Anne (Berendsen) de Brouwer passed away peacefully at age 89, on Wednesday January 21, 2026.  Anne was one of 8 children of the late Johannes and Johanna (Veldman) Berendsen.

For 61 years Anne was a loving wife to Pete de Brouwer, the fun-loving young man she first kissed on a snowy New Year’s Eve in 1953, just a few weeks before she and her family emigrated to Canada.

She was a nurturing, patient and generous mother who was ridiculously proud of her four children: Ben (Patricia), Marianne (Brant), Allen (2021) (Marja) (Tim) and Melissa (Stephen).

As Oma, Anne was supportive and happily cheered her grandchildren on in any and all pursuits. She will be forever remembered by her grandchildren Cayley, Athena (Curtis), Weston (2004), Charlotte (David), Raina (Jason), Evan, Sawyer (Natasha), Sam (Madison), Andrew (Erika), James (Sally) and great grandchildren Claire, Nathan, Kylie, Daele, Arbor, William, Nole and Lilla.

Anne will be dearly missed by her surviving sisters Wilma and Trudy, and her brother, John; as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.

Anne emigrated from the Netherlands to Canada with her parents, four sisters and three brothers, in February 1953.  She arrived as a 16-year-old teen, and was immediately placed as a live-in maid and nanny for a family in St. Thomas. Needless to say, it was a challenging transition for a girl who spoke no English, and was separated from her family. When I asked her how she managed those early days, weeks and months, she replied “I just learned the language one word at a time and bit by bit things improved.”

Such a positive outlook.  And basically, that is how Mom tackled things.  We never heard mom say something (anything) was too hard, or beyond her ability, or likely to fail.  If she wanted to do something, or learn something, or join something, she just did.  And she encouraged all of her children to approach life and our dreams with the same positive attitude.  She never discouraged us from trying something new.  We never heard her say “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

In 1995, Mom won two airline tickets to Holland.  She decided it was a great opportunity to participate in the ‘Vierdaagse’ (International Four Days Marches) in Nijmegen.  A serious personal challenge, the event consisted of walking 40 kilometres a day for 4 consecutive days – each day a different route extending from Nijmegen into the surrounding towns and countryside.  Mom completed the challenge and earned the coveted Four Days Marches Cross.

Mom was a woman who said “yes” easily.

To her husband, her kids, her family and friends.

Yes to parties and dances; yes to a 3 week trip across the U.S. with 11 other troublemakers in a refurbished school bus;  yes to a game of cards; yes to sewing a special prom dress; yes to a concert in the park; yes to after school rides from a steady stream of practices and games for years and years; yes to a brisk walk anywhere; and always, yes to a shopping excursion.

These are just a few of the lessons we learned from our mother, Anne.  Mom, we will carry your love and positivity forward with us and remember you always.

Visitation will be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 23 from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

A private family interment will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim on Saturday January 24.

Following interment, we will host Mom’s Celebration of Life and Luncheon at 12:00 noon at the Willow Ridge Golf and Country Club, 439 Chatham St. South Blenheim. Everyone is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice are appreciated.https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

Terry McEachran passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday January 16, 2026 at the age of 63 years.  He is the son of the late Evelyn & Lloyd McEachran and will be remembered by his siblings Carol, Glen, Glenda, Allen and Mike, his Community Living family and his former Southwestern Regional Centre family.  He was predeceased by his brothers Richard and Danny.  Terry will be laid to rest in Woodstock with his father.

Louise Mack of London passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026 at the age of 78. She will be greatly missed by her children Timothy (José) and James, and her beloved partner, John Robinson. She will be also be missed by her sister, Carroll, and nephew, Kenneth. She was predeceased by her husband, Ray (2019); her parents Edward & Leta (Burk) Hanson; and her infant son, John.

Louise was an avid gardener and loved plants and flowers, hummingbird and dragonflies. She worked as a florist at Colonial Nurseries in Chatham before becoming a teller at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, from which she later retired. Louise loved dachshunds and cared for six little doxies through the years, as well as one gigantic Great Dane. She enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs. Never one to forget a face, Louise would always find time to stop and chat with people. She was a former Optimist’s Women’s club member, an active member of the Cherryhill Seniors Activity Club, and a devoted congregant of Riverside United Church.

Visitation for Louise will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 20, from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00. Interment at Burk Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Linda Anne Tarcea passed away at home on Sunday January 4, 2026.  She was born 76 years ago to the late Carl & Lois (Watson) Burke.

