Cathy Watson of Chatham passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2025 after a lengthy battle with multiple myeloma.

Born September 9, 1952 to Ernest and Verda Holdaway (Smith).  Married to Robert Watson in 1978 which resulted in two wonderful sons, Jeffrey (2016) (Lindsay) of Ridgetown and Paul (Yijun) of Calgary.  Blessed with four grandchildren Ethan, Kellen, Jaden and Kendall.  Cathy is also survived by her brother Howard Holdaway (Tina) and nephew Beven; step-daughter Felicia of Edmonton and step-grandchildren Kirk and Ashley Crow.

Caring for others started early in her life.  She babysat neighborhood children and watched over grandparents while at the end of life with their cancer battles.  Cathy began her career at Southwestern Regional Centre in 1974 treating the residents as her second family.

Cathy lived in Morpeth, Ontario for many years and was known as a Master Chef and Baker.  Her butter tarts, apple pie, chili sauce and salsa were second to none.  The children of Morpeth enjoyed her caramel popcorn balls each year on Halloween.

The family would like to thank the many healthcare workers that cared for Cathy throughout her battle with cancer.  Special thanks to the nurses of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Dialysis Unit.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends will grieve privately, but when the sun is shining down one summer day her ashes will be placed on the hill in Morpeth.

It is with great sadness, that our family shares the loss of Kathy Osborne (1963 – 2025).

Katherine Helen Osborne, born October 6, 1963 to Jean (Walker) and the late Kaye Osborne, is survived by her mother and siblings…Janet (Tim), Mark (Barb), Tracey (Dan) and Keith (Dongmei), her nieces and nephews and lots of Great nieces and nephews.

Kathy always lived a simple and uncomplicated life.  She was an extremely hard worker; it was something she thrived on.  You may remember her from the Home Run Restaurant.

For the past several years she was Head Grower at Sheridan Nurseries.  Kathy was always happiest in her work clothes, rubber boots and dirt, outside, in the greenhouses or fields amongst the growing plants, trees and shrubs that she helped nurture and was so very PROUD of…

Kathy did not want any fuss; therefore she will be interred at a later date at a private family ceremony.

Kenneth Edward Nealey passed away at home on Sunday February 9, 2025.  Ken was predeceased by his wife Linda (Johnston) in 2015 and leaves behind their children Michael & Kelly Delong, Chris & Dave Bonnell, Kenneth Nealey Jr, Kelly Nealey and Kim & Kevin Bell.  He was a proud “Poppy” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Sadly he was predeceased by his daughter Michelle Simpson in 2008 and his granddaughter Jaimie Bonnell in 2023.

Ken came from a large family, the brother of Gloria Anson, Stacie Beaton, Tami St. Lewis, Marie Smith as well as the late Fran Stothart, Dona Nealey, Pat Ryckman and Bill Nealey.  He was predeceased by his mother and father Dona & Bill Nealey.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday February 14, 2025 at 11:00 with Legion Padre Bill Terris officiating.  A celebration to honour Ken’s final wishes will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Poppy Fund at the Blenheim Legion would be appreciated by the family.

Donald Charles Watts, much loved husband of Susan (Dufton) Watts passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday February 4, 2025.  He will be missed by his children Debra Anderson (Robert), Donald Watts and Lesley Vaughan (Jamie), by his grandchildren Josh, Michael, Colin, Alex, Drew, Charlie, Matthew and Russell, as well as his great-grandchildren April, Taylan, Claire, Ronan, Beau, Avery, Lacey, Sierra and Natalie.  He was predeceased by a daughter Loriann Elizabeth Samulak in 1994.

Don was born in Chatham 81 years ago to the late Charles and Ethyle (Murray) Watts and was predeceased by his twin brother Ronald in 2018.

Don grew up on the family farm just outside of Blenheim, Ontario, where his work ethic was honed from a very early age.  While attending Blenheim high school, Don met Susan the love of his life, and they were later married in 1963.  Don then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and attended the University of Western Ontario and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree, then attended Windsor Teacher’s College and the University of Windsor, where he completed his Master of Education degree.

Don’s life was filled with service and commitment to others.

Don served his country over 25 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, finishing his decorated career as a Major.  He also served his community through decades of leadership of the 291 Blenheim Bomber Squadron cadets.  Where many young Blenheim teens, with his support, went on to successful military and aviation careers.

