Stephen Wayne Cutler of Chatham, passed away at home with his love, Marion (Voets) Smith, by his side on Monday, January 17, 2022.  Born 67 years ago, son of the late Margaret & Arthur “Bud” Cutler, and predeceased by mother Mary.  Steve is survived by his sister Joanne Lewinsky (Ed), and his brothers David Cutler (Debi), and Jeff Cutler (Fernanda Matos).  In 2004, when he and Marion became a couple, Steve’s family grew to include four children, Greg Calhoun (Stephanie), Nastasha Lovell (Dwayne), Sean Calhoun (Kylie), and Terra Hamilton (Kervin), and several grandchildren.  He will be missed by many nieces and nephews and by the entire Voets clan who claimed him as their own.

The old proverbial sayings “don’t let the grass grow under your feet” and “don’t delay in seizing an opportunity” sum up the way Steve lived his life.  He had a long list of accomplishments and successes of which he was very proud.  He was determined, strong-willed, complimentary with a hint of sarcasm, and a hard worker; all traits that he was admired for.  He was an operating engineer by trade and most recently worked as a pipeline inspector for Enbridge.  He held other positions in his life, including high profile security that he took great pride in.  Steve enjoyed competing in marksmanship events and training others.  He was a giving person, who in 1995 joined Community Partners in Progress, a group of local citizens who made mission trips to Rwanda during a time of crisis.  He had his pilot’s license and loved flying his own plane.  That is how he met the love of his life, Marion, who shared the same passion.  He loved her with all his heart and enjoyed spoiling her every chance he got.

In his recent years, Steve enjoyed travelling as often as he could with Marion to their condo in Florida.  He made many new friends there, and when travel became curtailed, he made Mamma Maria’s in Chatham his new Florida.

Cremation has taken place.  Friends wishing to visit with Steve’s family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 5 – 9 p.m.  Due to current COVID restrictions, friends wishing to attend the visitation are asked to contact the Funeral Home for a scheduled time.  Masks must be worn inside the building.  A private funeral service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will be held on Monday January 24, 2022.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions to a charity he supported, Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, would be appreciated by the family.

Jeannette Alida (Apfeld) Vidler passed away on Monday January 17, 2022.  Born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan on May 2, 1928 to the late Gerritt & Violet (Johnson) Apfeld, Jeannette was fortunate to have the late Paul Demeester as a father figure when her dad passed away early in life.

In 1945, after serving with the Royal Canadian Regiment, George Vidler returned from his service and two years later he and Jeanette married, becoming lifelong residents of Erieau where they raised their family.  George predeceased her on Christmas Day in 2009 leaving Jeannette to be surrounded by the children they were so proud of; Lauraine Fennell (predeceased by Jim Fennell), Joanne Adams (predeceased by Gerry McKeon), Brian & Heidi Vidler and Scott & Patti Vidler.  They were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Jeannette is survived by her sister Marie Karlsen (late Leonard), her sister-in-law Eva Apfeld (late Gerritt) and is predeceased by her son-in-law Mike Adams.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

So…what can we say about our Mom?  That question alone might bring a smile to some of your faces because everybody has a story and everybody’s story has a meaning.  Our story is that our Mom was caring and selfless.  Just like our Dad, she felt that it was her duty to serve whenever and wherever she was needed.  She worked hard, always.  She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother and great-grandmother, a Sunday School teacher and she led bible study groups for years.    She lived the life of a true Christian who constantly looked up to others and never down at anyone.  Although she did work for a time in the H.L. Turner parts department and filleted fish for Hartley at Erieau Packers, her real life’s work happened every day in her home community and in her church community at St. Paul’s Anglican Church.  She loved people, especially children and to her, a stranger was just a friend she hadn’t met yet.  She had the ability to carry on a conversation with anybody and she used that every day.  We will miss her greatly and we are thankful for the kindness and compassion that the staff at the Blenheim Community Village have shown to her for the last three years.  Sometimes God works in mysterious ways and her declining health may well have been the only way that she would sit back and allow us to take care of her for once.

Family and friends are invited to gather with us at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 21, 2022 from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. for visitation.  Due to the current COVID restrictions, friends wishing to attend the visitation are requested to call the Funeral Home for a scheduled visitation time.  Following a private funeral service on Saturday conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce, Mom will be laid to rest with Dad in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Mom with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Paul’s Church in Erieau or the Word of Life Soup Kitchen.

George Arthur Poag

1929-2022

It is with such sadness we announce the passing of George Poag who passed peacefully January 16, following a brief illness.

He is survived by his beloved wife Jeanette (Eskritt) and children Linda (Poag) & Malcolm Warwick, Brad & Rolanda Poag, and Kim (Poag) & Mitch Ayres.  Proud grandfather to Kyle, Shane, Christie, Nigel and Jordan, and several great grandchildren.

