It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Keith Anderson died at home with his family on April 13, 2025.

Keith was born to the late Malcolm and Marjorie (Lovett) Anderson. He was the beloved husband to Rowena Day-Anderson, adoring father to Keith, Tyler (Julie) and Christian (Meg) Anderson. He was a proud and caring grand-father to Mikhaila, Kai, Molly and Sunny. Keith was a loving brother to Dave (Judy), John (Alanna), Gord (Rose), Janet and Dorothy and predeceased by siblings Sandra and Ron. And a joyful uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Keith worked as a chef and baker for many years and was renowned for his pastry across the county and province. For many years he worked supporting people with special needs and effortlessly cared for people in his community by delivering meals and helping in any way he could with his caring heart.

Flowers are welcome and donations to your favourite charity are appreciated.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with Service to follow at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 26, 2025 at the Blenheim Baptist Church, 24 Talbot St E, Blenheim, Ontario.

Surrounded by his family and knowing that he was loved, Paul Therrien passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025.   He is survived by his wife of 68 years, and our mother, Elaine (Hammer) Therrien.  He was the much loved father, pépé and grandpépé of Jim & Betty Lou Therrien with their children Alicia & Andrew (Spencer) and Tyler & Chrissie (Taner, Lance and Charlotte), Karen & Brian Whittal with their children Jason Whittal & Cheryl Glassford (Travis) and Michael & Brianne (Leah, Lauren, Heather and Benson), Lori & Willem Hummel with their daughter Amy & Brandon Vandehogen (Tessa and Stella), Mark Therrien & Mary Jane Tasker  and Kevin & Kim Therrien with their children Kayla & John and Andrew & Kaitlyn.

He was the last surviving child born to Calexte & Leah (Authier) Therrien, having been predeceased by Yvonne & Leo, Evelyn & Pat, Clara & Dona, Rosemary, Alcide, John & Margaret and Leo.  He is survived by two sisters-in-law Cyrilla and Toni Therrien.

Dad was a farmer…a man of the earth.  He appreciated things that many others take for granted like a walk in the country, a gust of wind blowing through a cornfield, the sun and gentle rains.  At night he would look to the sky, see the lights of heaven shining through the stars and thank God for all that he had been given.  He walked this land for 93 years and made every one of them count.

He was a long-time adherent of St. Patrick’s Church in Merlin, served on the cemetery board for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Knights of Columbus prayers will take place at 6:00 just before the evening visitation begins.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on Friday April 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.  The interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Paul with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Patrick’s Cemetery or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Penny-Lee Wilton (nee Hamilton).  Penny was born on July 17th, 1954 in Mission, B.C. She later moved with her family to the Barrie area and then on to Scarborough, where she crossed paths with her loving husband, Beverly, while working at a camera shop in 1980. The couple married in 1982 and then moved to Blenheim in 1986 where they settled their roots.

Penny was the proud mother of four children; Robin Jones, Meaggan Pettipiece (Brady), Elliot Wilton (Ashley), and Lauren Piett (Riley). She had 6 grandchildren; Lilly, Cooper, Natalie, Chase, CJ, and Chloe, with another expected to arrive this month. She leaves behind two siblings; Rick Hamilton and Cindy-Lou Siemens. She was predeceased by her sister, Toni-Lynn Thorpe, her brother, Corby Hamilton, and her parents, Audrey and John Hamilton. She also treasured many beloved extended family members including nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

Penny built a career in real estate where she enjoyed countless successes and took deep pride in providing caring, professional, and exemplary service to her clients. She was known to go the extra mile, and was unanimously respected and adored by her colleagues. She was a past president of The Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors and the recipient of numerous awards throughout her career including, but not limited to, the Royal LePage National Chairman’s Club, an honour reserved for the company’s top one percent in Canada.

Penny was one of the founders of The Blenheim Youth Centre and spent many years as its president. She took great pride in helping the community’s youth and giving back in such an impactful and meaningful way. Her dedication to this effort will forever have a positive affect on our town.

A woman of many talents and devotions, she enjoyed filling her free time with countless hobbies including sewing, making the best strawberry jam, playing both slo-pitch and volleyball, as well as volunteering for various local charitable endeavours.

More than anything else, Penny found immeasurable joy in her marriage, children, and
grandchildren. She spent many afternoons and evenings at the ballpark watching Bev
coaching and competing for his men’s fastpitch team known as Jukebox Unlimited. She was highly involved in her kid’s extracurricular activities, having acted as the seamstress for Robin’s childhood precision skating team, cheering on Meaggan as she won an NCAA national championship in softball and later attending the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney where Meaggan donned the maple leaf and competed for her country, supporting Elliot as he accomplished a lifelong dream of winning a dirt track race at South Buxton Raceway, and countless hours cheering on Lauren goaltending for Blenheim Minor Hockey teams and playing for high school volleyball teams. In her later years, she never missed a chance to support her grandchildren as they participated in sports and other activities as their biggest fan.

