Blanche Burke passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on November 22, 2024.  She was the loving wife of the late Frank Burke (2014) who she affectionately called “Pete”.  She is survived by her two sons who she adored Doug Burke and Peter Burke (Sherri Burke) and was predeceased by; her daughter and son-in-law Rosemary Morden (Ken).  She will be remembered fondly by 8 grandchildren and their families which includes 14 great-grandchildren.

Blanche was born in Harwich Township 95 years ago to the late Lottie & Sidney Ward.  She is survived by her sister Shirley Green and is predeceased by her siblings and their spouses Jean Tole (Byron), Leora Rodwell (Clarence), Earl Ward (Loretta), Raeburn Ward, John Ward (Doris), Sidney Ward (Jackie) and Jim Green.

In her early years, Blanche worked as a telephone operator at Bell Telephone.  Following that, she worked for many years at Greer’s Fabric Store in Blenheim and then finished off her working career at the Green Door Bakeshop.  She was a long time member of Trinity Anglican Church in Blenheim.

It was her wish that her family remember her at a private service conducted by the Reverend Cannon John Anderson.

Family and friends wishing to remember Blanche with a memorial donation are asked to consider Trinity Anglican Church or the Chatham-Kent Hospice at https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

Elizabeth Anne McKee (née Hawkins), born on August 20, 1937, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, joining her beloved husband, Donald McKee.  Together, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Anne is survived by her sister Lorna Gray (née Hawkins) and her devoted children, Tony (Jennifer), John (Kim), and Laura along with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was a source of strength and inspiration to her family, always encouraging them to pursue their dreams and embrace life with joy.

Known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering support, Anne had a wide range of hobbies that brought her immense joy.  She loved gardening, puzzling, crossword puzzles, and cooking, often sharing her creations with family and friends.

Following her wishes, Anne will be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society https://alzheimer.ca/chathamkent/en/take-action/donate .

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norma Jean Smith, age 75, on November 12, 2024. Norma is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Dick, her daughter, Julianne, and son-in-law, Todd, and grandchildren Morgan and Kate, all of Blenheim. She is also survived by her three siblings – Katharine Watt (Hugh) of Listowel, Bill Dryden (Dawn) of Nanaimo, BC and Betty Fitzsimmons (Dorne) of Tiverton, as well as her extended Smith family – Diana, Linda, Helen, Ab, Jan, Patricia, Jean and Carol, along with several nieces and nephews. Norma is predeceased by her parents, Norman and Elma Dryden, her in-laws Nathan and Neva Smith and by many other special angels.

Norma was born and raised on the family farm in Paisley, Ontario. She attended high school in Walkerton before moving away to get her degree at the University of Waterloo. It was during this time that Norma met Dick and consequently, the group of people who would become the greatest of lifelong friends.

Norma and Dick married in 1973 and settled in Blenheim. Norma began her career at the Southwest Regional Centre and soon after, found her professional calling through teaching in the DSW program at St Clair College in Chatham. She was an incredible asset to the program for a long period of time, and a strong advocate of people with disabilities.

Norma was also an active member of the community, volunteering for endless causes over the years. She sat on the steering committee when the Special Olympics came to town, worked in the CKHA gift shop, at the food bank and enthusiastically organized “Santa’s Secret Shop” as part of the Festival of Trees event, among other pursuits. Her most treasured role, however, was dedicated mother to Julianne. If you knew Norma, you knew her world centered on her daughter. She was always there to help, encourage, listen and show love to Julianne, while graciously extending that same caring manner to the many others who walked through her door.

In their retirement years, Norma and Dick traveled extensively. They were lucky to have seen so much together and lucky to have shared those experiences with friends old and new. Norma was especially fond of Longboat Key, FL where the winters weren’t so cold and the people were some of the best. While travel held a special place in both of their hearts, nothing compared to home. Erie Beach is an incredibly special community and Norma was so proud to be a part of it for 45 years.

Norma loved Christmas, baking elaborate birthday cakes and a good Pinot. In fact, she loved celebrating any and every special occasion and accomplishment with her family and friends. She thrived in the role of hostess, was a keen participant in the Four Thirsty Club and an original member of the Beavers. She was immensely creative and the most thoughtful of gift givers. Norma was a cheerleader for her kids and grandkids in everything they did (sometimes with pom poms..) and took her role as Grandmama very seriously. She could always be counted on to infuse fun and imagination into her adventures with Morgan and Kate, albeit with good manners of course. She loved her people fiercely and felt that love back from so many. Her presence will be deeply missed, but we know for certain her legacy and spirit will shine on in us.

