It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lucia (Lucy) Edmunds.

Lucia was born in Santa Barbara, Panay, Philippines, and built a beautiful life marked by kindness, devotion, and quiet strength. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Robert, her son Michael, his wife Mylene, and her cherished grandchildren Olivia  and Samuel.

Lucia’s warmth extended to everyone she met. She loved to travel, discovering new places and cultures with curiosity and joy. At home, she found happiness in gardening, tending to the plants that reflected her care and patience.

Her faith was a constant source of guidance and peace throughout her life. She lived with gratitude, humility and a deep trust in God’s presence.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity and grace that will bloom in the hearts of all knew her.

It is with such sadness that we announce our mother Doris Jean Goodwin passed away on Sunday October 19, 2025.  She was the center of our family, a Mom who truly showed everyone what unconditional love looks like. Her kindness and strength brought us all together, and her caring spirit touched every generation. In return, we all loved her just as fiercely. Her memory lives on in every hug, every laugh, and every connection she helped create.  She was married to our father Lorne Goodwin for almost 55 years before he passed away in 1999.

She was the proud mother of Carol Embury (late Bruce), Linda & Jim Minnie, Patty Dauphin (late Bill) and Laurie & Dale Glassford.  She was predeceased by her daughter Diane Wilkins (survived by Jeff).  She will also be remembered with fondness by her grandchildren Rick & Anne-Marie, Shelley & John, Jamie, Chad & Brandy, Todd, Matt & Cassie, Jeremy & Lauren, Mitchell & Stephanie, Billy Jo & Chris, Jessie & Matt and Nick & Taylor as well as 22 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.  She was the last surviving member of her family, having being predeceased by Evelyn, Margaret, Lorna and Gordon.  She is survived by her sisters-in-law Donna and Marie as well as her brother-in-law Charlie.

Mom was a seamstress all of her life.  She owned DL’s Fashion in Ridgetown which was destroyed in a fire.  After that she worked at and purchased the MaryLou Shop in Blenheim where she retired from.  She also worked at Stoner’s Jewellers in Blenheim.  She was a long-time member of Trinity Anglican Church and was one of the original pie ladies there.  She loved cooking and baking for her family.  Her baking was always the best because of her special hidden ingredient…love.

We will be remembering Mom with a private family service in Trinity Anglican Church before laying her to rest with Dad in Evergreen Cemetery.  We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Blenheim Community Village for her great care and the Chatham-Kent Hospice  for the kindness that was extended to Mom in the last journey of her life and ask that anyone considering a memorial donation would consider them https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or the Trinity Anglican Church in Blenheim.

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Richard ‘Ric’ McArthur who left us peacefully surrounded by family.

Ric will be forever remembered by his wife Anne, his two sons Stephen (Heather) and Brian (Angela), and his grandchildren Quinn, Chloe and Lucas.  He is also survived by his sister Jaquie and many nieces and nephews.

Ric lived a life filled with curiosity, kindness and quiet appreciation for the natural world.  An avid birder and photographer, he spent countless hours capturing the beauty of the world around him – in Rondeau Provincial Park and around the globe.  His memory lives on in the photographs he took and the hearts of those who loved him.

An Open House in Remembrance of Ric will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday October 19 from 2 pm until 4 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Friends of Rondeau Park https://rondeauprovincialpark.ca/donate/  or a charity of your choice.  And, of course, because it’s Ric, dress will be casual!

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Klassen, who passed away at the age of 49 on October 11th, 2025.

John was the beloved son of Susan and the late Jacob Klassen. He is survived by his sisters Mary Guenther (Perry) and Susana Klassen, and his brother Pedro Klassen (Sherry). He was a proud uncle to Jessica, Michael, Nicholas, Kelly Ann, Emily (Kamaljit), Kayla, Jenna, and Alexander, and a cherished great-uncle to Jackson and Judy.

John enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, attending car shows, watching western movies, and visiting Tims.

He was a caring and loyal friend who will be deeply missed by his friends, neighbours, and co-workers.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to everyone at Community Living Chatham-Kent and to all the staff at Bayshore Home Health for their compassion and care.

A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, October 16th, 2025. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed immediately by the funeral service. Interment will follow at Pardoville Cemetery

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Beverly Curtis (nee Kenyon), age 77, of Morpeth Ontario went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thanksgiving day surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 29 1948,  in Westerly Rhode Island USA , she was the beloved daughter of the late William Sr and Beverly Kenyon. She was welcomed into eternity by her late husband Michael James Curtis. She was predeceased by brothers Alfred and Alan. Survived  by her brother William Kenyon Jr.

Cherished mother of Christopher Curtis (Carol), Robert Curtis (Lily), and Pauline Thwaites (Jeff). She was also a proud grandmother to Jennifer, Jenny,  Kyle (Christina), Jonathan (Eleni), Matthew, Justin and Jamie , and great grand children, Ryan and Avery.

A woman of deep faith, her children would say she lived her life anchored in Christ’s love. She was known for her kind heart and unwavering trust in God, and she touched countless lives through her beautiful life.

She encouraged all who would listen to trust in the Lord. She comforted many, and fought the good fight.

Her favorite scripture verses were :

“On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided”

Genesis 22:14

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭138‬:‭8‬ ‭

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and will forever remain in our hearts as a shining example of faith, grace, and love.

