Madeline Tedford, much loved wife of the late Hubert “Sam” Tedford passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Wednesday May 8, 2019 at the age of 86 years. Madeline was one of nine children born to the late Pharilda and Benjamin Mortier and is survived by two sisters Irma King and Margaret DeWitte. She was predeceased by her sisters Cecile, Edna and Martha as well as her brothers Leo, Oscar and Al.

Madeline was the mother of Louise Tedford, Marie Parent (Craig), Pete Tedford (Christine) and the late Carol Tedford, all of whom she instilled wisdom and values to become the strong and independent adults she was very proud of. She became “Big Gram” to four grandchildren; Jason (Ashleigh), Jessica (Matt), Jalen (Alexis) and the late Devin, all of whom she spoiled and loved dearly along with her great-grandchildren Abby, Peyton, Gage, Parker and Georgia and the late Cody and her step-grandchildren Holly and Taylor. Madeline was so looking forward to her soon to be seventh great grandson Hudson. She had a special bond with many nieces and nephews.

Madeline and Sam farmed for many years on Fargo Road which is where they raised their children. After their retirement they moved into Blenheim where they were greeted by neighbours who she appreciated very much. She was a candy connoisseur who appreciated a good movie, a good game of cards at the Blenheim Seniors Centre and watching her grandchildren’s sporting events. Most of all she loved her family who she made sure never went home hungry and who she always made sure the pole light was on for them to be safe as they left.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. for visitation. A Funeral Service for Madeline will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday May 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.   Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with Sam.

Friends wishing to remember Madeline with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice where Madeline was well cared for in her final days.

William Wesley Gardiner of Erie Beach passed away peacefully at the Chatham Kent Hospice on Sunday May 5, 2019. He was the son of Gladys (Drury) and the late Percy Gardiner.

Bill was 77 years old when he passed away, 60 of which were spent beside the love of his life Joyce (Locke) Gardiner. Following two years spent becoming best friends, Joyce and Bill were married on September 16, 1961. They became the proud parents of a son Drew Gardiner (Agnes) and a daughter Kelly (Mark Zolkowski). They also became the super proud grandparents of Aidan Gardiner, Konar Gardiner and Indy Zolkowski.

More than anything else in this world Bill loved his family. Beyond that, he loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. Much of his time was spent with his buddies at the “Ponderosa” where lot of good history was written in the “Book of Wiarton”… tales of the great outdoors, long card games, close friends and cold beer… most of all, good memories to look back on when life turned a corner. Lake Erie was his backyard where he spent countless hours fishing, whether it be off a jetty, from his boat Rock Bottom, through a hole cut in the ice on the bay, fun fishing with Chuck or chartering with Butcher-Buoy.

For 53 years, Bill and Joyce have called Erie Beach home. They raised their children there, they made friends there and they appreciated everything that “The Beach” has to offer. In the summer it was hard not to notice the gardens that Bill tended to because they were perfect. He could always be counted on to help the summer residents prepare their homes for opening or to get repairs done before their arrival. A true handyman, he had a knack for restoring anything made of wood or metal to its original glory and his garage was a revolving door – everyone knew that it was the right place to go if they needed a tool or help finishing a project.

He retired after many years of working at Southwestern Regional Centre where he was well liked by all. For many years he would spend a week at a time with the boys there at Scout Camp. He was also a life member of the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club and mentored many girls and boys in the Gun Club Youth Program.

Early morning coffee gossip was a daily ritual which Bill enjoyed with Laird, Don, Ivan, and Scott, being served by Kim.

Bill will be missed by his sisters Donna Richardson (late Bruce), Ruth Francis (late Ron), his brother Wayne Gardiner, his sisters in law Cheryl Gardiner (late Jim), Sandra Gardiner (late Bob) and by Joyce’s brother Reg Locke and wife Mary. Bill was predeceased by his sister Darlene Gardiner.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club on Saturday June 1, 2019 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. His ashes will be divided between places that he loved most in life- the Poderosa, Lake Erie and with his soul mate Joyce. Friends wishing to remember Bill with a memorial donation are asked to consider Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Jesse Alan James Graham died as the result of an accident in Woodstock on Wednesday April 30, 2019. Jesse was born in Chatham 23 years ago and will be missed by his mother Mandy Winia-Graham and her husband Jeremy Deary, by his daughter Jessie Graceland, by his brothers Mathew, Christopher and Jeremiah and by all of his extended family and friends. He was predeceased by the father he looked up to most in life, Jason Graham in 2010.