Don also had a 37 year high school teaching career in Chatham-Kent.

Don dedicated much of his time to volunteering in his community.  He was a 30+ year active Blenheim Rotarian, a long-time member of the Hospitaller Order of St John, where he often led humanitarian donations from the Order to those in need in the community.

Don was a committed husband and father.  He and Susan celebrated their 61^st Anniversary recently.  Don provided for his family, often working multiple jobs at once in the military, teaching and taking care of the farm.

Don leaves a lasting legacy on the community and the many lives he has touched positively throughout his life, including his loving family.

Cremation has taken place.  Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 11th from 2 – 4pm & 6 – 8 pm  with a Legion Service to be held just prior to the evening visitation.  A Funeral Service conducted by Legion Padre Bill Terris for Don will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 2pm, followed by a gathering at the Blenheim Legion.

Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

Family isn’t always blood; it’s the people in your life who want you in theirs…

the ones who accept you for who you are.  The ones who would do anything

to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.

Surrounded by her loved ones, Carole Ann Westacott passed away peacefully at her Tilbury Home of St. Francis Advocates.  Before moving there in February of 2007, Carole resided at the Southwestern Regional Centre.  She leaves behind her family of loving friends Beverley, Richard, Michael, her caring Tilbury Home staff, her companion David and many friends that she met along the way.  She was predeceased by her family of friends, Marjorie Hannah, Bonnie Hood, Denise McKeon, Marie Hyland and Bob Foy.  “The best kind of friendships are the ones that turn into family.”

Carole’s smile and laugh were contagious.  Her hugs were from the heart and if she told you that she loved you, you were the luckiest soul on earth!  Simple things mattered to Carole, receiving mail from a friend, a good cup of coffee, van rides, french fries, her birthday and every holiday!

In honour of Carole, simply take a moment and tell someone you love them, take a ride to a friend’s house & enjoy a cup of coffee, mail a card to someone that you know would love to hear from you, and celebrate every birthday & holiday with all of those you love and simply share a smile.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home this Sunday February 9, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. followed by a time to visit and share stories.  Interment will take place in Pardoville Cemetery.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, Claudette (Drouin) Ryan on February 1, 2025 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 86.

Mom was born in Wendover, Ontario to Lucien and Rose-Mai Drouin and grew up in Gatineau, Quebec on the family farm where many family memories were created.

She is survived by her children Dan (Brenda) Ryan and Brenda (Dave) Pollard.  Cherished Nana to Troy (Dominique), Tanner (Chloe), Roen, Sawyer, Jolene, Jackie, Justin, Amelia and April.  Great Nana to her sweet little boy Chase.

She was predeceased by her husband Francis (2016).  She is survived by her sisters Rose-Mai Maisonneuve, Estelle Mongeon, her brother-in-law John Ryan, sisters -in-law Joan Hogan and Millie Ryan and many nieces and nephews.

As per Mom’s wishes, there will be no service and cremation will take place.  Mom’s final wishes will be carried out at a later date.

We would like to thank the paramedics, the doctors and nurses in the CKHA-Emergency Room, Dr Trinh and Dr. Karatela for her care.  An extra special thanks to the nurses in ICU for your care and compassion and Dr. Tran for making her comfortable in her final moments.

Reposez en paix Maman, nous t’aimons

Lawrence “Larry” Lachine of Ridgetown died suddenly at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on January 28, 2025.  He was 63 years old.  He was one of fourteen siblings born to the late Donald & Loretta (Antaya) Lachine and is survived by Bob & Jane Antaya, Carol & Wayne Parker, Edward Lachine, Evelyn Nott, Sandra Rumble, Randy Lachine & Tracy Faulkner, Wendy Lachine & Linda Dunn, Daniel & Alicia Lachine, Cameron & Bernadette Lachine and Sandra Lachine.  He was predeceased by Donald Lachine, Beverly Lachine, Dianne & John Payne, Gary Nott, Robert Rumble, Janet VandeHogan and Leonard Lachine.

Larry was a 23 year employee of Trak Tool in Ridgetown and previous to that he was an iron worker.  His motto and favourite saying in life was “get er done”, and he did just that.  He was the go-to uncle who had the ability to fix anything.  He enjoyed many years of having a trailer at Wildwood and completing series of collectible items.  Most of all, he enjoyed his family.