A simple private ceremony will be held at the Maple Leaf Cemetery where she will be laid to rest.

We’re heartbroken to share that our son Blake Michael Clarence Daniel Swackhammer was born sleeping on September 26, 2025. Even though his time with us was so short, he touched our hearts in ways we’ll never forget. He was already so loved by his parents, grandparents and everyone else in the family, and we had all started imagining the laughter and happiness he’d bring.

We didn’t get to hear his giggle or see his smile, but from the moment we learned he was coming, he was cherished. We’ll always remember the hope and excitement as we waited for him, and the huge love that grew in our family.

He’ll stay with us in soft memories, quiet thoughts, and every wish for what could’ve been. Our love for him won’t fade—he’ll always be part of our story and the light in our lives, even if just for a short while.

Rest gently, little one. We love you to the moon and back, and you’ll be missed every single day.

Bobbie-Lynn Reaume & De Swackhammer

In true religious fashion, Jeannette Marie Fiala (Jean) accepted her wings on Sunday, October 5, 2025 and floated off to heaven… Greeting her when she arrived was her greatly missed husband Frank Fiala (2016), and her much loved children Jody Fiala (2020), and Frankie Fiala (2025). Cherished and adored mother of Mary Lynn McKillop (Tom), Joey Fiala (Linda), Terry Fiala (Janice), Jackie Lalonde (Denis), son-in-law Dan Mifflin, and daughter-in-law Pam Fiala.  Honoured Mémère of Jolene McKillop (Jason), Kirk McKillop (Carly), Marcie King (Matt), Alena Fiala (Nicole), Jared Fiala, Kayla & Jenna Fiala, and Brodie & Madison Lalonde. Special Grande Mémère and giver of treats to Jettson and Marigold Hatton, and Linden McKillop.

Jean was born February 24, 1946 in Chatham, Ontario to Wilfred and Beulah (Griffore) Benoit.  She was eighth born in a family of 10 children: admired sister of the late Omer Benoit (Rita), the late Don Benoit (Anna), Doreen Alexander (late Don), late Bernice Fiala (late Ed), Diane Myers (late Robert), Leo Benoit (Adrienne), the late Annette VanDeHogen (Peter), Roland Benoit (Connie), and Lucille Laprise (Jean). Sister-in-law to the late Vera Engl and Fred. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mom was truly a saint. Mom treasured her children and her mission in life was to provide for and take care of them. She always put her children’s needs before her own and was a home maker by heart. She worked hard on the farm while raising her 6 chidren, and when they went to school, she continued to work in the agricultural sector planting and harvesting crops for local farms and greenhouses. Mom enjoyed traveling with her one and only love, and of course spoiling her grandchildren.

There was always an abundance of food cooking in Mom’s kitchen and the cookie jar was never empty. Mom’s door was always open to everyone, not only for home-cooked meals but also a place for comfort. If six kids weren’t enough, she welcomed more in need. Birthdays and special occasion cards were always purchased and done up well in advance for fear that she should miss someone’s special day. She was very thoughtful and sometimes a stubborn soul. No matter the job that needed to be done, she was bound and determined to do what she could to help, regardless of her limitations. Mom was proud to be a 100 time blood donor, and was Queen of the 3 r’s: she reduced, reused and recycled to the limit (she was married to Frank for 53 years).

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, there will be no Funeral Home visitation. A Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday October 9, 2025 at St. Mary’s church to celebrate her life. Internment at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim to follow.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory be made to the
Chatham-Kent Hospice. https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

Val Martin was born on December 31, 1944, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, where he grew up as part of a large and loving family. He later moved to Toronto with his mother and siblings, where he spent most of his adult life.

Val worked for many years in construction, earning a reputation for his skill, reliability, and quiet pride in a job well done. He loved being outdoors — often bicycling through the city or spending weekends in the countryside with his children at their family camper. A hands-on learner with a creative spirit, Val discovered a lifelong passion for woodworking, finding joy in shaping and crafting with care.

In his later years, he continued to build and create, crafting artisan gifts and keepsakes often adorned with his partner Gil’s beautiful paintings. Together they restored and refinished furniture, sharing a deep appreciation for upcycling vintage and well-loved pieces, giving them new life through their creativity and teamwork.

Val and his beloved partner, Gilberte Cofell, shared 25 wonderful years together. Gil fell for Val at first sight — captivated by a blue-eyed, handsome man with a smudge of cream cheese on his face. They made each other laugh and stood by one another with loyalty and love. In 2011, they moved to Blenheim, Ontario, drawn by the quiet country life and the friendly community near Gil’s hometown of Leamington. There, they built a peaceful and happy life surrounded by family and friends.

Val will be remembered for his gentle nature, quick wit, and unmistakable laugh — a shy man with a big heart whose kindness and humour drew people to him wherever he went.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Evelyn (Mark Watts) and Ethan (Rebecca Martin), and his cherished grandchildren Benjamin, Thomas, Aubrey, and Logan. He also leaves behind his loving partner Gilberte, her daughter Ré (Nigel Peña), and their children Sydney and Bryce, who brought great joy to his later years.

Though distance often separated them, Val’s love for his family never wavered. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, celebrating their milestones and cherishing every visit, call, and photo shared. His heart was always with them, and his family will forever hold him close in theirs.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 10th, from 2–4 p.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/legacy-giving made in Val’s honour are welcome.