George is survived by his dear brothers Bob and Jim.  He was predeceased by his sister Marilyn and brother Jack.  He will be remembered fondly by several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of George’s life will be announced at a later date.

A resident of Toronto, Diane Marie Nussey peacefully passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on January 15, 2022, at the age of 75.
Born in Chatham, Diane was the daughter of the late Clarence Nussey and Reida (nee Eltervoog) (Murray) Lister.
Loving sister to Linda (Wayne) Tope of London, Lori (Derk) TeWinkel of Blenheim, Brian (Shelley) Reaume of Tilbury, Jamie Nussey and step-sister to Brad (Susan) Lister, and Brent (Sandy) Lister.
Special Aunt to Kyler, Erin, Paul, Jenny, Katie, Alex, Curtis, Jeff, Kayla, Christie, and a proud great aunt to many.
Diane will be remembered for her love of supporting conservation, wildlife, green energy, animal welfare and protecting the environment. She worked 40 years as an x-ray technician in Toronto before retiring and spending more time enjoying operas at the opera house, attending the royal winter fair, and the ‘one of a kind’ craft shows.
A private family burial will be held at Pardoville-Union Cemetery.
Donations made in memory of Diane to the World Wildlife Fund, Nature Conservancy of Canada, or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to everyone at the Village on the Ridge in Ridgetown for the attentive care and compassion that was given to Diane in her new home over the past few months.

It is with our greatest condolences to the Russelo Family that we announce the passing of Donald Russelo.  Donald was the son of the late Agnes & Donald Russelo and was the brother of Bob (Patty) Russelo and Sally (Jerry) Rychlo.

Our Dad was predeceased by his first son Donny and is survived by Cody and Cory Russelo.  He was a loving and supportive father to us and showed his undivided attention and support when we played sports or made any life decisions…he was always there for us with good advice.  He spent many years on the road as a truck driver traveling the country.  Although he retired, the driving never stopped because he and his brother Bob would drive around for hours with no real destination.

Dad touched the hearts of many in his lifetime and he made countless memories with people along his journey.  He was full of humour and he shared many stories and jokes with an enthusiasm that only he could provide.  He was a true inspiration and he will be missed by many.

Cremation has taken place.  Friends wishing to make memorial donations in remembrance of Don are asked to donate to the Blenheim Youth Centre.

Robert Wayne Dawdy of Blenheim passed away on January 11, 2022 at the age of 77 years.  He will be missed by his wife of 50 years Carole, their children Rob and Aaron Dawdy, his grandchildren Carah and Caleb and several nieces and nephews.  He was one of seven children born to Alice and Christopher Dawdy and is survived by his siblings Linda Jones, Jane McGill, Carmen Dawdy, Bruce Dawdy, Doug (Elaine) Dawdy and Gary Dawdy.

Bob was well known, having owned Dawdy Tires in Charing Cross for many years.  He appreciated the outdoors and hunting in the northern parts of Ontario.  Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered at his favourite hunting grounds at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Bob with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Parkinsons Society.

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of Joan Elizabeth Lawrence (nee Gall) on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Beloved wife of Charles Lawrence for 66 years.

Joan was born in Welland, Ontario August 3, 1936, daughter of the late Donald and Helen Gall (nee Smith).

Loving mother of Christine (Rick) Muckle, Donald (Mary), Kathryn (Paul) Breault, Andrew (Tracey) and Anne (Alan) English.

Proud Grandma of Gordon (Molly), Jonathan (Lisa), Ashley (Steve) Wragg, Jordan, Brian (Danna) Muckle, Derek (Sarah) English, Danielle (Mitch) Breault, Jamie (John) McKillop and Megan (Alec) English. Eight dearly loved great grandchildren and one on the way.

Loving sister to Alexandra Gall and sister-in-law to James (Glenis) Lawrence and the late Bill Lawrence.  Loving Aunt to several nieces and nephews.

Joan was a dedicated mother to 5 children who graduated post-secondary education and went on to successful careers.  Her love was extended to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joan was a member of the Randolph Churchill IODE, serving as Regent, and also the Helping Hands Auxiliary, Trinity Anglican Church as a Sunday School Teacher, Choir member, Altar Guild and a member of the Blenheim Figure Skating Club Executive serving as President.

Special thank you to Dr. Clendenning, Lisa, Lynn, Julie, Katy and her other wonderful health care providers.

A private family funeral service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in the Lawrence plot at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions to Trinity Anglican Church Blenheim, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation or charity of your choice are appreciated by the family.

Joan’s memorial video can be viewed from the following link:http://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/7SD7HPSPKM7YHDYY

Ray S. Goodwin, 97, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022 in Chatham. He leaves his wife of 70 years, Marie (Cleveland) Goodwin. He was WWII navy veteran.

