her sisters Joyce Campbell and Madeline Bateman, her brother Ron Graves, her sisters-in-law Nora Graves and Ruth Graves and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sisters Gladys Shoemaker, Dorothy Graves and Audrey Smith as well as her brothers George, Kenneth and Fred Graves.

Junne believed strongly in fellowship and service to her community.  She was an active member of the United Church Women’s League and the choir at the Morpeth United Church.  Following the closure of that church, she became involved with several activities at the Erie Street United Church in Ridgetown.

She remained active, playing shuffleboard at the Morpeth Community Centre in the winter, lawn bowling at Ridgetown in the summer months, and having lunch with the “girls” after church on Sundays.  In her earlier years, she was an avid curler who participated in may jitneys and bonspiels with her husband Bill at the Ridgetown Golf and Country Club.

Junne spent the last week of her life in the amazing care of the staff and volunteers at the Chatham Kent Hospice.  The family cannot say enough about the kindness and love this organization offers to their residents, as well as to their families, as they travel through this difficult final journey.  If you wish to honour Junne in some way, please think about contributing to this wonderful organization at https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/.

Junne’s wishes were that cremation take place, followed by a simple graveside service at a later date in the spring at the Morpeth Cemetery.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Kathryn Pye on Monday February 28, 2022.  Mom was born on June 11, 1954 to Eva (Ellis) Behnke and the late Gerald Behnke who she missed very much.  She was a proud mother to the two of us; Jen Cowan and Chris Behnke but an even prouder grandmother to our children Kayla Allossery, Breanna Allossery, Sierra Allossery, Paislee Cowan, and Kaemen Behnke.  She adored her grandchildren and always wished the best for them in life.

She will be remembered with fondness by her sisters Ann Behnke (Jim Joyce) and Lynn Behnke, by her brothers Mike Behnke and John Behnke (Deb) as well as her brother-in-law Carl Carlogridis and their families.

Mom lived life with fierce determination.  Although she could be stubborn at times, she loved just as hard.  She was an avid card player and loved to read in her spare time.  She loved doing puzzles with Grandma and was a member of the LaSertoma Club because it was important to her to help others who were less fortunate.

Mom’s wishes for this stage of her life were simple.  Cremation has taken place.  If you want to remember her with a memorial donation, please consider the Sertoma Foundation of Canada https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-sertoma-foundation-of-canada/, the Lung Association https://www.lung.ca/get-involved/donate/make-general-donation/online-donate-form or a charity of your choice.  She would have liked that.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday March 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  A reception will follow at the Kent-Belgian-Dutch-Canadian Club, 34 Byng Ave, Chatham.

A resident of Blenheim, John Phillip Schneider peacefully passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday February 21, 2022 at the age of 80. John was the son of the late Phillip and Mary (nee Chandler) Schneider. Beloved husband to Margaret (nee Carron) Schneider. Loving father to Kristine (Robin) Chapman of Kitchener, Phillip (Pam) Schneider of Blenheim, step father to Barbara Powers, Margaret LeBlanc, and John Beaumont. Grandfather to Jordan, Emily, Dustin, Robbie, Christian, Tiffany, and 14 great grandchildren. Brother to the late Walter Schneider of Cambridge. John will be remembered for his years working at Bonnie Stewart’s Shoe Factory in Kitchener, coaching baseball, watching the Red Wings hockey games, and spending time outdoors fishing. As per John’s wishes Cremation has taken place. Donations made in memory of John to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Leroy Tye at the age of 83.  Nothing was more important to Jim than his family, which was his greatest accomplishment in life.  He is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou Tye (nee Busteed) or “mother” as he used to call her, who will miss him very dearly.  Married on January 31, 1959, they spent a wonderful 63 years together and raised four amazing children.  He was a proud dad and “old boy” to his sons Kevin, Dave, Tom (Crystal), and his late daughter Deb Tye who he was predeceased by in 2020.  He was also predeceased by his infant daughter in 1960.

Jim cherished his time as a grandfather above all else.  He was a very proud “gramps” to his grandchildren Karlee and Joel, and “pa” to his great-grandson Lincoln.  Jim was also predeceased by his infant great-grandson Daeton Mantle in 2006.  As soon as he became a grandfather, Jim slowed down in life and dedicated his time to teaching his grandchildren everything he knew.  Whether it was about horses, how to drive the tractors, which screwdriver or wrench to use, or just simply living life on the farm, he always made sure they knew.  He was always so excited to talk about them any chance he was given and made sure people knew how much he loved them.  The arrival of Lincoln in 2018 was a very high point for the family – especially for Jim.  Everyone around Jim knew about Lincoln and how much joy and happiness he brought him.  This is something that Karlee and Joel will be forever grateful for, and they will make sure Lincoln knows just how amazing his “pa” really was.

