Charlene Joy Ireland passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Tuesday September 6, 2022.  She was loved in life by her husband and best friend John Ireland, her children Mark, Tiffany, Cassadi, Shea Lyn, Shannon, Shay, Shane and their families that includes 22 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren (plus one on the way).  She will also be missed by her fur baby Bingo.

Charlene was born 62 years ago to the late George & Mary Lou (Dawson) Thompson.  She was one of five siblings and will be remembered with great fondness by Lee & Earl Davidson, Ed & Sheri Thompson and Michael & Sharla Thompson.  She was predeceased by her sister Linda Breese (survived by Ken).

Charlene’s favourite time of the year was Halloween.  She put together many costumes over the years for both John and herself and hosted or attended as many Halloween parties as she could.  She surrounded herself with many long-time friends who will miss her spontaneity, her way of lighting up a party and just the way that she was her crazy loveable self.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday September 8, 2022 for visitation between 11:00 and 1:00.  A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings will take place at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery where Charlene will be laid to rest with her Mom.

Those wishing to remember Charlene with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice  https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or C.V.I.D. (Common Variable Immunodeficiency) https://primaryimmune.org/idf-online-donation .

A memorial video of Charlene’s life may be viewed by clicking the following link:

https://youtu.be/p8iUbfRbkjs

Tom Pepper of Blenheim passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Wednesday August 24, 2022. He was the son of Marion (late Leonard) Pepper and is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Robin McCulloch. He was a father to Warren Pepper, Wade Pepper, and Hannah McCulloch. Dear brother to Cheryl (Scott) Kelly, Pat (Doug) Jackson, Cristy (Jeff) Wilson, and Mike (Karen) Pepper. Son in law to Clare and Roberta Curtis. Tom’s number one priority in life was the love for his family. Tom also enjoyed his old car and attending car shows. He will be remembered for his long career working at International in Chatham and for Syke’s Trucking. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held on Saturday August 27, 2022 at 11:00am at the Pardoville-Union Cemetery (Corner of Talbot Trail and Bloomfield Rd.) with Rev. Eric Skillings officiating. Donations made to the St. Luke’s United Church would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Joan Jeannette VanNeck (St. Peter), born August 4, 1939 passed away peacefully at Riverview Gardens on August 15.  She was predeceased by her parents Anna (Boudreau – 2003) and August St. Peter (2000), husband James VanNeck (2016), brothers Lyle (2016) and Vernon (Bud) St. Peter (2019), brother in law Gary VanNeck (2016) and sister in law Barbara O’Brien (2018).

She is survived by her brother Marc St. Peter (Connie), sisters June MacAlpine (twin), Mary Anne Chevalier, brother in law Duncan O’Brien, sister in laws Agnes St. Peter, Theresa St. Peter and Charlotte VanNeck and her sons Chris (Jennifer) and Darren (Cathy) and her 6 grandchildren Ryleigh, Hayden, Quin, Kees, Noah and Blake.

Joan was very involved in the community over the years with the Catholic Women League, Canadian Cancer Society (Regional Rep), Chatham Women’s Shelter, Golden Acres Curling Club (past President) as well as an Elections Canada official.  However, most of the community will recognize her from her many years at Knechtels and Sobey’s, where she was always quick to make a joke or tease a child.

The family would like to thank the staff at Grand Retirement Village and Riverview Gardens for the care provided to her over her final years.

As per her wishes, there will be a private family service in Blenheim on August 20.  We ask that if you wish to make a donation in her honour, that you support her favourite charity, the Canadian Cancer Society. https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation

