Maurice L. Caron

December 14, 1924 – April 18, 2025

In the early morning of April 18, our Dad was called home by our Mom to celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary together.

Dad was born December 14, 1924 to Alfred & Lucy (Bechard) Caron in Pain Court ON.  He met our Mom working in the tobacco fields of Tillsonburg.  They were married on April 18, 1945 and together they raised 8 children.  He was a man who could fix most things and had the tools to do it all.  He retired from Navistar in 1980 – then known as International Harvester.  In his retirement he became a substitute bus driver, making numerous trips to the Toronto Airport, he drove a fertilizer truck, bartended at the Blenheim Hotel for many years, and did anything else to keep himself busy.  In his younger days, he coached baseball, hockey and was an avid golfer for many years.

He leaves behind his children Nancy & Ray Labadie, Brenda (late Dave) Klages, Randy & Barb Caron, Rick & Pat Caron, Brian & Loretta Caron and Sandy & Ron Russell.  He was predeceased by his daughter Dianne and her husband Bill Jenkins, and his son Dave (survived by Mary Ann).  He was the grandfather of 19 grandchildren (predeceased by 2 grandsons), 3 step-granddaughters, 25 great-grandchildren (one more on the way). 4 step-great grandchildren and  4 great-great grandchildren.

Dad is survived by his sister Margaret Haines (late Les) and sister-in-law Germaine Raaymakers as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by 16 siblings and their spouses.

Many thanks are extended to Dr. Martha Clendenning and the staff at the Blenheim Community Village for your kindness.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10 – 11 a.m.  Maurice was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving with the Canadian Regiment from 1940 – 1944.  As an ordinary member of the Blenheim Legion for 53 years, a Legion Service conducted by his friend and Legion Padre Bill Terris will take place just prior to the 7 p.m. visitation.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday April 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery where Dad will be laid to rest with the love of his life Irene.

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

DAVID Maurice CARON  1947-2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David Maurice Caron on the 16^th day of April, 2025 at CKHA at the age of 77.  Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.  He was born on September 28, 1947 to Maurice and the late Irene (nee Vandenberghe) Caron.

Survived by his wife Mary Ann (nee Shaw) Caron of 19 years, loving father to Denise (Matt) McKay and Kathy Caron (Derek Vouk).   Stepfather to April (Mike) Schenk and Jimmy Titus.  Grandfather to Colin, Raegan, Carson, Riley (Kristen), Reese, Griffin, Zachary and Ben.

Brother and brother-in-law to Nancy (Ray) Labadie, Brenda (the late Dave) Klages, Randy (Barb) Caron, Rick (Pat) Caron, Brian (Loretta) Caron, Sandy (Ron) Russell and predeceased by sister Dianne (Bill) Jenkins).  Also sadly missed by sisters-in-law Janet (Russ) Korpan and Karen Humphrey.  David will be missed by many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends that he has made over the years.

Long time employee and retiree of Navistar, Dave had many friends throughout the working years.  Dave and Mary Ann spent many summers together camping at Summer Place campground.  He spent his free time watching all sporting events.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life will be planned at a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the palliative care unit at CKHA.  Your patience and devotion to our family during this time will not be forgotten.

Donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/would be greatly appreciated.

It is with deep sadness that we announce Gertruda (Truus) Ermers, beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, passed away with her family by her side at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Tuesday April 15, 2025.  She was born May 11th 1935 in Tegelen, Limburg, The Netherlands 89 years ago to the late Catharina & Johannes Heuvelmans (late Susie VanVugt), immigrating to Canada as a young woman. Following the death of her husband, Karel VanUden in 1961, she met and married Cornelius Ermers. Over the course of their 58 years together, they raised four children; Kathleen Bridgen (Tim), Jennifer Ceccacci (John), Brian Ermers (Janet) and Kevin Ermers (Amy). Proud Oma of Ryan (Pam), Corey (Vicki), Celia (Andrew), Scott (Danika), Olivia, Julia, Noah and Ayden and proud Great-Oma of Lexi, Charlotte, Lily, Norah, Lucy, Maximus, Jasper and Jude.