One night back in 1970, Linda went to the Blenheim Hotel.  A bartender who had just returned from the Navy named Rick was working the bar and caught her eye.  The next year on October 30, 1971 Linda and Rick were married, beginning a life together that would span over 54 years.  She was the proud bonus Mom of John (Leona) McInnes and grandmother of Liam (Tegan) who live in Calgary.  She will be missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who she cared about deeply.

Linda was a cat enthusiast and a talented photographer, capturing life’s special moments through a lens.  She also worked for a time in the office of the Blenheim District High School.

Visitation for Linda will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 9^th from 11:00 – 1:00 followed by a service at 1:00 conducted by Pastor Bill Terris.  In keeping with her love of animals, donations to the Pet & Wildlife Rescue in Chatham would be appreciated by the family.

Buppie

John Uher passed away peacefully at Chatham Kent Health Alliance surrounded by family on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 85.

Beloved husband of 58 years to Linda (2020), Dad to Kathy, Janice & Scott Vandehogen, Susan & Peter VanMol. Buppie to Cora & Jordan, Jack, Clark and Cole Campbell, Rachael & Zach, Bo and Avery Shuian, Drew Vandehogen, Megan VanMol & Steven Trojanowski, Abby VanMol & Malcolm Mussa.

Son to the late Josef and Marie (Kocis) Uher. Predeceased by sister Mary Zlamal (Frank), and brother Joe Uher (Jean).

A lifelong resident of Blenheim, John grew up on the family farm and later enjoyed the open roads as a truck driver and small business operator. He loved to spend time with family and friends cheering on grandkids and most recently great grandkids at sporting and community events. An avid (and competitive!) card player, Buppie was always up for a round of five crowns at the cottage.

The original “MacGyver”, Dad could weld and fix anything and always had a roll of duct tape ready. Happy to share his wisdom and stories with the many great friends, and passengers in his life, he will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held upstairs at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 Blenheim, on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Donations in John’s memory to the Word of Life Food Bank, Blenheim would be greatly appreciated.

Susana Klassen passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 24th, 2025 at the age of 78, now reunited with her loving husband Jacob Klassen.

Mother to Mary Guenther (Parry), (late) John Klassen, Susana Klassen and Pedro Klassen (Sherry).

Grandmother to Jessica, Michael, Nicholas, Kellyann, Emily (Kamaljit), Kayla, Jenna, and Alexander.

Great grandmother to Jaxon and Judy.

Susana was a devoted grandmother who cherished her grandchildren and found great joy in family time. She especially loved Christmas and the traditions that brought everyone together, as well as animals.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Catherina Maria (Van Raay) Boogaart of Blenheim in her 92nd year, passed away on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025 peacefully at home with her family by her side.  Beloved wife to Jack Boogaart (2006) for over 50 years.

Catherine was born in the Netherlands on January 3, 1934, daughter of the late Jack and Cornelia Van Raay.  She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1949 arriving via Ellis Island, New York and settled in Chatham, Ontario.

Dear mother of John (Cindy) Boogaart, Rosemary (Larry) Van Gerven, Corinne (Steve) Varney, Therisa (Len) Morrice and Hilda (Brad) Stirling.

Loving Oma to Amanda (Bill) DeVries, Mark Boogaart, Nicole (Cameron) Pickering, Tara (Mark) Moir, Jolene (Jason) Garnett, Erin (Dan) Nixon, Paul Varney, David (Ashley) Boogaart, Cliff (Karmahn) Morrice, Mitch (Rose) Van Gerven, Ryan (Daniella) and Devin Stirling (Rachel).  Special great Oma to 23 great grandchildren.

Catherine is survived by her family Marie (Pierre 2009) Rammeloo, Bert (Ria) Van Raay, Jeanine (Tony 2020) Driessen, Jack (Margaret 2013), Corrie (Art 2021) LeClair and Joanne (Oscar 2018) Delrue.   Brother-in-law John Boogaart (Mary 2016) and Yvonne of Chatham and also missed by many relatives in the Netherlands.

Mom worked hard raising her 5 children working on the family farm in Mull picking tomatoes, cucumbers, hoeing and labouring in the pig barns.  She turned a 100+ year old home back in 1964 into a cozy decorated family, neighbour and friend filled home, opening her door to everyone. She had many talents but her sewing skills were precise, making many outfits for weddings, dresses for family and nieces, and the neighbours, which were so beautiful, and her own design never using a pattern.