Born Aug 20, 1924, Ray was the son of Alma (Buckler) and Sidney Goodwin and pre-deceased by siblings Audrey, Lorne, Wayne and Margery and is survived by Doris and Donna Goodwin. Ray is also survived by very special nieces and nephews.

Following his retirement from Siemens, Ray enjoyed working in his garden and being at home.

Donations to a charity of your choice is appreciated. No flowers please. A service is not planned at this time.

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Jackie Ward of Blenheim, dear wife of the late Sidney Ward (2012) passed away after a brief illness at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 88.  She will be missed by her children Donna Vandenbrink (late Garry) of Edmonton, Linda & Wendell Holmes of Blenheim, Alan & Susan Ward of Edmonton and Brian Ward of McKays Corners.  She will also be missed by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Mark (Justin and Dillon), Kevin & Jennifer (Alex, Kerrie and her first great-great-grandchild Joshua), Ryan, Sean & Kim (Carter and Sawyer), Michael and Bradley all of Edmonton, Amanda & Marc LeBlanc of Mississauga (Tyler and Toby), Maureen & Rob Kent (Connor, Alizabeth, Ethan and Drew) of Blenheim and Wayne & Antonia Holmes (Levi) of Petawawa.

Jackie was the last surviving of six children born to the late Madge & Jack Chesney.  She was predeceased by Lily Cooper (survived by Ron), Bessie Lindsay (survived by Wilfred), Bill Chesney (survived by Lillian), Donald Chesney and Wayne Chesney.  She will be missed by many nieces, nephews and close friends.

She relished the simple things in life.  She enjoyed walking her dog and would make time to speak with everyone she met.  She faithfully knitted hats for the babies at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  She was proud of her children and got tremendous joy from watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.  Family meant everything to her and she meant everything to her family.  Jackie’s life will be honoured this summer when her family gathers once more to celebrate her birthday with a pig roast at Brian’s house.

Jackie was a member of the Blenheim Baptist Church and it was her wish that if someone wanted to remember her with a charitable donation, that you would consider directing it there.

A beloved best half, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Jody Lynn Fiala left this world unexpectedly on December 24, 2021, at the young age of 56. Born in Chatham, Ontario on March 23, 1965 to Frank & Jeannette (Benoit) Fiala,  Jody grew up in Blenheim where she attended Harwich Raleigh Public School, then Blenheim District High School before attending St Clair College.

She leaves behind “Big Daddy” Dan “Muffinhead” Mifflin, her best friend, partner in crime and fishing buddy of almost 40 years.  She’s gone to heaven to join her father, whom she immensely missed, Frank Fiala (2016). She leaves behind her mother, Jeannette Marie (Benoit) Fiala, sister Mary Lynn McKillop (Tom), brother Frankie Fiala (Pam), brother Joey Fiala (Linda), brother Terry Fiala (Janice) & sister Jackie Lynn Lalonde (Denis).  Cherished Godmother of Jolene (Jason) & Kirk (Carly), aunt to Alena, Jared, Kayla, Jenna, Brodie & Madison.  Stepmother to Marcie King (Matt) and their children Abi and Austin.  Brother-in-law Ed Mifflin (Christine) and sister-in-laws Marsha Caron (Jimmy) and Nancy Mifflin..  She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She cherished her fur babies: Toey, Squeak and most recently Tickle.

Jody truly had the biggest heart in the world! She will be remembered for her caring and charitable acts of kindness towards others……always putting others needs before her own. Family meant everything to her.  She especially enjoyed spoiling privileges as an aunt and taking her nieces & nephews to school before heading off to work. Everyone was always treated as her own and no one was ever left out. You could always count on Aunt Jody, Aunt Jodi, Aunt Joad or Aunt Jode to brighten our day, no matter which way she was spelling her name that day.  Jody was proud to serve customers as a Pharmacy Assistant for 26 years at McIntyre IDA.

Jody was unique and a free spirit. She was tough inside and out and never worried about what others thought.  She stuck to her own fashion sense and opinions. There was no mincing of words ……Jody told it like it was. She will be remembered for her favorite saying “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” and we all knew that meant, the sky was the limit……… Jody loved to have fun and most of all she was fun to be around!

Jody was a hard worker. She enjoyed working in her garden and was generous to share the fruits of her labour. She spent countless hours on Lake Erie fishing with her life partner and providing fish dinners for others. Jody’s ability to connect and touch the lives of so many others means that she will be deeply missed by all her friends and family. She has left a giant hole the size of her heart in all our lives.

Services:

Cremation has taken place.  There will be no funeral or visitation. In keeping with Jody’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held for the immediate family.

Please do not send flowers. Donations can be made to P.A.W.R. (Pet and Wildlife Rescue), the Word of Life Soup Kitchen, the Blenheim Youth Centre, or organization of your choice.