Visitation will be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday, November 16th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club on Sunday, November 17th from 11am to 2pm with remarks at 11:30am and luncheon to follow. We encourage attendees to wear holiday attire, or accessorize with a little Christmas sparkle, in honour of Norma.

We would like to thank Dr. Clendenning, Mary Beth Cadotte, Dr. Bailey and the staff of the Chatham Kent Hospice for their exceptional care. We would also like to thank our family and dear friends for their endless support and kindness through Norma’s battle with Parkinson’s. If you choose to make a donation in Norma’s memory, please consider Chatham Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or Blenheim Medical Health Foundation https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ .

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Ann Beatty (nee Pullen) peacefully on November 9th at Chatham-Kent Hospice surrounded by her family after a brave battle with cancer.

Cherished wife of Ernest Beatty, born in England 75 years ago to the late George and Molly Pullen.

Dear mother of Catherine Wyatt (Marc Green), Scott Haddock (Kim MacDonald), and Robert (Jennifer) Beatty.

Loving grandmother to Brandon (Amanda), Samantha, Santana, Jason (Justine), Nicole, Ryan, Cassie (Mike), Jazmyn, John, Isabelle, and great grandmother to eight.

Survived by brother Frank (Heather) Pullen, sister to the late Patricia (Art) Wardle. Aunt Ann and will be dearly missed by several nieces and nephews.

A time for close family and friends to gather together will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral on Monday November 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Chatham-Kent Community Living and the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

The family shares sincere gratitude for the kind staff of the Chatham Kent Hospice who offered comfort and support to Ann in her final days.

It causes us great sadness to announce the passing of Joshua Edwin Klages on November 2, 2024.  Joshua was born in Chatham on October 15, 1986.  He will be greatly missed by his mother Brenda (Caron) Klages, his sister Stacey Klages, his stepsisters Becky and Deb and his grandfather Maurice Caron.  Josh was predeceased by his father Dave Klages on May 8, 2024, his best friend Lily Anne, his Aunt Deb Foster, grandparents Beth & Alvin Klages, grandmother Irene Caron and his Aunt Dianne Jenkins.  He is survived by many aunts, uncles, nephews, niece and cousins.

Josh had a heart of gold and would do anything to help his friends out.  He was generous to a fault and would give away his last two dollars; a good-hearted act that was often taken advantage of.  In his lifetime he struggled with addiction, but through it all he remained kind and humble.  We were never embarrassed by his struggle, and we were proud of his fight and determination to recover and make a better life for himself.  Unfortunately, relapse is recognized as part of recovery and on November 2, Josh died of an unintentional overdose.  Once again, the damn drugs won.

There will be no visitation or funeral for Josh because that’s not what he would have wanted.  Instead, we will remember him privately and celebrate the things that made him Josh.  If you would like to remember him, please consider donating to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Mental Health and Addictions program.

If you are struggling, reach out to someone and if you know someone who is struggling, walk beside them without judgement.  Do that for Josh.

Lily Anne

With deep sadness we share that Debby Shewburg passed away on October 30, 2024.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  Debby showed us how to be brave in the face of adversity and how to live life to the fullest.

Debby was born in Owen Sound on August 4, 1955 to the late Robert and Alma Mandeno and was raised in Cedar Springs.  She was the youngest of ten siblings; Violet and Tim Rutherford, Margaret and Murray White, Ken and Bonnie Mandeno, Brian and Val Mandeno, Maurice and Hedy Mandeno, Ron and Vickie Mandeno, Cathy Rivest, Carol and Dennis Munn, Joan and Roy Pickering and many nieces and nephews.

On May 10, 1975 Debby married her best friend John Shewburg, son of Jack and Mary Shewburg and brother to Diane and Ron Sloman.  Together, they began a journey that would span over 49 years.  They raised three children who they have always been very proud of; Michael Shewburg and Ryan Shantz, Jill and Tim DeMaeyer, Heather and Ryan Broadbent.  Debby’s grandchildren brought her great joy.  Debby was a proud Grandmother to Olivia and Ella DeMaeyer, Marshall Shewburg Shantz, Jackson, Hudson and Emary Broadbent.  She will be missed by her dog, Holly.