Jim was the eldest child and only son of the late William (“Bill”) and Mildred Tye (nee Hebblethwaite), who predeceased him in 1998 and 2010.  He was also a wonderful brother to and is survived by his loving sisters Nettie Apthorp (Dan) of Blenheim, Donna Holling (Bill) of Chatham and Joyce Clark (John) of McKay’s Corners.  He was predeceased by his infant sister Patricia Anne Tye at birth.  He will also be truly missed by many nieces and nephews and other extended family who loved him dearly.

Jim was a man of few words, but many talents.  Often thought of as the “horse whisperer”, Jim knew everything there was to know about horses.  Whether it was how to ride or train a horse or patch a horse’s foot – Jim knew it all.  This was a trade that was known by very few, so Jim made sure to share his talents with anyone who was willing to learn.  He spent all of his life working with horses and often was away from home for long periods of time to work and provide for his family.  He was very well-known for his work over the years, and that is something his family is very proud of him for.  Even well into his retirement, you would often find Jim at the weekly horse races with his wife, Mary Lou.  He especially loved to watch his best friend and “racing buddy” Donny Rankin Jr. race his horses and still liked to help in the barn or paddock any time he could.

The farm was home for Jim and Mary Lou.  They raised their entire family there and made many wonderful memories.  Up until 2021 when they made the decision to mover to Maple City Residence in Chatham, the farm was the only place that Jim called home.  The family would like to sincerely thank all of the staff at Maple City Residence for their continued and wonderful care and for making Jim feel at home over the past year.  Also, to Dr. Andrew Lanz-O’Brien and Dr. Martha Clendenning for their continued support and compassion, and to all staff on the Medicine A and Continuous Care units at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for keeping Jim comfortable in his final days.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Jim is now resting peacefully and eternally with his parents, Bill and Mildred and his daughter, Deb.  In honour of Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  Those wishing to remember Jim with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ronald McDonald House Charities – Southwestern Ontario,  the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation – all of which Jim loved to support on his own.

Albert Postma of Blenheim passed away peacefully on February 16, 2022 just one day before his 88^th birthday.

Dad was born in The Netherlands which is where he met our mother, Ruby.  They shared over 65 years together before Mom passed away in 2019.  Our family began with five children; Trudy Timmermans (John), Fred who passed away on February 1^st, his wife Wilma and his twin brother George (Hetty), Ron Postma (Linda) and Teresa Saunders (Scott).  Dad was the proud grandfather and great-grandfather of 63 children, all of whom he was able to leave with a smile when they visited him last weekend.  If there is any consolation in Dad’s passing, it is that he has gone home to be with Mom, the person he gave credit to for the best years of his life.

Dad grew up with six siblings and is survived by his sister Wilma Radersma (Doug) and his brother Sandy Postma (Mary).  He was predeceased by Jane & John Hoogsteen, Henry & Mary Postma, Renze & Marge Postma and George Postma (survived by Anne).  He was a man of strong faith and a long-time member of the Blenheim Christian Reformed Church.  He owned his own business Postma Concrete and as a result of his mentorship, his children all pursued successful careers as business owners themselves.

Visitation for Albert will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday February 20, 2022 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. and at the Blenheim Christian Reformed Church on Monday February 21^st from 10:00 – 11:00 just prior to the Funeral Service at 11:00.

Friends wishing to remember Albert with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham Christian School because that was something that was very important to him.

Elizabeth “Betty” Hebblethwaite passed away peacefully on February 10, 2022 at her daughter’s lakeside home. Born the daughter of the late Elizabeth and James Brabender, in 1929, she was the sole surviving member of her family of six sisters- Isabelle, Muriel, Molly, Peggy, Dorothy, Ruth and one brother- Jim. Betty was a supportive, loving partner to her farming husband, Garnet (2012) for 64 years in the New Scotland area. Decades ago bookkeeping, hoeing beans rows, “go-fer” of machinery parts, canning and pickling foods were a part of her daily life as a farmer’s wife. Their son, Tom (Susan), and grandson Matthew (Christianne), continue their legacy as good stewards of the land, as a cashcrop/vegetable farmer. Her three daughters, Linda Knox (Don 2016), Debbie Labute (Dale) and Susan Hebblethwaite, pursued careers and raised their families embraced by her many kind gestures and thoughtful advice.