Truus was the loved sister and sister-in-law of Ann Dorssers (late Andrew), Chris Heuvelmans (late Phyllis), Mary Vandenberg (late Harry), Cathy Denomy (late Jude), Leo & Carol Heuvelmans, late Angelina and Martin VanRaay, late Elizabeth and Eppie VanDerMolen, late Theo (Ann) Heuvelmans, late John (Lorraine) Heuvelmans, late Gerard Heuvelmans, Harry and Brenda VanVugt, Dan VanVugt, Nelly and John Templin and late Lorne Avery. She will also be missed by in-laws Yvonne and Nevio Novacco, Fred and Marg VanUden, late Case and Tiny VanUden, late Tony (Willy and Frank) VanUden, late Corry and Nico DeJong, late John (Truus) VanUden, late Theo and Mary Ermers, late John Ermers, late Piet Ermers, late Hank Ermers, late Sjaak Ermers, late Gerit Ermers, late Riek Ermers, Willy and Thea Ermers, and Sister Rosa of The Netherlands.  She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Mom was creative, she loved to sew, cook, crochet, bake and knit to name a few hobbies. She loved to travel and made many memories along the way. She remained active and loved to walk and bike regularly. A favourite place to visit was Rondeau Park. Family was everything to Mom and nothing made her happier than being together. We will miss her immensely.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday April 22 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with prayers at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday April 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The interment will take place in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Chatham.

Donations to Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ would be greatly appreciated by the family.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Keith Anderson died at home with his family on April 13, 2025.

Keith was born to the late Malcolm and Marjorie (Lovett) Anderson. He was the beloved husband to Rowena Day-Anderson, adoring father to Keith, Tyler (Julie) and Christian (Meg) Anderson. He was a proud and caring grand-father to Mikhaila, Kai, Molly and Sunny. Keith was a loving brother to Dave (Judy), John (Alanna), Gord (Rose), Janet and Dorothy and predeceased by siblings Sandra and Ron. And a joyful uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Keith worked as a chef and baker for many years and was renowned for his pastry across the county and province. For many years he worked supporting people with special needs and effortlessly cared for people in his community by delivering meals and helping in any way he could with his caring heart.

Flowers are welcome and donations to your favourite charity are appreciated.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with Service to follow at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 26, 2025 at the Blenheim Baptist Church, 24 Talbot St E, Blenheim, Ontario.

Surrounded by his family and knowing that he was loved, Paul Therrien passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025.   He is survived by his wife of 68 years, and our mother, Elaine (Hammer) Therrien.  He was the much loved father, pépé and grandpépé of Jim & Betty Lou Therrien with their children Alicia & Andrew (Spencer) and Tyler & Chrissie (Taner, Lance and Charlotte), Karen & Brian Whittal with their children Jason Whittal & Cheryl Glassford (Travis) and Michael & Brianne (Leah, Lauren, Heather and Benson), Lori & Willem Hummel with their daughter Amy & Brandon Vandehogen (Tessa and Stella), Mark Therrien & Mary Jane Tasker  and Kevin & Kim Therrien with their children Kayla & John and Andrew & Kaitlyn.

He was the last surviving child born to Calexte & Leah (Authier) Therrien, having been predeceased by Yvonne & Leo, Evelyn & Pat, Clara & Dona, Rosemary, Alcide, John & Margaret and Leo.  He is survived by two sisters-in-law Cyrilla and Toni Therrien.

Dad was a farmer…a man of the earth.  He appreciated things that many others take for granted like a walk in the country, a gust of wind blowing through a cornfield, the sun and gentle rains.  At night he would look to the sky, see the lights of heaven shining through the stars and thank God for all that he had been given.  He walked this land for 93 years and made every one of them count.

He was a long-time adherent of St. Patrick’s Church in Merlin, served on the cemetery board for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Knights of Columbus prayers will take place at 6:00 just before the evening visitation begins.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on Friday April 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.  The interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Paul with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Patrick’s Cemetery or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Penny-Lee Wilton (nee Hamilton).  Penny was born on July 17th, 1954 in Mission, B.C. She later moved with her family to the Barrie area and then on to Scarborough, where she crossed paths with her loving husband, Beverly, while working at a camera shop in 1980. The couple married in 1982 and then moved to Blenheim in 1986 where they settled their roots.

