Brian Leslie Cundle of Aylmer passed away at the St. Thomas General Hospital on Sunday July 25, 2021. Brian was born 75 years ago to the late Arthur & Kathleen (Welch) Cundle and grew up here in Blenheim alongside of his younger brother Paul and his sister who predeceased him, Charlene (Cundle) Terpstra.

Brian was recognized as a highly skilled graphic designer and illustrator. After high school he worked as a pressman for the Blenheim News-Tribune while he completed correspondence courses in graphic design. Eventually life would take him to London where he was an advertising layout artist for Eatons. Moving on, he worked for several ad agencies as an art director-designer. He always kept current with the changes in the industry, eventually trading his brushes for a computer and embracing digital technology. In later years, his freelance business presented rewarding challenges, consistently exceeding the expectations of his many clients.

Through his life, Brian diligently maintained his notable physique with regular workouts, a healthy diet and exploring the great outdoors. His monthly visits to Blenheim for dinners with Paul were something they both eagerly anticipated.

Brian will be remembered privately at a graveside service in Evergreen Cemetery and will be laid to rest with his family. Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider Heart & Stroke.

Mary Elizabeth Conner, loved wife of Ed Conner passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Monday July 26, 2021.  She will be missed by her son Christopher Munro of Victoria B.C, daughter Leslie Munro of Mount Molloy, Queensland, step-daughter Kim Fishleigh of Chatham, step-son Kevin Conner (Sandra) of Merlin, grandchildren Stacie Formosa (Ian), Laura Walker (Steve), Josh Conner, Alex Sharp (Sasha), 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.  She will also be missed by her best friend Beth among others.

Mary lived her life to the fullest.  She was raised in Toronto where she began her career as a teacher but enjoyed her move to Blenheim when she married Ed.  She was an avid gardener who would sit quietly with a glass of wine and admire each flower.

She loved spending time at the trailer in Erieau where she made many friends.  Her Tuesday night gathering with friends was something she looked forward to every week and other times she could be found sharing a laugh with friends at the Sandbar.

It was Mary’s wish that her family would remember her privately.  Those wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/donate/.

Jean (Sparks) Crackel went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Sunday July 25, 2021.  She was predeceased by her husband Jack Sparks and will be missed by their sons Greg Sparks (Chris) and Brad Sparks (Phyllis), her grandchildren and their families Lauren Sparks, Ian & Kim Sparks (Claire and Nora), Sherry & David Buck (Jack and Myles), and Jessica & Brian Patterson.  Jean remarried Ken Crackel who also predeceased her and will be remembered by his son Gary Crackel (Joyce), their sons Stephen and Kyle and grandchildren Maebella and Danica.

Jean was one of 7 children born to Margaret & Raymond Holdaway.  She is survived by her sister Margery Roe and was predeceased by her sister Barbara McMillan as well as her brothers Keith, Kenneth, Douglas and Donald Holdaway.

Jean was very much a people person.  She managed Young’s Jewellers in Chatham for many years.  She was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Chatham where she donated her talents singing in the Choir and helping with the Children’s Programs.  In her spare time she enjoyed travelling, spending time with family, cooking, baking and entertaining.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday for visitation from 3 – 5 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Friday July 30, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery where Jean will be laid to rest with Jack.   Those wishing to attend the visitation or Funeral Service must register by calling the Blenheim Community Funeral Home at 519-676-9200.  Those attending either the visitation or the Funeral Service must wear a face covering.

Friends wishing to remember Jean with a memorial donation are asked to consider Emmanuel Baptist Church, the Diabetes Association or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Elizabeth “BettyAnn” Collins of Erieau, passed away on July 16, 2021 peacefully at home with her loved ones. BettyAnn was born on October 11, 1946 to her late parents Edward “Peter” and Mary Girard. Survived by brother John Girard and predeceased brother Pete ( Barb).