Her presence was comforting, her spirit inspiring, and her selflessness knew no bounds. She was truly “one of the good ones”. Her determined mindset and resilient heart carried her through her most challenging days with grace. We mourn her passing, but cherish her memory and take comfort in the positive impact she made on countless lives. May she rest in peace.

The Wilton family invites you to a visitation on Thursday, April 10th from 2-5pm and 6-9pm at The Blenheim Community Funeral Home. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. To honour Penny’s legacy, please consider a donation to The Blenheim Youth Centre. It will be sincerely appreciated and faithfully applied.

Anna Schives passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday March 27, 2025 at the age of 91.Born in Chatham and raised in the Wheatly area, she was the only child of the late Spencer and Elizabeth Coulter.

She married Donald “Dunc” Schives on January 30, 1954 and began a life together that would span more than 66 years. They raised 4 children; Diane Schives (late Brian Holdaway), Randy and Veronica Schives, Mark and Dawn Schives, and Barry Schives. They were the proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren; Carrie Girard-Gonzales (Kuro), Donny Girard (Cheryl), Maria Michaud (Dominic), Brandy Girard-Simpson (Jason), Melissa Provost (Keith), Amber Nead (Jeff), Amanda Dupuis(Keith), Skyler Schives (Megan Denys), Kyle Schives (Christine), and Cory Schives (Brenna Birkin). they were also very proud of their 17 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Anna will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Anna enjoyed sewing, making many things for herself and her family. She was also an avid bowler and played in a league for many years. In their retirement years Dunc and Anna enjoyed many trips across the country and drives in the country.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday April 1, 2025 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Eric Skillings will follow at 2;00 p.m.  Interment will take place in Stewart Cemetery.

Leah (Rivard) LaRochelle Fleming has gone to be with our Lord at the age of 102. Born on July 18, 1922, in Tilbury, Ontario, Leah was the daughter of Melina and Joseph Rivard; sister to Albina, Silvio, Edna, Rita, Alice and John; and sister-in-law to the late Inez, William, and Roy

(Grace) LaRochelle. Leah was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Blenheim for many years.

Loving wife of Kenneth LaRochelle (d. 1950) and beloved mother of David Foster (Peggy) and William Keith (Leslie) LaRochelle. Leah married John T. Fleming in 1963 and became the devoted second mother of Suzanne and Charlie. Leah and John shared many wonderful years together.

Leah was an engaged and caring grandmother who will be deeply missed by her grandchildren. She was also a loving and aunt, great-grandmother, and great-aunt.

Leah was a beautiful, strong, exuberant, intelligent, kind, generous, and faithful woman who was a friend to all who knew her. She was a working mother as a dental hygienist. Leah was also a talented artist who loved to travel and visit with family and friends. She loved to be active in her garden and exercise. She was ahead of her time studying yoga and tai chi. She remained kind and strong until her death.

What we have lost is Heaven’s gain. May Leah rest in peace in God’s glory.

A Funeral Mass celebrated by Father Romeo will take place in St Mary’s Church, Blenheim, on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by the family https://alzheimer.ca/chathamkent/en/take-action/donate

On Thursday March 20, 2025 Joanne (Vidler) Adams, our devoted mother, grandmother and sister passed away at the age of 72.

Joanne was born on August 1, 1952.  Her childhood was spent in Erieau with her sister Lauraine Fennell (late James) and her brothers Scott & Patti Vidler and Brian & Heidi Vidler.  She was predeceased by her parents Jeannette & George Vidler as well as her husbands Mike Adams and Gerry McKeon.

Despite a couple of short term moves over the years, Mom’s heart always belonged to Erieau, the Village she loved so much.  It was there that she raised her children; Stacey Adams (Elvin Baylis), Brad Adams and Josh & Kate Adams and where she welcomed Gerry’s children Rhonda & Clem Bourgeois and Peter McKeon.  Mom was a Grandma Extraordinaire to Beau, Bianca, Alexis, Jayden, Olivia and most recently Banks.  She also raised two dogs in her spare time; Diamond who predeceased her and Bee who was still at home with her.

Mom had a great sense of humour, mixed with a hint of sarcasm that made her fun to be with.  She felt that when someone asked her a stupid question, it was her legal obligation to give a sarcastic remark.  She said that it was a life accomplishment to finally see one of her kids get married.  She also loved going to work every day.  Her career started at the Erieau Packers many years ago before taking a job at Navistar.  At 72 years of age she was still going strong at KSR in Ridgetown…a job that allowed her to support Costco and the Shopping Channel.

Mom lived a great life.  Our family will always be indebted to Janet and Wendy who made her great life even better.

We invite family and friends to gather with us at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday March 26 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m.  For those wishing to remember Mom with a memorial donation, she would have been honoured if you chose the Pet & Wildlife Rescue or the Cancer Society.

Joan Drury, a lifelong resident of Harwich Township and Blenheim passed away in Chatham on Sunday March 16, 2025.  She will be remembered with fondness by her children Leslie (Douglas) Fischer, Tim Drury and Alice Drury.  She was “Grandma Jo” to her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husband Leonard Drury in 2004 and her son Thomas Edward Drury in 1969.

