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.

It is with such sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, friend and rock Jan “John” Vleeming, affectionately known to the world as ‘CHUCKLES” on Sunday March 16, 2025 at the age of 73 years.

John was born in Holland and moved to Canada at a young age.  He married his favourite person Elaine (VanSlembrouck) on November 13, 1982 and started a lifetime of memories that would span over 42 years.  He was the proud dad of Christopher Jan who was born still, Bridget (Alex Watorek), Jeremy (Kimberley Gammage) and Scotland Smale (Joel).  He was equally as proud to welcome his grandchildren Connor, Alaina, Fiona, Isla Jake and Blair.

John was one of ten children born to the late Anna & Jan Vleeming.  He is survived by his siblings Ann Poortinga (late Jan), Tom Vleeming, Henry Vleeming (Mary), Margaret Powers and Grace Price (John) and predeceased by Bill, Herb, Eddie and William.

He was man of great strength who faced any challenge in life with his head held high.  He instilled in his children the value of an honest days work as well as the importance of being present for family.  He enjoyed camping, family dinners, truck driving to several places, watching family members and local teams playing hockey, and fishing.  He will be missed by his family of fellow campers at Rondeau Shores as well as his sisters in law Linda DeGelas (John Arnold) and Karen & Garnet Stirling.  He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Janice Gardiner (survived by Doug) and Elaine’s parents Gerorgette & Bob VanSlembrouck.

Visitation for John will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.  A private graveside service will take place on Thursday.

Friends wishing to remember John with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation

Kathy Gloster (Kathryn Ann Niklas)

March 16, 1947 – March 15, 2025

Kathy, wife of Mike, for 57 years, mother of Jordynn (James Allen) and Craig; Nana of Gavin, Nathan and Simon. Daughter of the late Jack and Helen Niklas (Dunn) and survived by sisters, Pam (Bob Baksi), Nancy (Kevin Shea), brother, Jack (Irma), and many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews from the Niklas and the Gloster families

Kathy lived in Erie Beach since retiring in January, 2000, from the WECDSB where she taught and coached for over 32 years, at both the elementary and secondary level. She finished her career as a curriculum consultant, and human resource teacher dealing with human rights and social justice issues, which have always been important to her. She served on many educational and community committees dealing with gender and racial equality, bullying, homophobia, multiculturalism, and poverty issues. She was also an elected member of Windsor O.E.C.T.A. Secondary Unit, in various capacities, for over fifteen years.

She was an active volunteer and coach during her teaching career in Windsor and in retirement in Chatham Kent. She was one of the founders of the Windsor’s women’s volleyball league and W.E.C.V.A. She sang in church and school choirs since grade school, and continued to do so into retirement with church choirs and as choir director at St, Anne’s, Erieau, and music librarian for the Chatham-Kent Chorale.

She was involved in the Windsor Hospice from its inception and then the Chatham Kent Hospice in her retirement. She was also a long time volunteer at the St. Anne’s School, Breakfast Program in Blenheim, the Outreach for Hunger food  bank  in Chatham, the ON Health Coalition, Council of Canadians, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in both Windsor and Blenheim.

We are very grateful for the wonderful care given by Amanda Wilcox, Kathy’s palliative care nurse. She is a blessing.

There will be a visitation at Families First Funeral Home located at 3260 Dougall Ave. in Windsor, on Friday, March 21. The visitations will be held from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. The funeral will be held at Most Precious Blood Church (1947 Meldrum Rd.) on Saturday, March 22, at 10:30 am, with an hour of visitation prior to the funeral ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity- Canada, Chatham Kent Hospice, or Chatham Women’s Shelter.

Garry David Saunders passed peacefully on Thursday March 13, 2025 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  He was predeceased by his parents Stan & Leta, brother Dan, sister Linda and sister-in-law Geraldine.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Linda who he married in 1965.  Cherished father to Sherry of Keswick and David (Becky) of Kingsville.  Best Grandpa to his two granddaughters who he thought the world of: Hannah and Mariah (Craig) and new Great-Grandfather to Stevie.

Brother to Rick (Anne), Don (Liz), Paul (late Geri) and sister-in-law Connie.

At Garry’s request, cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered at a later date.  Donations to the new Blenheim Medical Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ would be appreciated.

Ted passed away peacefully in the home he built 47 years ago overlooking the lake in Pardoville, Ontario a few weeks before his 94^th birthday.    Predeceased by his wife of over 67 years, Dorothy.   Dear father of Lynn (Michael) Mark (Linda), and Todd (Jackie). Sadly missed by grandchildren, Lisa, Ryan, Aiden, Alex and Rhys and great grandchildren, Tyson, Jayden and Grayson as well as many nieces and nephews.   Predeceased by parents Edward and Irene Banks and brother Lawrence Banks. Survived by his dear sisters Betty and Carol.
Ted was very much a people person, seldom missing an opportunity to stop and chat or lend a hand when out and about.  He possessed a strong sense of gratitude for the simple things in life.  Ted was well established in the community, he and his brother Lawrence owned and operated a car business for over 50 years in Charing Cross, the last 32 operating a Mazda dealership.