Many thanks go out to the Chatham Kent Ambulance Paramedics and CKPS in Erieau who tried so hard to save our brother, as well special thanks to Dr. C. Prins for her care. Your efforts did not go unnoticed.  And to Larry’s brother and sister who served Larry so well, thank you.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring when Larry will be laid to rest with his parents in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Larry are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/legacy-giving

Malcolm Benson, a resident of Rondeau Bay Estates passed away peacefully at CKHA with his loving daughters and wife at his side on January 15, 2025.  Born in Hartlepoole, England, Malcolm was the son of Henry and Mary (fortune) Benson.

Malcolm was the beloved husband of 49 years to Judy (Garlick) and is survived by his children Heather (Scott MacFarlane), Stephanie (James Baillargeon) and Ashley (Trent Zimmer).  He was an amazing grandfather to Hillary, Regan, Liam, Jameson and Walker.  Predeceased by his siblings Eric, Joan and Steve, he will be forever loved by Martin (Lisa), Graham (Darlene), Pam, Terry Paul, Kathryn and many nieces and nephews.

Malcolm worked at Navistar for 30 years and took care of his family first.  When he was not working, he was out on the water with his wife and daughters sailing, boating and windsurfing which he loved.  He enjoyed time at Rondeau Joe’s.

Malcolm had the ability to bring everyone together.  He would fix anything for anyone and would bring a smile to your face with those quick witted singles.  He didn’t just leave behind his loving family and friends, he left us with a template on how to live the perfect life.  We miss you always and forever.

May the wind always be in your sails, Daddy.

Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.  Donations to the Diabetes Association or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Wayne Patrick Smith

March 17, 1967 – January 6, 2025

A resident of Blenheim, Wayne Smith passed away suddenly on Monday January 6, 2025 at the age of 57.

Born in Chatham, Wayne was the son of the late MaryEllen Smith (Zimmer) (2021) and Jim Smith (2022).  He was the dear father of Dylan Smith and the late Bailey Smith (2023).  Brother of Deb Brown (Bob), Marg Bliss (Jeff), Ron Smith and Bill Smith (Kat).  He will be missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Wayne worked for Canadian Tire for several years managing stores in Ontario and Manitoba.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He loved his hockey, playing goal in his younger years and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held at a later date.

Family and Friends wishing to remember Wayne with a memorial donation can consider the Word of Life Soup Kitchen, Chatham-Kent Mental Health or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Hilda Nauta entered her heavenly home on January 5, 2025 at the age of 93.  Born December 24, 1931 to the late Gerrit & Ida (Vanderveen) Veenstra, she and her family immigrated to Canada when she was 22 years old while her oldest brother Eppe remained in the Netherlands.

Hilda was the beloved wife of the late Abe Nauta who she married on March 18, 1955.  She was the dear mother of Ida & Harold Vyn, Jake & Patti Nauta, Gary & Jackie Nauta, Wendy & Dave Feddes, Susan & John Marentette and Rhonda & Rob Burns.  She was also the loved grandma to 27 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by one granddaughter.

Hilda is survived by her sister Susan Cotè, her brothers and sisters-in-law Mike & Jean, Henry & Kathryn, Carl & Susan and Thea Veenstra.  She was predeceased by Eppie & Annie, Martin, Steve & Joyce, Frank and Doede Veenstra and Phil Cotè.

She is also survived by Abe’s family John Timmermans, Marie, Hermina, Ralph & Margaret and Lise Nauta, Hilda Berghuis, Clara & Hank Woudenberg, Ruth Oden and a cousin-in-law Corrie Blommers.  She was predeceased by Ronnie Timermans, Harry, Dick, John and Jake Nauta, Gus and Joan Sonneveld, Pete Berghuis, Catherine & Marius Verbeek, Hunter Oden and Diane & Gerry Gracie.

Hilda loved reading, doing puzzles and playing scrabble.  She was a devout Christian who loved her Lord and her family.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 10, 2025 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service for Hilda will be held in the Christian Reformed Church, Blenheim on Saturday January 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  A private family interment will take place in Pardoville Cemetery.

Family and friends wishing to remember Hilda with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or World Renew https://worldrenew.ca/ .