Debby loved to watch her grandchildren play sports.  She could often be found cheering loudly from the stands.  Debby never missed an opportunity to spend time with her family.  We are grateful for the lessons she has taught us; to always be kind, caring and generous.  She was an avid baseball player herself and co-founded girl’s fastball in Blenheim.  She was a member of the Blenheim Golden Acres Curling Club for many years.

She touched the hearts of everyone she encountered.  She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday November 2, 2024 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m.  Cremation will follow.  A  Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Bruce Cook will take place at the Funeral Home on Monday November 4 at 1:00 p.m.  There will also be a time of visitation on Monday between 12 – 1 p.m.  A private family interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery following the service.  Family and friends are invited to gather at Willow Ridge Golf Course after the service for a reception.

Debby has requested that everyone be dressed comfortably at the visitation and funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham Kent would be greatly appreciated.

Ron Robinson of Blenheim passed away at home on Tuesday October 29, 2024 at the age of 66 years.  He was a great man who would do anything for anybody.  He took any opportunity that he could to brighten up anybody’s day by joking around with them and make them laugh.  He will be missed by many friends and family members.

Ron was the best father to Janelle Pepper (Brett), Melissa Robinson (Tim), Matthew Robinson (Kelley) and Michael Shaw (Ashley).  He loved his grandchildren Jordyn, Simon, Tayler, Tatum, Logan, Kendall, Liam, Morgen, Brooklynn, Coraline and Kayla.   He will be remembered always by his sisters Lynn Coll and Diana Ytsma (Mike) as well as his nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Marilyn & Richard DeClerck, by sister Cheryl Haskell  and his brother Doug Robinson (survived by Evelyn).

Ron was an avid Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan and a lover of wrestling.  He could often be seen driving around town in his Mustang convertible with the top down, just enjoying the moment.  He worked for many years as a janitor for the school board.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Ron will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday November 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  Cremation will follow.

Those wishing to remember Ron with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Youth Centre.

Bonnie Dysarz of Blenheim passed away peacefully and knowing she was loved on Monday October 28, 2024.  Born 68 years ago to the late Lorna & Angus McIntyre, Bonnie is survived by her brothers Robin, Lorne, Donny, Archie and Morgan MacIntyre.

She and her husband Richard Romphf who predeceased her in 1999 were the proud parents of Aron (Paula) Romphf and Mathew (Angie) Romphf.  Bonnie was loved beyond measure by her grandchildren Courtney, Richard, Hannah, Dominic and Madison.  She will be missed greatly by her good friends Paul Bolohan and Sandy Purdy.

Bonnie was a kind and caring soul who saw the good in everybody.  She was a rock to her friends, always helping them along life’s path.  She loved gardening, crafts, horses and children.  She drove school bus in Blenheim for many years and made a difference in children’s lives.  She left this world a better place.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday November 3, 2024 from 10:30 – 12:30.  After that, everyone is invited to the home of Paul Bolohan, 19490 Kent Bridge Road, Blenheim for a reception.

Those wishing to remember Bonnie with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice, a charity that was near and dear to her.

Lorrie Lea Little (nee Lachine) of Ridgetown, passed away peacefully at CKHA on October 27, 2024 in her 67th year, shortly after celebrating her 47th wedding anniversary to Ronald on October 22nd.

Lorrie was born on August 27, 1958 to the late Leao and Earnestine Lachine in Chatham, Ontario. Predeceased by her brother James Lachine (and Linda), infant sister Cheryl, and brother-in-law Wilfred Harback. Survived by her husband Ronald, son Matthew (and Gaby), daughter Susan, sister Cathy Harback (Greg Bushey), grand-children (Victoria, Claire, Matthew, and Abbi) and many other extended family members (brothers and sisters-in-laws and cousins, predeceased by some).

She was a very active member in her church community, from her early days with the Charing Cross United Church, Glad Tidings Assembly and the last 2 decades with the Gathering Place in Ridgetown. She worked hard at every challenge given to her and provided Sunday school teachings, musical leadership, food preparation and office support whenever asked. She enjoyed laughing at Ron’s punny jokes and watching sentimental movies, even to tears. She could be found singing at long-term care homes, weddings and funerals, and Sunday morning church services. Many thanks to the health care teams at London University Hospital and at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Visitation will be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Sunday November 3, 2024 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A Memorial Service will be held at Charing Cross United Church at 10:30am Monday November 4, 2024 with internment at Pardoville Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the Charing Cross United Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Gathering Place Building Fund in Ridgetown would be aligned to her dream and vision within the community. Online condolences and memorial donations for the family may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com or on the Gathering Place website at  www.tgpcc.ca