She met her catch of a lifetime, Larry Collins, when she was just fifteen years old. Best friends and soulmates, they raised their two sons Larry Jr (Mary Jane) of Blenheim and Bob (Tracey) of Erieau.  BettyAnn was a horse enthusiast, loved all animals (especially the many Airedales she welcomed into her home).  She had a sense of humour that could brighten anyone’s day and did she ever love to joke and have a good time.  She was excellent in the kitchen with both baking and cooking; just ask her grandkids … they were there every Sunday.  She had many friends and enjoyed time with her packer girls and coffee get togethers. BettyAnn was always busy whether it was playing the guitar, grooming dogs or horseback riding.  She will be missed by her sons Larry and Bob, brother John Girard, grandchildren Cassandra (Matt), Devon (Kelsea), Josh (Leah), Carrie (Joe), Luke and Joel, her great grandchildren Paylie, Madison, Jaxsyn, Cooper, Brennon, Conner, Logan, Olivia and Charlson and her nieces Chrystal Girard (Jeff) of Blenheim, Elisha and Misty.  She will be missed dearly by her extended family and faithful companions Stella and Winston.

We would like to thank Dr. Clendenning, primary nurse Karen and her entire palliative care team for the wonderful care she received.

There will be no funeral.  The family will have a private gathering and do a Sunday dinner just as BettyAnn would have wanted.

For those wishing to make a donation in her memory, please consider the Erieau Firefighters Association, St.Paul’s Anglican Church or the Pet & Wildlife Rescue.

Penny McCallum
January 5, 1954- July 16, 2021

Penny’s journey in this world came to a close in Toronto on July 16,2021 after a long arduous battle with cancer.

After leaving her Merlin home and family of predeceased parents Bonnie (Shaw) and Gordon Jeffery and surviving siblings Paul (Cyndy) Jeffery and Polly Jeffery Florius her travels took her near and far on what can be described in no other terms than an adventure.

The greatest of these adventures was the birth and lives of her children Venessa McCallum and Louis (Farzana) McCallum and the arrival of her grandson Adam McCallum, provided a closing chapter of love and joy.

She will be dearly missed as a beloved Aunt, a best friend and confidant by her faithful niece Toula Florius.

Her path crossed many and everyone whose life Penny touched will most certainly be left with a void. Her eclectic, one-of-a-kind spirit will be mourned as largely as the character she was.

The family will be having a celebration of her life at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 with public visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m.

Please call the Funeral Home to book a visitation time.  The Bereavement Authority of Ontario’s directive states that everyone must wear a face covering inside the Funeral Home.

Mary Ellen Smith, much loved wife of Jim passed away on Wednesday July 14, 2021.  She will be missed by her family that meant the most to her in life; her daughters Deb Brown (Bob) and Marg Bliss (Jeff), her sons Ron Smith, Bill Smith (Kat) and Wayne Smith, her grandchildren Matt Brown (Melissa), Karyn Varma (Vic), Drew Bliss, Dan Bliss (Alex), Chris Smith, Tawnya Smith, Aaron Smith, Nichole Smith, Dylan Smith and Bailey Smith as well as nine great-grandchildren.  Grandma always welcomed the next generation with open arms and she was the voice of reason when they needed to talk something through.   She was one of three daughters born to the late Bernard & Margaret (Hunter) Zimmer and is survived by her sisters Veronica Tanguay and Ruth Ann Spence.

Mary Ellen was a “doer” in life.  She was the person that could be counted on, the confidant that her family could talk to and a devoted wife for almost 65 years.  Her love of gardening was apparent if you walked past the house.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Church where she was a member of the CWL and sang in the choir.  She helped in providing many meals including funeral lunches at the Blenheim Legion.  If there was ever extra food she would make sure that it went to those who needed it.  She left the world a better place than she found it.

A private family Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember Mary Ellen with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/legacy-giving, the Food Bank at the Word of Life Church or a charity of your choice.