Ted was born in Brantford and grew up in Windsor and as a kid, the Detroit River was a favorite swimming adventure.  In retirement, Ted enjoyed putzing around his property, gardening, an avid reader of his beloved history books and national Geographic, he enjoyed long daily walks communing with nature regardless of the season and annual trips to Florida.  He often reminisced about his early years where he obtained his pilot’s license and speculated if he should take it up again.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all of Ted’s caregivers over the later years, in particular his devoted stalwart core group. You know who you are! Their kindness and devotion were greatly appreciated by the family and allowed Dad to remain in his home until the end. Thank you to the palliative care coordinators who tirelessly advocated on Ted’s behalf, as well as the Alzheimer Society for their efforts in Ted’s care.

Cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

In Loving Memory of Randy “Casey” Toll

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Casey Toll, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Casey passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025,  at the age of 75, at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on February 28, 1950, to late Leonard and Jessie Toll, Casey was one of six siblings: Ron (Dorian) Toll, Elinore (Larry) Eckensviller, the late Den Toll, Fanny (late Tom) Beckstead, and Deb (Gary) Chapleau.

For 53 years, Casey was the devoted and loving husband of Nancy (Devlaminck) Toll. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. He was a proud and dedicated father to Amy (Jim) Dale, Tracey Postma (Chris), and Kacy (Ryan) Warwick. His greatest joy was being “Grandpa” to Tyler, Drew, Olivia, Natalie, Mackenzie, Morgan, Brooke, and Emilee, as well as a great-grandfather to seven wonderful great-grandchildren. Casey’s family meant everything to him, and he will always be remembered for his kindness, humor, and signature sarcasm.

Casey will be deeply missed by his extended family, in-laws, nieces, nephews, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

For over 40 years, Casey took great pride in his work as a coach bus driver, a job he truly loved. His passengers adored him, and he made countless connections along the way. When he wasn’t behind the wheel, he could often be found at the races, fishing on his boat, or volunteering with Habitat for Humanity—a cause close to his heart.

Waiting for him at Heaven’s gate, ready to stir up some mischief, is his brother Den Toll, along with his sister-in-law Marg Newham, who no doubt has a plate full of baked goods in hand.

Also waiting in heaven will be his father and mother in law Jerome and Elsie Devlaminck.

Casey wanted his body donated to science. He thought it was only fair that future generations get a chance to learn from his perfection

As per Casey’s wishes, there will be no formal service. But we ask you say this prayer in his memory

~ We thank you for the rest in Christ he now enjoys, we thank you for giving him to us, we thank you for the glory we shall share together. Hear our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord ~

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance ICU Department or Habitat for Humanity.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team at CKHA. In just 24 hours, Casey made quite the impression, and his loss was deeply felt. The care and compassion shown to both him and our family will never be forgotten—you are truly special people.

Frances Lucille Longe, affectionately known as “Frankie” passed away at the age of 87 with her family by her side at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on March 3, 2025.  She was predeceased by her husband Joe on October 13, 2024.

Frankie was the proud mother of Frank, Fred & Wendy and the late Bill & Sandra Longe.  She was loved by her grandchildren Nadine & Ryan, Sara, Margaret, Curtis, Rachael and Chelsea, her great-grandchildren Jaden, Jude, Kaydence, Olivia Frankie and Jessie and her great-great grandchildren Noah and Luke.

She was one of six children born to the late George & Violet (Rumble) Bell and is survived by Dr. Ken & Mary Lou Bell, Ron & Gail Bell and Jayne & Jim Smith.  She was predeceased by her sisters Audrey (Ken) Garvey and Anna (Beverly) Summers.

Frankie retired after many years as a Developmental Service Worker at Southwestern Regional Centre where she made many friends.  She made the best of life even when it presented her with significant lifetime challenges and she never complained.  She was happy when she and Joe moved into their home in the Lanz subdivision because she was able to walk to Giant Tiger as often as she wanted to stock up her “candy pantry”.

A gathering for Frankie will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday March 16, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.   At her request, those choosing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the War Amps.

Amber was born June 3, 1980 and passed away March 1, 2025.  She is the oldest daughter of Brenda and David Knight.  Beloved sister of Arin Genttner (Ryan Vincent) and Breann Knight (Kris Vannoord).  Proud Aunt of Logan, Harper and Kolton.  Granddaughter of the late Bill and Norma Knight and the late John and Betty Phair.  She will be missed terribly by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  She kept a tight circle of her closest friends who will miss her incredibly.  Most of her days were spent with Wendy, Amanda, Amelia and Courtney.

Amber had a laugh that could ignite the room and she loved nothing more than to make others laugh.  She could add a dramatic flair to any story and make it better.  She was a hairdresser by trade; always willing to be honest about what your hairstyle should and shouldn’t look like.  Her honest nature made her so lovable to many.

Amber faced many health challenges in her life and rarely complained and faced them head on.  The family would like to thank Dr. Dale Pepper who helped in so many ways.  His ability to connect with Amber was vital to her quality of life when dealing with her health issues.  He listened and advised her, and Amber considered him a friend. Making him laugh was the highlight of her visits.

The family will be holding an informal gathering on Saturday March 15^th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim.  Memories will be shared at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundaton https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or a charity of your choice.