Penny was the proud mother of four children; Robin Jones, Meaggan Pettipiece (Brady), Elliot Wilton (Ashley), and Lauren Piett (Riley). She had 6 grandchildren; Lilly, Cooper, Natalie, Chase, CJ, and Chloe, with another expected to arrive this month. She leaves behind two siblings; Rick Hamilton and Cindy-Lou Siemens. She was predeceased by her sister, Toni-Lynn Thorpe, her brother, Corby Hamilton, and her parents, Audrey and John Hamilton. She also treasured many beloved extended family members including nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

Penny built a career in real estate where she enjoyed countless successes and took deep pride in providing caring, professional, and exemplary service to her clients. She was known to go the extra mile, and was unanimously respected and adored by her colleagues. She was a past president of The Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors and the recipient of numerous awards throughout her career including, but not limited to, the Royal LePage National Chairman’s Club, an honour reserved for the company’s top one percent in Canada.

Penny was one of the founders of The Blenheim Youth Centre and spent many years as its president. She took great pride in helping the community’s youth and giving back in such an impactful and meaningful way. Her dedication to this effort will forever have a positive affect on our town.

A woman of many talents and devotions, she enjoyed filling her free time with countless hobbies including sewing, making the best strawberry jam, playing both slo-pitch and volleyball, as well as volunteering for various local charitable endeavours.

More than anything else, Penny found immeasurable joy in her marriage, children, and
grandchildren. She spent many afternoons and evenings at the ballpark watching Bev
coaching and competing for his men’s fastpitch team known as Jukebox Unlimited. She was highly involved in her kid’s extracurricular activities, having acted as the seamstress for Robin’s childhood precision skating team, cheering on Meaggan as she won an NCAA national championship in softball and later attending the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney where Meaggan donned the maple leaf and competed for her country, supporting Elliot as he accomplished a lifelong dream of winning a dirt track race at South Buxton Raceway, and countless hours cheering on Lauren goaltending for Blenheim Minor Hockey teams and playing for high school volleyball teams. In her later years, she never missed a chance to support her grandchildren as they participated in sports and other activities as their biggest fan.

Her presence was comforting, her spirit inspiring, and her selflessness knew no bounds. She was truly “one of the good ones”. Her determined mindset and resilient heart carried her through her most challenging days with grace. We mourn her passing, but cherish her memory and take comfort in the positive impact she made on countless lives. May she rest in peace.

The Wilton family invites you to a visitation on Thursday, April 10th from 2-5pm and 6-9pm at The Blenheim Community Funeral Home. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. To honour Penny’s legacy, please consider a donation to The Blenheim Youth Centre. It will be sincerely appreciated and faithfully applied.

Anna Schives passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday March 27, 2025 at the age of 91.Born in Chatham and raised in the Wheatly area, she was the only child of the late Spencer and Elizabeth Coulter.

She married Donald “Dunc” Schives on January 30, 1954 and began a life together that would span more than 66 years. They raised 4 children; Diane Schives (late Brian Holdaway), Randy and Veronica Schives, Mark and Dawn Schives, and Barry Schives. They were the proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren; Carrie Girard-Gonzales (Kuro), Donny Girard (Cheryl), Maria Michaud (Dominic), Brandy Girard-Simpson (Jason), Melissa Provost (Keith), Amber Nead (Jeff), Amanda Dupuis(Keith), Skyler Schives (Megan Denys), Kyle Schives (Christine), and Cory Schives (Brenna Birkin). they were also very proud of their 17 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Anna will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Anna enjoyed sewing, making many things for herself and her family. She was also an avid bowler and played in a league for many years. In their retirement years Dunc and Anna enjoyed many trips across the country and drives in the country.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday April 1, 2025 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Eric Skillings will follow at 2;00 p.m.  Interment will take place in Stewart Cemetery.