Joan was born 86 years ago to the late Harvey & Catherine (Hebblethwaite) Pickering.  She is survived by her siblings Pauline Devries and Brian & Linda Pickering.  She was predeceased by Harvey & Elda Pickering, Louise & Don Sutherland, Irene & Hank Shrigley, Percy Pickering (survived by Betty Ann), Gary & Lynda Pickering and her brothers-in-law Ben Devries, Glen & Evelyn Edmonds and Harland & Jean Drury.

She was “Aunt Jo” to many nieces and nephews.

For many years, Joan worked beside Leonard on the farm.  She also delivered mail to rural households for 28 years.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m.  On Friday March 21, 2025 friends may visit the Funeral Home from 1 – 2 p.m.  After that time of visiting, a graveside service officiated by Pastor Bill Terris will be held at Evergreen Cemetery where Joan will be laid to rest with Leonard.

It is with such sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, friend and rock Jan “John” Vleeming, affectionately known to the world as ‘CHUCKLES” on Sunday March 16, 2025 at the age of 73 years.

John was born in Holland and moved to Canada at a young age.  He married his favourite person Elaine (VanSlembrouck) on November 13, 1982 and started a lifetime of memories that would span over 42 years.  He was the proud dad of Christopher Jan who was born still, Bridget (Alex Watorek), Jeremy (Kimberley Gammage) and Scotland Smale (Joel).  He was equally as proud to welcome his grandchildren Connor, Alaina, Fiona, Isla Jake and Blair.

John was one of ten children born to the late Anna & Jan Vleeming.  He is survived by his siblings Ann Poortinga (late Jan), Tom Vleeming, Henry Vleeming (Mary), Margaret Powers and Grace Price (John) and predeceased by Bill, Herb, Eddie and William.

He was man of great strength who faced any challenge in life with his head held high.  He instilled in his children the value of an honest days work as well as the importance of being present for family.  He enjoyed camping, family dinners, truck driving to several places, watching family members and local teams playing hockey, and fishing.  He will be missed by his family of fellow campers at Rondeau Shores as well as his sisters in law Linda DeGelas (John Arnold) and Karen & Garnet Stirling.  He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Janice Gardiner (survived by Doug) and Elaine’s parents Gerorgette & Bob VanSlembrouck.

Visitation for John will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.  A private graveside service will take place on Thursday.

Friends wishing to remember John with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation

Kathy Gloster (Kathryn Ann Niklas)

March 16, 1947 – March 15, 2025

Kathy, wife of Mike, for 57 years, mother of Jordynn (James Allen) and Craig; Nana of Gavin, Nathan and Simon. Daughter of the late Jack and Helen Niklas (Dunn) and survived by sisters, Pam (Bob Baksi), Nancy (Kevin Shea), brother, Jack (Irma), and many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews from the Niklas and the Gloster families

Kathy lived in Erie Beach since retiring in January, 2000, from the WECDSB where she taught and coached for over 32 years, at both the elementary and secondary level. She finished her career as a curriculum consultant, and human resource teacher dealing with human rights and social justice issues, which have always been important to her. She served on many educational and community committees dealing with gender and racial equality, bullying, homophobia, multiculturalism, and poverty issues. She was also an elected member of Windsor O.E.C.T.A. Secondary Unit, in various capacities, for over fifteen years.

She was an active volunteer and coach during her teaching career in Windsor and in retirement in Chatham Kent. She was one of the founders of the Windsor’s women’s volleyball league and W.E.C.V.A. She sang in church and school choirs since grade school, and continued to do so into retirement with church choirs and as choir director at St, Anne’s, Erieau, and music librarian for the Chatham-Kent Chorale.

She was involved in the Windsor Hospice from its inception and then the Chatham Kent Hospice in her retirement. She was also a long time volunteer at the St. Anne’s School, Breakfast Program in Blenheim, the Outreach for Hunger food  bank  in Chatham, the ON Health Coalition, Council of Canadians, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in both Windsor and Blenheim.

We are very grateful for the wonderful care given by Amanda Wilcox, Kathy’s palliative care nurse. She is a blessing.

There will be a visitation at Families First Funeral Home located at 3260 Dougall Ave. in Windsor, on Friday, March 21. The visitations will be held from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. The funeral will be held at Most Precious Blood Church (1947 Meldrum Rd.) on Saturday, March 22, at 10:30 am, with an hour of visitation prior to the funeral ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity- Canada, Chatham Kent Hospice, or Chatham Women’s Shelter.

Garry David Saunders passed peacefully on Thursday March 13, 2025 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  He was predeceased by his parents Stan & Leta, brother Dan, sister Linda and sister-in-law Geraldine.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Linda who he married in 1965.  Cherished father to Sherry of Keswick and David (Becky) of Kingsville.  Best Grandpa to his two granddaughters who he thought the world of: Hannah and Mariah (Craig) and new Great-Grandfather to Stevie.

Brother to Rick (Anne), Don (Liz), Paul (late Geri) and sister-in-law Connie.

At Garry’s request, cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered at a later date.  Donations to the new Blenheim Medical Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ would be appreciated.