It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, Dennis DeJager on March 1, 2025.

Dennis was born in Blenheim, Ontario on November 12, 1943 to George and Marie (Russchen) and is survived by his sister Shirley Mihalco.  He attended Royal Military College and spent his entire career with the Canadian Air Force.  He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.  In his retirement years, he volunteered for numerous causes and was a life-long member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 in Blenheim.

He married Cheryle (Srokosz) in 1968 and after her passing in 2000, he married Janice (Fader) in 2004.  Their blended families filled their home with love and laughter.

Dennis was a proud Dad to three children:  Chris (Penka), Jayna (Stephen) and Michelle (Mike) and three step-children:  Matt (Rachel), Josh (Alecia) and Vicki (Chris).  He was a proud Papa to 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Dennis will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday March 4, 2025 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and again at Glad Tidings Church on Wednesday March 5, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.  A Funeral Service will immediately follow the visitation at Glad Tidings Church.  Cremation will follow and the family will gather in the spring at Craford Cemetery to inter his urn.

If you are considering remembering Dennis with a donation, it would have made him happy to support the Blenheim Medical Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia “Pat” Mantle (nee Shantz) on February 27, 2025. Pat passed away peacefully and comfortably on her own terms with her family by her side, at the age of 84. Pat was born to the late Loretta and Wesley Shantz in Guernsey, Saskatchewan on March 17, 1940. Pat’s life was filled with love, laughter, faith, and caring for others. She always cared for and put others before herself, which allowed her to build a successful career as a nurse that spanned over 50 years. 

It was after graduating from nursing school that Pat met the love of her life and late husband, William “Bill” Mantle (2017), where they embarked on a journey together that lasted an incredible 54 years. Together, Pat and Bill raised four wonderful children, and she will be fondly remembered by Crystal (Tom) Tye of Blenheim, Laurie Mantle of Chatham, Bradley (Cristina) Mantle of Texas, and William “Bill” Mantle Jr. of Florida. 

Pat was also a loving grandmother and “gram” to Marissa, Brandon, Joel, Kyle, Jessica, and Garrett, and 17 great-grandchildren, who will miss her immensely. She was also predeceased by her great-grandchildren Daeton (2006) and Abigail (2021).

Pat came from an incredible family and was one of seven children. She was predeceased by her brothers Keith (late Martha) and Carl (Joan), and is survived by and will be forever missed by her siblings Ellen (late Lloyd), Wilma (late Robert), Gilbert (late Pat), and Gordon (Elaine).

Before retiring and moving back to Blenheim, Pat and Bill lived and travelled across many parts of Canada and the United States. Most recently, they lived in Indiana where they made the decision to settle down and move back to Canada to be closer to family. Family and travelling were two of Pat’s greatest passions in life. She would always be over at the house as soon as you called, and would jump at the chance to get in the driver’s seat and go on a day trip or board a cruise ship and travel to somewhere new – which her and Bill enjoyed doing quite often.

We find comfort in knowing that Pat has finally gone home to be with her husband, Bill. She missed him dearly after his passing and deserves to now rest eternally with him. Special thanks to the retirement and long-term care staff and VON staff at Blenheim Community Village, where Pat called home in her final years. We would also like to thank the incredible staff on the continuous care and palliative care floors at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, who cared for Pat so compassionately and kept her comfortable in her final days. We also greatly appreciate the care and compassion from Dr. Martha Clendenning, Nurse Practitioner Kaitlyn, Wanda Burse, and for Bill Terris and Pastor Kent who kept Pat’s faith strong and at peace as she transitioned into her next chapter of life.

As per Pat’s wishes, cremation will take place. Those wishing to remember Pat are asked to consider a memorial donation to the Blenheim Medical Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ or Chatham-Kent Health Alliance https://ckhaf.ca/donate/

Alfred Kenny, affectionately known as “Andy” passed away on February 25, 2025 at the young age of 34 years.  He was born in Chatham on August 28, 1990 and was welcomed into the hearts and home of his forever family when he was 11 years old.  He was loved unconditionally and supported through his medical challenges for the next 23 years by his Mom; Kim Ferguson, his Grandma; Sandra Ferguson (predeceased by Kinnon) and the rest of his large, loving and sometimes crazy family that included Anita (Adam), Jessica, Alex, Chris, Allen, Bryan, Tasha, Shae-Lynn and Brooklyn.  He will be missed by his nieces Faithlyn, Madeline and Lyric, his nephew Nyx and by his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Andy was a loving and affectionate young man who had many varied interests in life.  He loved Star Wars, building Lego, and watching movies.  His idea of a great night was getting himself some pop and bubble gum, and then settling in for a night of gaming.

Andy, you were braver than you believed, stronger than you knew and smarter than you thought.  You were loved beyond measure.  Goodbye old friend, and “may the force be with you”.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and brother Leroy Talcott on February 25, 2025.

Born 80 years ago to the late Muriel Jean & Joseph Raymond Talcott.