Leah (Rivard) LaRochelle Fleming has gone to be with our Lord at the age of 102. Born on July 18, 1922, in Tilbury, Ontario, Leah was the daughter of Melina and Joseph Rivard; sister to Albina, Silvio, Edna, Rita, Alice and John; and sister-in-law to the late Inez, William, and Roy

(Grace) LaRochelle. Leah was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Blenheim for many years.

Loving wife of Kenneth LaRochelle (d. 1950) and beloved mother of David Foster (Peggy) and William Keith (Leslie) LaRochelle. Leah married John T. Fleming in 1963 and became the devoted second mother of Suzanne and Charlie. Leah and John shared many wonderful years together.

Leah was an engaged and caring grandmother who will be deeply missed by her grandchildren. She was also a loving and aunt, great-grandmother, and great-aunt.

Leah was a beautiful, strong, exuberant, intelligent, kind, generous, and faithful woman who was a friend to all who knew her. She was a working mother as a dental hygienist. Leah was also a talented artist who loved to travel and visit with family and friends. She loved to be active in her garden and exercise. She was ahead of her time studying yoga and tai chi. She remained kind and strong until her death.

What we have lost is Heaven’s gain. May Leah rest in peace in God’s glory.

A Funeral Mass celebrated by Father Romeo will take place in St Mary’s Church, Blenheim, on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m.

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

On Thursday March 20, 2025 Joanne (Vidler) Adams, our devoted mother, grandmother and sister passed away at the age of 72.

Joanne was born on August 1, 1952.  Her childhood was spent in Erieau with her sister Lauraine Fennell (late James) and her brothers Scott & Patti Vidler and Brian & Heidi Vidler.  She was predeceased by her parents Jeannette & George Vidler as well as her husbands Mike Adams and Gerry McKeon.

Despite a couple of short term moves over the years, Mom’s heart always belonged to Erieau, the Village she loved so much.  It was there that she raised her children; Stacey Adams (Elvin Baylis), Brad Adams and Josh & Kate Adams and where she welcomed Gerry’s children Rhonda & Clem Bourgeois and Peter McKeon.  Mom was a Grandma Extraordinaire to Beau, Bianca, Alexis, Jayden, Olivia and most recently Banks.  She also raised two dogs in her spare time; Diamond who predeceased her and Bee who was still at home with her.

Mom had a great sense of humour, mixed with a hint of sarcasm that made her fun to be with.  She felt that when someone asked her a stupid question, it was her legal obligation to give a sarcastic remark.  She said that it was a life accomplishment to finally see one of her kids get married.  She also loved going to work every day.  Her career started at the Erieau Packers many years ago before taking a job at Navistar.  At 72 years of age she was still going strong at KSR in Ridgetown…a job that allowed her to support Costco and the Shopping Channel.

Mom lived a great life.  Our family will always be indebted to Janet and Wendy who made her great life even better.

We invite family and friends to gather with us at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday March 26 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m.  For those wishing to remember Mom with a memorial donation, she would have been honoured if you chose the Pet & Wildlife Rescue or the Cancer Society.

Joan Drury, a lifelong resident of Harwich Township and Blenheim passed away in Chatham on Sunday March 16, 2025.  She will be remembered with fondness by her children Leslie (Douglas) Fischer, Tim Drury and Alice Drury.  She was “Grandma Jo” to her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husband Leonard Drury in 2004 and her son Thomas Edward Drury in 1969.

Joan was born 86 years ago to the late Harvey & Catherine (Hebblethwaite) Pickering.  She is survived by her siblings Pauline Devries and Brian & Linda Pickering.  She was predeceased by Harvey & Elda Pickering, Louise & Don Sutherland, Irene & Hank Shrigley, Percy Pickering (survived by Betty Ann), Gary & Lynda Pickering and her brothers-in-law Ben Devries, Glen & Evelyn Edmonds and Harland & Jean Drury.

She was “Aunt Jo” to many nieces and nephews.

For many years, Joan worked beside Leonard on the farm.  She also delivered mail to rural households for 28 years.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m.  On Friday March 21, 2025 friends may visit the Funeral Home from 1 – 2 p.m.  After that time of visiting, a graveside service officiated by Pastor Bill Terris will be held at Evergreen Cemetery where Joan will be laid to rest with Leonard.