Jesse’s roots were in Erieau where he did all of the normal childhood things like swimming and fishing, riding his bike and playing with friends. He enjoyed living by the water and had a great appreciation for sunsets on the bay. He graduated from Harwich Raleigh Public School before moving on to Blenheim District High School. He loved music. He lived 8621 short days on this earth and on each and every one of those days he was loved.

Jesse’s family will be taking time to remember him in their own way. Friends wishing to honour his life are encouraged to go sit on a beach, skip stones on the water and enjoy a sunset.

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements. Online condolences for Jesse’s family may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Gordon Curtis Scoyne passed away in Clearwater Florida on Friday April 26, 2019. Gordon was born 89 years ago to the late Russell & Nona (Burchiel) Scoyne. He is survived by his daughter Caryn Elizabeth Kalway of Zephyrhillis, Florida and his brother Jack Scoyne of Blenheim. He was predeceased by his wife Madeline (Ongena) Scoyne in 2011. Funeral Services for Gordon will be held at the Whitfield Funeral Home in Zephyrhillis, Florida. Gordon battled diabetes for 50 years and in keeping with that, donations to the diabetes association would be appreciated by his family.

Caroline Willick, a long time resident of Merlin passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Saturday April 27, 2019. Caroline was born 90 years ago to the late Cecile & David Edwards. She and her late husband Albert Willick who predeceased her in 2001 were the proud parents of Heather Brooks (late Bennie) of Merlin and David & Laurie Willick of Chatham and Dawn & Mark Schives of Blenheim.   Caroline was extremely happy to be given the name “Granny” by her grandchildren Tara Lynn Rioux (Piere), Caralynn Carson (Greg), Norman Hodgkin Jr (Jen), Joe Glover (Nicole), Evan Willick (Danie), Jamie Glover (Kristina), Kyle Schives (Christine) and Cory Schives (Brenna). She was just as tickled to welcome the name “Nana Merlin” by her great-grandchildren and her great-great granddaughter.

Caroline was the sister and sister-in-law of Dorothy Sinclair (late Roger), Evelyn Simpson, the late Lois Knippleburg, Thelma Shaw (late Charlie), Emily McCullouch (late Don), Marie Linder (late Charlie), Garnet & Marie Duquette, Rick Miller (late Annie), Madeliene Edwards (late Sam), Frances Robinson (late Lucky), Lois Willick (late Allen), Dee (late Charlie) Willick,  the late Eddie & Elaine Edwards, Harry & Irene Edwards, George & Evelyn Willick, John &Vera Willick, Marion & Frank Browning, Ruby & Danny Thompson, Allan Willick, Fred Willick, Gordon Willick and Gerry & Ted Kelly (survived by Cathy).

She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Friends will remember Caroline from her years of working at the Canadiana Nursing Home in Chatham or her love of oil painting and crafting. Most of all she will be remembered as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose love for her family knew no bounds.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday where visitation will be held from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. On Wednesday May 1, 2019 visitation will be held in the Bothwell Wabash United Church from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed immediately by a funeral service conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings. Interment will take place in the Bothwell Cemetery where Caroline will be laid to rest beside Albert.

Friends wishing to remember Caroline with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Merlin Legion Branch 465 or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, granddad, husband and friend Larry Russchen on April 18, 2019. Born on October 8, 1947 to Margaret and Bill Russchen. Dear brother to Murray Russchen (Sonja) and Frances Monk (Les). Larry will be greatly missed by his children Beverly & Chris Persyn and Brian & Sonya Russchen, as well as his wife and lifelong friend, Ann. Also missing Larry will be his beloved grandchildren Evelyn, Shane and Layla, along with many nieces, nephews and family. Larry loved many things in life, including hunting, playing euchre, watching baseball and a good home-cooked meal. Most of all though, Larry loved his family and it was clear to all who knew him that they were his proudest accomplishment.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday where visitation will be held from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral for Larry will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday April 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Larry with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Legion Poppy Fund.