Leroy is the much-loved husband of 57 years to Susan Sandra (Hough), father of Tanya (Barry) Parker and Sally (Craig) Turgeon, the proud grandfather of Alexis, Logan, Neil, Wayne and Courtenay, great-grandfather of McKenna and Kylea.  He is survived by his sister Marie Beattie and brother-in-law William Hough.

Leroy retired 20 years ago from International Truck & Engine where he had worked for 30 years.  He enjoyed spending his free time at Word of Life Church, helping with the soup kitchen.

Leroy loved to travel with his wife Susan and all the family.  He especially loved his campfires.

Cremation will take place and there will be a private graveside service in the spring.

Family and friends wishing to remember Leroy with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider donating to the Word of Life Soup Kitchen.

With both a deep sadness and an eternal gratitude for the life that she shared, we announce the passing of Joanne Sullivan (nee Dries) on Monday, February 24th, 2025 at the age of 85.  

Born in 1939 in Ruscom, Ontario, Joanne was the daughter of the late Henry and Rose Dries.  In 1964, she married Ron Sullivan and, for more than six decades, theirs has been a story of deep love, respect, commitment, and partnership.  Joanne was loving mother to Gerry Sullivan (Martha), Karen Sullivan (Michelle Simpson), Mike Sullivan (Deb), and Ron Sullivan (Leanne).  She was an endlessly proud and always positive grandma to Shaun Sullivan, Maddy Sullivan, Kevin Gevaert, and Brian Gevaert and had a special place in her heart for Rachel, Lavonne, Jessie, and Phoebe Simpson.  

Joanne is survived by her sister Elaine (late Dan) Dillon, brother Ed (late Liz) Dries, brother-in-law David (late Helen Dries) Cree, sister-in-law Betty Lister (Henry), and brother-in-law Bob Sullivan (Beth).  She was also predeceased by her brothers Charlie (late Sandy), Joe (late Terry), and Ray (Lorraine Haskell).  Also mourning her loss are many nieces, nephews, and cousins far and wide as well as cherished “chosen family” Bonnie and David Nicholson, Sheila and Blair Clark, and Edward VanRossen.

In her professional life, Joanne was a proud and dedicated nurse, having graduated from the St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Chatham in 1959.  She cherished her friendships from those days, celebrating just last fall the 65th anniversary of their graduation with her classmates.  Whether working at the hospital, in various doctors’ offices in Blenheim, or simply fielding calls from family and friends, she was a trusted and caring advisor.  Her circle of friends was wide as it grew with each pursuit throughout her life, from curling, and the Kinette Club, to the many social events in which she and Ron participated and organized in Rice Creek, Florida where they wintered for 18 years.  

Joanne’s greatest joys came from time with family.  She loved large gatherings and was the master of putting a chicken and sliders feast on the table with remarkably little evidence of it in the kitchen.  Birthday outings with her girls were cherished events.  Planting and tending her garden with her grandchildren was a joy.  

Her grandchildren will tell you that Grandma was like summer; no matter the day she brought brightness and cheer.  She was our biggest cheerleader and our rock and will be greatly missed.

Special thanks to Dr. Martha Clendenning and the many caring staff from Ontario Health at Home, VON, Bayshore, and the Chatham Kent Hospice who made mom’s final days as comfortable as possible and so kindly guided us through the past few weeks.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are invited to gather  at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.  A  Funeral Mass will be  conducted by Father Paul at St. Mary’s church in Blenheim at 11am on Friday, February 28th with a reception to follow at St. Mary’s Hall.  

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or Blenheim Medical Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ would be greatly appreciated.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and son, Lee Stewart on February 16, 2025.  Born 67 years ago to Betty (Ashby) (Stewart) Lindsay and the late Donald Stewart, he was predeceased by his only brother Dale just three years ago.

Lee is the much loved husband of 44 years to Mary Anne (VanHaecke), father of Lee Anne Hould (Ben) and Shawn Stewart (Amanda), the proud grandfather of Andrew and Katelyn Hould, and Jack and Noella Stewart and brother-in-law to Barb Wells and Janice Cole (Earl).

Lee retired 8 years ago after a lifelong career as a sheet metal worker in the heating and cooling industry.  He enjoyed coffee at Tim’s, Friday night cards and supper with the neighbors and Sunday morning breakfast with his Mom and Barb.  He loved travelling the world with Mary Anne, helping his kids with anything from coaching their hockey and baseball teams to renovations to their homes.  He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Visitation for Lee will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday February 21, 2025 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. and will be followed immediately by a Funeral Service conducted by The Reverend Canon John Anderson.

As a father, it was always important to Lee to be present and to be supportive of Lee Anne and Shawn through whatever turns life took them.  To that end, there are two charitable organizations that became near and dear to his heart…the Walker Family Cancer Centre that continues to support Lee Anne https://niagarahealthfoundation.com/ways-to-donate/general/ and Autism Nova Scotia that continues to support Shawn’s family  https://www.autismnovascotia.ca/get-involved/#donate  If you are considering remembering Lee with a memorial donation, it would have made him happy to have these charities supported for his children.

A resident of Blenheim, Jim Powell passed away on February 14, 2025.