Betty was a talented seamstress who created beautiful, cozy quilts, mended jeans and bib coveralls. As a tireless knitter, balls of yarn became slippers for many or afghans gifted to grandchildren as they ventured off to new schools or careers. Lively conversations paired with tasty appetizers and entrees, Christmas fruitcake and puddings were enjoyed around her dining table each December as her family travelled from near and far to spend Christmas at the farm. In later years, her granddaughters found Grandma Hebb’s fashion sense classic and admirable! Her shared sense of humour delighted grandchildren at holiday sleepovers, Rondeau beaches, sporting events and school performances. Her steadfast Christian faith sustained her through both difficult and joyous life experiences. As a CGIT leader, supporter of midweek youth church programs, group Bible study participant and a palliative care volunteer, she practiced the lessons of scripture.

Phone calls, cards and visits kept Betty involved with her 13 grandchildren: Greg (1992), Michael (Becky), Sarah (Billy Joe); Joel (Lauren), Jocelyn (David), Justine (Coulson); Jennifer (Scott), Karen (Jake), David; Tammy (John), Amanda, Lauren (Devon), and Matthew (Christianne). She welcomed their spouses and friends into her life. Seventeen great-grandchildren respected and loved Great Gramma Hebb: Liam, Arden, Ryan, Livia, Aubree, David; Alex, Hailey, Sophie, Madden, Harrison; Emmet, Audrey, Chase, Marshall; Reid and Sadie. In later years, Betty and Garnet enjoyed winter trips to the southern USA with friends and an overseas trip to Glasgow to meet Scottish relatives. The McDiarmid, Stirling and Bokor families were good friends of the Hebblethwaite family for decades.

We are thankful for the recent support from PSW’s and nurses for their professional care. Betty respected “Dr. Martha’s” expertise and appreciated her sincere empathy. With grateful hearts, we honour Debbie and Dale Labute for sharing their home with Mom and giving her a comfortable, safe refuge, while providing her daily caregiving for the past two years. Betty’s wishes for this stage of her life were uncomplicated. Cremation has taken place and a service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim on July 9, 2022 at 11am.  Friends wishing to honour and remember Betty are asked to consider The Gathering Place or Word of Life Church Soup Kitchen.  A memorial video of Betty’s life can be watched by clicking the following link: http://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/4ST5D44NSHN25QZC

John Martin of Blenheim passed away on Wednesday February 9, 2022 at the age of 85 years.  He leaves some of life’s best memories with best friend and wife of 30 years, Lexie who he simply adored.  He will be remembered by his daughters Cindy & Salem Fraclick and Kristine & Jeff Stackhouse and his grandchildren.

John was born in Simcoe, the eldest child of the late Helen & John Martin.  He is survived by his sisters Judy Manning, Sharon Winegarden and Joan Lacroix as well as many nieces and nephews.   He was predeceased in life by his brothers Fredrick Anthony, Larry Warren And Robert James Martin.

After John and Lexie moved to Blenheim, he became the caretaker at the Legion Villa apartments, a job that he enjoyed for 16 years.  Even after his retirement he enjoyed friendships that he made there.  In his retirement years, he enjoyed camping, the outdoors and being a handyman around home.  He enjoyed any chance he had to visit his niece Debbie & Jared Humber and would always take Debbie’s side if there was a dispute to be won.

John was very proud of his Native American heritage.  In keeping with that, in his honour the family would appreciate any memorial donations to be directed to the Six Nations Band Office that will be used to help build an Immersion School teaching culture and language.

The family would like to thank Joe Boothe and Dave Boothe for their unfailing help.  Many thanks also go out for the help and support from friends and family.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will take place when covid restrictions are lifted.

A resident of Blenheim, Stella Gorlick (nee Znak) peacefully passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice in Chatham, on February 5, 2022, at the age of 88. Born in East Selkirk, Manitoba, Stella was the daughter of the late Jesse and Nick Znak. Loving mother to Sheila Geitlinger, Kerry, Ron, and Duane Gorlick. Grandmother to Jennifer Geitlinger, Alex Geitlinger, Sara (Andrew) Wojciechowski, Emily Gorlick, Abbey Gorlick, and great grandmother to Nathan Geitlinger, Evalina Wojciechowski, and Anson Wojcieshowski. Sister to Jeanette Gowen, and predeceased by Anne Komadowski and Mary Marchinco. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Stella will be remembered for her loving, caring, and kind nature. She loved to bake, knit, crochet, sew, do needlepoint, and go to yard sales. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Donations made in memory of Stella to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Special thank you to Dr. Martha Clendenning and all the nurses and PSW’s who assisted mom over the years, as well as the staff and volunteers at the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com