Upon moving to her custom self-designed home, she found her new passion in gardening.  Along with Dad, they created their millennial garden.  Her perennial garden was so colourful and aromatic, and she loved sharing her plants with anyone who toured her paradise.

Special thanks to all who cared for Mother especially Ann, her PSW for many years, who shared and learned many of Mom’s secrets to gardening but above all became wonderful companions.  Also, MaryAnn who supported Mom and cared for her deeply in her final days.

Anyone wishing to make a donation, please consider St. Mary’s Church Building Fund or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley St., Blenheim, Tuesday Dec. 30 from 400 – 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday Dec. 31 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.  Parish prayers will take place on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Mass to be held at St. Mary’s Church, 95 Marlborough St., Blenheim at 11:00 a.m.

Internment at Evergreen Cemetery Blenheim, Ont.

Reception following to be at St. Mary’s Hall Blenheim.

Michael David Smith of Blenheim, Ontario, passed away at the age of 64.

He was the son of Bernard C. Smith (2006) and Ellen J. Smith of Port Alma, Ontario.  He is survived by his wife, Tracey and children Vanessa of Toronto, Haley of Edmonton and Brian of Kitchener as well as his grandchildren Alexis of Toronto and Calvin of Chatham.

Predeceased by his brother James (2002), he was the brother of Ivy (Leamington On), Charles (Leask Sk), and Patrick and his wife Betty (London On).  Uncle to Marcelina, Francois, Igor and Jordan.

Born in Belleville On, Michael attended school in Ruthven On and Kingsville On, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Windsor and a Master of Arts from Laurier University.

Michael was a skilled minor hockey player, and he shared his knowledge and talent with his 3 children.  He enjoyed working on cars, collecting antiques and going for walks with his dog Ripley.

A gathering of family and friends will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday December 29, 2025 from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Leamington.

Randy Robert Shepherd passed away peacefully in London on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the age of 64.

Randy will be deeply missed by his son, John Shepherd (Roshelle); his granddaughter, Callie Shepherd; his mother, Marion Shepherd (predeceased by Bob in 2021); his sisters, Patty Heyninck (Matt) and Penny Tucker; as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Anyone who knew Randy knew that he lived life to the fullest. He was a risk-taker with a sharp sense of humour and a gift for words. He loved nothing more than teasing and taunting those around him, often spending hours reminiscing and sharing life stories with anyone willing to listen.

Randy loved his family and friends unconditionally and would do absolutely anything to protect them. He had an enormous heart and never hesitated to help—whether that meant cooking a meal for someone who was struggling or giving his last dollar to someone in need.

Even in death, Randy continued to think of others. In his final act, he chose to become an organ donor, demonstrating remarkable strength, kindness, and compassion. Through this selfless decision, Randy gave the greatest Christmas gift imaginable—the chance for others to live, love, and continue their own journeys. His family is incredibly proud of him.

Randy’s family will remember him privately. Those wishing to honour his memory are invited to consider a donation to a soup kitchen or local homeless shelter.

Dale was a man whose happiness was contagious and whose presence could turn strangers into friends wherever he went.  He never saw junk – only potential treasures or something that could be turned into a few extra dollars.  Resourceful, creative, and endlessly optimistic, Dale had a way of seeing value where others might not.

He loved his family deeply, especially his children and grandchildren.  He was the son of Ruth & Cyril, deeply loved by Claudette, father of Beau, Tess and Taya (Curtis) and grandfather to Breanna Boundy, Haven and Beau Jr Veenstra, Owen Hewiston, Leon and Elise Conn and “Uncle Dale” to many.

Dale would do absolutely anything for anyone at the drop of a dime – or at the very least for some gas money.  His generosity knew no bounds, and his heart and house were always open.

Dale lived by his favourite phrase, “happy, happy, happy”, a saying he never let a day pass without sharing.  He brought laughter wherever he went, including through his legendary Donald Duck impression that delighted both kids and adults.

Always up for a road trip or the next adventure, Dale never let distance, discomfort, or the state of his body stop him from saying yes to life.  If there was somewhere to go or something to see, he was ready to take the drivers seat.

After a life lived with joy, humour and boundless love, Dale is finally at peace and no longer in pain.  He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.