Sarah Want of Blenheim passed away in Windsor on Sunday July 4, 2021 at the age of 67.  She will be missed tremendously by her husband Delbert.  Originally from Ridgetown, Sarah and Delbert met one night at a party and it was love at first sight.  They were married on September 14, 1971 and became parents to Tim Want (June 25, 1996), Tracy Want and Daniel Want (Kathleen).  She was affectionately known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, Jason, Bryce, Brooklyn, Hailey, Logan and “GG” to her great-grandchildren Mason and Jason Jr.  There was no denying ever that they were rays of sunshine in her life.  She and Delbert enjoyed taking their grandchildren camping in their trailer at Clearville Park.

Sarah was the daughter of the late Edwin & Elizabeth (Gilchrist) Pfaff.  She was the sister of Esther French (Gary) and Ernie Pfaff.  She had a contagious laugh and was always happy which made her the perfect WalMart greeter for many years.  She was a jokester, a great baker and a straight shooter.  She was a true friend who never talked about anybody behind their backs.  She will be missed by all of Delbert’s family.

In keeping with her wishes, Sarah’s family will remember her privately on Thursday.  She will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery with her son Tim.  Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/legacy-giving or the Kidney Foundation https://kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Make-a-Gift/In-Memory-Tribute-Donations.

Frank Donald “Bing” Lynch, dear husband of the late Mary (Raes) Lynch passed away in Blenheim at the home that he built for his family on Saturday June 26, 2021.  Bing will be remembered well by his children Deb Baskett, John Lynch and Tom & Glenda Lynch, his grandchildren Amy, Tim, Tommy, Mike and John with their families that include 7 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.  He will also be remembered by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Bing was born in Blenheim to the late Charles & Ethel (McCracken) Lynch.  He was the youngest of five children and was predeceased by his siblings Mary Chase, Agnes Copeland, Charles Lynch and Jack Lynch.

After a career in plumbing and heating, Bing retired from St. Clair College but he always managed to keep busy.  He was one of the founders of the Sunday Morning Hockey League in Blenheim and played into his 80^th year.  He was an avid outdoorsman who hunted, rode motorcycles and snowmobiles.  He enjoyed stock car races and even helped build a stock car for his grandson.

A private family graveside service will be held on Wednesday June 30, 2021 which will be followed by a Celebration of Life at a later date.  Friends wishing to remember Bing with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/take-action/donate/ or the Pet & Wildlife Rescue https://pawr.org/funds/.

Bing’s family extends a special thank you to Dr. Chin, Dr. Desuzza, Dr. Perkin, VON nurses and home care workers (especially Brittany and Star) and Judy for her daily visits.

Roland (Ron) Armstrong passed away in his 78th year.  He was the loving husband of Barbara Armstrong and will be missed by friends and close family.  Cremation has taken place.  Memorial donations may be made through the Funeral Home.

Tina Hazlett (Wardle)

It is with great heartache that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, daughter and sister Tina Louise Hazlett on May 17^th, 2021 in her 50^th year.  Tina was the proud mother of her three children, William (Rose) Wardle, Richard Hazlett and Tiffany (Kyle) Wardle and proud grandmother of Paisley, Aloy, Ellie-Rose, Natalie, Ryder and Chloe.  Tina is survived by her parents Tom Hazlett (Helen Reeves) and Eleanore (Ken) Dease and her sisters Pennie (Terry) McVicar and Pamela Hazlett.  She is also survived by her grandmother Helen Hazlett, Aunts, Uncles and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her “Angel” grandmother Ethel (George 1964) Prout (2008) and grandfather Lloyd Hazlett (2012).  Tina will be remembered most for her love of all things “furry”.  Our family has been devastated by the loss of Tina but she will continue to live on in our hearts.  Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.  Those wishing to make a donation in Tina’s memory are asked to consider Pet & Wildlife Rescue in Chatham or the O.S.P.C.A.