Sherry Lee Lloyd peacefully passed away at Copper Terrace Nursing Home on Tuesday August 16, 2022 at the age of 71. Sherry was the daughter of the late Douglas and Fern Haskell (nee Tasker). Beloved wife to her best friend Joseph Lloyd of Merlin. Loving mother to Anita Lloyd (late Allen Mitchell) and their daughter Courtney (Jamil) Ibari and Brent Lloyd and his five children. Great grandmother to Alliya and Sammy Joseph Ibari. Sister to Marilyn (late Roy) Whittal, Jack (Barb) Haskell, and sister in law Linda Haskell. Predeceased by brothers Bill (Shirley) Haskell, Jimmy Haskell, and Harlow Haskell. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. Sherry will be remembered for her years of service working as a dietary aid at the Southwestern Regional Centre, playing bingo, making ceramics, and having knitting needles or crochet hooks in her hands. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St. in Blenheim on Monday August 22, 2022 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm and 7:00pm until 9:00pm. A Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday August 23 at 1:00pm with Michael McCracken officiating. An interment at Merlin Cemetery will follow. Donations made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A tribute to Sherry’s life can be viewed by clicking the following link:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/2QPF9CDHMGC6FX5P

After a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, Greta Mary Wolfe (nee Cheney) a resident of Riverview Gardens passed away on August 16, 2022. Greta was born in Chatham, Ontario October 17th, 1935. Daughter of the late Isabella & Arthur Cheney and survived by her brother Robert Cheney. Greta is also survived by her three children David Lackie, Shawn Lackie and Colleen Glover. Dearly missed by her greatest joys in life, her grandchildren, Darrell, Jamie, Greg & Kayla Lackie, Jennifer Adeyemi, & Amanda Glover. Greta was blessed to have 9 great grandchildren as well. Also survived by her nephew Gord Cheney, nieces Bobby Smith and Laura Jean Cheney (predeceased). A long-time employee of the Southwestern Regional Centre, Greta was a proud member of the Quarter Century Club (1990). The family would like to give a very special heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Riverview Gardens for their compassion and tender care given to Greta during her residency. Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

With his children by his side, Harry Robert Hope of Guilds died unexpectedly but peacefully on Monday, August 15, 2022 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance just a few weeks shy of celebrating his 88^th birthday.  Harry was born September 4, 1934 to Thomas & Elizabeth (Shivas) Hope and was one of nine siblings.  He joins his beloved wife Shirley (April 27, 1936 – August 10, 2000) after 22 years apart.

Loved by their children Lou-Ann & Mike Hodgins of Lucan and Todd & Tracy Hope of Rondeau.

Awesome Papa to his grandchildren:  Amanda & Jordan Gabriel, Justin Hope, Jordan Hope and Arica Hodgins.  Happy great-grandpa to little Eliot Gabriel.

Survived by his youngest sister and brother-in-law Carol & Glen Walters and sister-in-law Jane Hope, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents, his sisters and their husbands Winnifred & Don Allison, Inez & Alex Boyes, Marjorie & Clare Allison, brothers and their wives Tom & Evelyn Hope, Blake & June Hope, Ken & Joyce Hope and brother Doug Hope.

Harry was a well-known and respected plumber and jack of all trades, even continuing to do the odd job right up to the week before his death.  He will be missed by his family, his Thursday afternoon choir practice boys, friends and customers for his wisdom, helpfulness, stubbornness and, of course, his limericks which Todd, Justin and Jordy will do their best to continue.

Visitation for Harry will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday August 19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

To join the livestream of Harry’s service, register at https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=00be7ded-6170-43b0-8c28-ed5cf1364ef7

Gordon “Paul” Laurie (Amos), the son of Gordon (2010) and Marie (2019) Laurie, born September 24, 1954,  passed away peacefully at his home in Shrewsbury with brother Peter and Chrissie at his side on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the age of 67. Predeceased by his sister Joyce Laurie (2008)

Paul is survived by his brother Peter (Chrissie) and their children, Spencer (Sarah) of Alberta and Arden (Mike) of Chatham.  Also survived by his stepson Stephen (Terry) of Shrewsbury and grandchildren Sheldon, Tori and Lily, stepdaughter Lea Allison Brown (Darcy) of Alberta, grandchildren Kaytland and Gabriella, and his son Curtis Lewis (Danielle) of Barrie and grandchildren Blair, Mylah and Quinn.

Also survived by his Uncle Jim Laurie and family and Aunt Shirley Dawson and family.  Special cousin to Jim and Pat Bennett and Liz and Murray Butler, as well as many other relatives.