Jim was the son of Lorne & Helen Powell.  He will be sadly missed by many including his sister Arlene and his special nieces, nephews and their families.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no service at Jim’s request.

Family & Friends wishing to remember Jim with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider donating to their local food bank or shelter.

Kenneth Robert Bell (affectionately known as Potty, Pothead, Grampy and The Lucky Man) passed away in the early hours of February 17, 2025, at CKHA Chatham, with his daughters by his side, at the age of 80.

Ken was born to Annabelle Summerfield (of Cedar Springs) and John Bell (of Liverpool, England). He grew up on John Street in Blenheim, then lived in Chatham with his late wife Janet Burwell Bell.

He is survived by his daughters, Margaret Bell and Katie Bell (Steven). He was a proud grandfather to Jacob, Zoey, and Stephanie. Ken is also survived by his siblings, Nancy Bell Shannon and Mike Bell (Denise). He was predeceased by his brother, John “Butch” Bell (survived by Florence), and his sister, Ann Bell Motycka (survived by Jerry). Ken was a proud uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

Ken worked at Daymond’s for over 25 years, where he specialized in anodizing aluminum.

A true outdoorsman, Ken was extremely knowledgeable about fish, ducks, and local wildlife. When Ken wasn’t working, he would wake up early on every good fishing day to head to his favourite fishing spots on Lake Erie. Ken was known for his legendary luck at fishing and won many tournament prizes. He was a long-term, well-known fixture in Erieau, where he docked his boat, The Lucky Man. He also loved spending time in Rondeau Park with friends and family.

Ken also loved CB radios, the band Meat Loaf, and spending time with friends at The Montreal House and Mike’s Place. He always valued good relationships with neighbours and lived in the same home for over 50 years, until his last day, just as he wanted.

Honouring Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life in his honour may be planned for a later date in warmer weather.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited Canada in his memory https://www.ducks.ca/how-to-help/donation-options/ .

After a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Jean passed away peacefully at home at the age of 82.

Born in Picton, Jean was the daughter of the late Arthur and Viola (Thompson) Mann. She will be missed by her sister Janet Cole, her brother Doug Mann (Elaine), her sister-in-law Marilyn Mann and her brother-in-law Tom Churchill as well as her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Jerry Mann, brother-in-law Keith Cole, sister-in-law Joan Young, brother-in-law Charlie Young, and sister-in-law Sharon Croft Beemer.

Jean was married to the love of her life, Jim Churchill, from 1962 until his death in 1997. They were devoted parents to their three children, Angela (Gord), Anita (Dwayne), and Michael. Jean had five grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Taylor (Matthew), Morgan, Emma (Kevin), Noah (Paige), and Jonas (Alice). More than anyone, she loved her great-granddaughter, Zelda.

While raising her children and working, Jean also ran 4H clubs, taxied her family around and volunteered. After retirement, Jean became adventurous and showed us that it is never too late to try something new. She learned to fly a plane, she climbed the Niagara escarpment, and she sailed tall ships throughout the Great Lakes. If you could catch up to her on the 401, you’d find her travelling to visit family in the Belleville area. She took belly dancing lessons, learned tai chi, went on a police ride-along, cruised around Hawaii, joined a sorority, volunteered at Blenheim Heritage House and was an active member of bridge and shuffleboard leagues. But more than adventuring, Jean really loved spending time with her family and friends.

We would like to thank the many healthcare workers who helped Jean throughout the last few years, making it possible for her to stay at home. A very special thanks to her PSWs Tena, Becky, Nicole, and Andrea for their kindness to Jean. Thank you, also, to Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Morrison who helped guide us along the unknown path that was Parkinson’s Disease.

Jean was known for throwing fantastic dessert parties. Instead of a visitation or funeral, the family will be holding a dessert party featuring her favourite recipes at a later date. Cremation has taken place, and a private interment will be held in Foxboro.

In lieu of flowers, please considering donating to the Canadian Diabetes Association https://diabetes.ca/ or the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario https://psso.ca/how-to-help/donate/ ; two charities that were very near and dear to Jean’s heart.

Leo Beaune of Blenheim passed away on February 17, 2025 at the age of 92 years.  He leaves a lifetime of memories and smiles with his wife Mary Louise, his son Edward (Teresa) and granddaughters Kendra and Kyla.  He was one of eight children born to the late Maria & Edward Beaune and is survived by his youngest sister Alice Champagne (late George).  He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses Jeannette & Norbert Forton, Raymond & Dolores Beaune, Fr. George Beaune CSB, Claire Tetreault, Eva & Gerald Chevalier and Marie & Thomas Malone.

Leo was born in Windsor which is also where he met Mary Louise (Bornais).  In 1970 he took a teaching job at the Blenheim District High School.  In his retirement years, he taught Driver’s Ed in Chatham.  He was an avid golfer, enjoying many rounds at the Blenheim Golf Course.  He was also a great baker; a trait that he learned from his mother.  He and Mary Louise would have celebrated their 55^th wedding anniversary in May.

In keeping with his wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Friends wishing to remember Leo with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or the Blenheim Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/