Petronella Maria Odulpha (van den Bersselaar) Voets, most affectionately known as “Nellie Voets” passed away peacefully with her family at her bedside on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. Nellie was born to the late Johanna & Martinus van den Bersselaar in the Netherlands 85 years ago. She came from a large family and is survived by her sisters Mariet Habraken and Betsie van Vugt, and by her brothers Piet and Mies van den Bersselaar. She was predeceased by her siblings Oda Geerts, Riek Verberk, Toon and Harrie van den Bersselaar.

Nellie married Harrie Voets on October 6, 1959 and their strong and happy marriage lasted for over 50 years, until he passed away in 2011. They began their family and moved to Canada in 1968 with four young children, including an infant. Nellie will be greatly missed by her five children Johanna Wightman (Rick), Marion Smith (Steve), Ellie Voets-Sterling (Steve), Marco Voets (Heather), and Angeline Humber (Troy). She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Katherine Voets-Keating in 2005. She was a loving Oma to her grandchildren Jeremy, Tawnya, Gregory, Nastasha, Sean, Terra, Bryce, Zoe, Cassandra, Mikayla, Joey, Wesley, Bailey and Caitlyn, and 12 great-grandchildren. She will also be sadly missed by all of her family in the Netherlands.

Nellie was a kind-hearted soul whose determination in life was admirable. She was a realist who called it like it was. She never saw challenges as a disadvantage but saw adversity as a way of becoming a stronger person. She worked hard, she provided for her family and she cared for Harrie when his health challenged his independence. She gave more than she took in life and brought joy to everyone, including those who helped care for her in recent years. The attention that she was given at the Village on the Ridge in Ridgetown and then at Riverview Gardens in Chatham was beyond inspiring, and for that her family will remain forever grateful.

Nellie’s family invites you to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Tuesday April 23, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Nellie with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider Community Living Chatham-Kent or the Oncology Unit at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Another way to honour her memory is to give your kids an extra hug and tell them you love them. ❤️

Sharon Ann Fnukal (Werry) 67, passed away April 14, 2019 in Blenheim Ontario.

Sharon was born in Lower Saxville, Nova Scotia on May 21 1951, she was the loving daughter of Jack and Violet Werry.

Sharon is survived by her loving husband Joesph Fnukal. Her three children that she adored Danielle Mayhew (Allan Johnston), James Mayhew (Justina Young) and Jason Mayhew.  Her grandchildren that she loved with all her heart Kyler Johnston, Tad Johnston and Nabryah Mayhew. Her father Jack Werry and siblings Jack Werry, Kathy Boulaine and Lisa Werry.  As well as her many nieces and nephews.

Sharon was a loving caregiver to many children. They will miss her dearly. She loved to go on outings with her girlfriends, morning chats over coffee, spending time with her loved ones and reading.

Sharon’s request was to be cremated and hold a celebration of life. She will be laid to rest in Nova Scotia where her heart has always been.

Donations can be made to the Canadian Lung Association.

Eunice Laycraft of Chatham passed away peacefully at Riverview Gardens on Saturday April 6, 2019. She is the loving daughter of the late Annie (Powell) and Harold Gardiner. Beloved wife of the late Norman Laycraft (1983). She will be remembered always by her step sons Bruce, Gordon and Ross. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Marilyn Gardiner, Kathryn Gardiner, 4 nieces and a nephew. Predeceased by brothers Glenn (Edith) Gardiner, Max (Kaye) Gardiner, Murray Gardiner, John (Donelda) Gardiner and Ross Gardiner.

Eunice always loved to write and at age 12 she had her first bylines in the Family Herald and Star Weekly. From 1946-1956 she was the news editor for CFCO Radio in Chatham and for the next two years worked as a broadcaster and news writer for CFPL Radio in London. In 1958 she moved to a position as morning commentator for CBC Radio in Ottawa and from there moved to print media becoming the Women’s Editor for the Ottawa Journal until 1967. She freelanced and remained with the Ottawa Journal as a columnist until her retirement in 1979.

In keeping with Eunice’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Internment of her ashes will take place at a later date.

The family would like to thank Dr. Parry and the staff of 3 West at Riverview Gardens for their kind and compassionate care.

Friends wishing to remember Eunice with a memorial donation are asked to consider Friends of the New Animal Shelter.