Paul recently retired from a career spanning over 40 years from Canadian Tire in Blenheim where he worked as an auto technician. In his younger days he worked briefly at the Blenheim News Tribune, as well at the MTO, Huron Construction and Johnston Motors in Ridgetown.  He enjoyed the many friendship he developed with staff and customers over those many years.

Much time was spent enjoying the outdoors either fishing, hunting, boating and heading north chopping wood, sledding and time with the Hope clan.  Paul has spent the past many years “living the dream in Shrewsbury”, where he was always looking to lend a helping hand either with grass cutting for neighbours or at the Community Centre, snow removal, assisting at the neighbourhood barbecues and a host of volunteer jobs when asked.  He was always there helping for whatever was asked of him. Plenty of his time was also spent having visits from close friends in his shop. He loved the community, the people in it and the friendships that he developed. He was deemed by many as “crusty, but with a heart of gold.”

In respect of Paul’s wishes cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Paul’s life will take place at the Shrewsbury Community Centre on Saturday August 13, 2022 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm (Brief remarks at 2:15pm).  Donations made in Paul’s memory can  be made to the Shrewsbury and Raglan Assembly or to a charity of your choice.

A video tribute of Paul’s life may be viewed by clicking the following link:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/LXZ2494WCQ6SL5Y2

Patricia Arleen O’Brien  1955-2022

        It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dearly loved daughter/sister Patricia Arleen O’Brien on August 5/2022, with her sisters by her side, peacefully at her home in Welland, On.

Predeceased by her fathers’ William [Bill] O’Brien [1960] and Donald O’Brien [1993]. Pat is survived by her mother Frances O’Brien and her brothers W. David [Pam], Edward [Pam], Owen and her sisters Donna [Mark Hare], Janet [Tony Reed] as well as her nieces and nephews Michael, Steven [2015], Daniel, Andrew, Jesse, Rebecca, Michelle, MacKenzie and Kelsey and several great nieces and nephews.

Pat spent her working years in legal work, the hospitality industry, and hosting International students with Niagara College for many years in Welland. Pats’ greatest passions were gardening, jazz music, happy hour with fine wine, cooking for family functions and tour guiding.

Upon retirement she enjoyed travelling the world with her friend John Rickard whom we are grateful for his care and compassion for Pat. We are also thankful for John’s daughter Krista for her excellent nursing care. In keeping with Pats’ wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will follow.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Chatham-Kent Hospice in her memory https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ .

“There’s no better way to get closer to life than to grow something — anything!!”

-Pat

Patricia Ann Pirhalla passed away at home on Sunday July 31, 2022 at the age of 70 years.  She was predeceased by her parents Karl & Mary (Stefina) Pirhalla and her baby sister Nancy Susan Pirhalla.  She was a kind hearted soul who will be missed by her godchildren Susan Rigg and Trevor Podolinsky, her neighbours  Giacomo & Mary Apuzzo and her dear friend Chris and family.  She will be missed especially by her cousins Debbie, Marianne and Linda (Omer).

Pat was very proud and close to her parents.  The story of how they immigrated from Slovakia and met at a picnic that the Slovakian community had at a bush outside of Blenheim brought a smile to her face every time she told it.  She considered it an honour to care for them in their final days.  She spent her working career at Union Gas in Chatham and was content in her retirement to spend time at home and at the family cottage with her dog Daisy.

It was Pat’s wish that cremation take place and that she be laid to rest with Karl and Mary in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.  Friends wishing to remember Pat with a memorial donation are asked to consider Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue https://ckanimalrescue.com/ or Pet & Wildlife Rescue https://pawr.org/funds/.

John “Jan” Jouwsma a life long resident of Blenheim, passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the age of 80.  Born in Holland to the late Ed and Linda (Bras) Jouwsma.  Beloved husband of the late Carol (James) Jouwsma (2021).  Loving father of Margaret Stuckey, the late April Jouwsma (1964) and the late Michael Jouwsma (1967).  Dearest grandfather of Jessica (Mike) Levesque and great grandfather of John, Matthew and Benjamin Levesque.  He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his sister Diane Van Dolder.

John was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion obtaining his 50 years of membership in 2015.

As per John’s wishes, cremation has taken place and he will be buried with his wife Carol in St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Those wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.  Online condolences and donations can be left for the family at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com.