On the pleasant day of January 7^th, 2016 a sweet spirit left us for the heavenly realms of God, for on that day Laurie Krause died from a sudden heart attack.  She was sixty three years old.

All who met Laurie considered her to be a loving, hospitable, Christian woman. Quilting and cross stitching were her delights.  Her husband Don’s careers (Canadian Forces and pastoral ministry) caused the Krause’s to live in more than twenty different places.  Laurie had a lot of courage to move from the familiar to the unknown so often.

Laurie was a good gift from God. She was admired and loved and she loved her family – Nathan (Miranda) of Dartmouth, Benjamin (Julecia) of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Jonathan of Edmonton and Adam (Shannon) of Oromocto, grandsons Jack and Owen, and two brothers David and Robert (Laurie) Black.

Out of sight but not out of our heart.

At her request, Laurie has been cremated. Visitation will be at the Blenheim Baptist Church from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Friday January 15^th followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m.  Reception to follow in the church hall. Donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders.

Sean Brendan Lacey passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 6, 2016 at the age of 91 years. Sean was born in Ireland and immigrated to Canada with his wife Christina who predeceased him in 1982 and their daughter Sandra who now lives in Paris, France with her husband Andre Keller and their sons Bryan, Sean and Aidan.  In 1986 Sean married Edie (Helass) Lacey and his family grew to include Edie’s daughter Iris Keating (Jim Knowles) as well as her grandsons Jason & Tara McKinnon and Ryan McKinnon and great grandsons Lucas and Lincoln.  Sean and Edie moved to the Blenheim area to be close to their family here.

Sean was a Micro-system Manager for CNCP in Toronto until his retirement. Sean loved his politics, was a news addict, an avid reader and enjoyed writing articles of his thoughts. He also enjoyed his Irish music and was always ready to dance.

Many thanks go out to the staff of the Blenheim Community Nursing Home for their loving and joyful care of Sean and to Dr. Martha Clendenning.

A Funeral Mass for Sean will be held in St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday January 12, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will take place at Assumption Cemetery in Mississauga.  Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.  Friends wishing to remember Sean with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Lion’s Club or the Alzheimer Society.

Anna May Roszell (nee Heaton) of St. Andrew’s Residence, Chatham passed away on December 28, 2015 in her 96^th year.  Ann is survived by her children Roberta Mallory (George), Rebecca Jones (Gary), Robert (Donna), by her grandchildren Matthew & Lisa, Aaron & Jess, Amanda & Casey, Lucas & Deberah, Darcy and Bronwyn, and her great-grandchildren Nolan, Abigail, Cody, Emily, Graham and Savanah.  Beloved sister to Inez Broadwell, sister-in-law to Ann Heaton.  Predeceased by siblings Esther, David, Isabel, Forrest, Faye, Audrey, Florence and Arthur.

Born at Kingsville, Ann trained and nursed at the Chatham General Hospital during the war years and met returning pilot William with whom she enjoyed 38 years of marriage. She devoted her life to her family and was active in the community of Jeannette’s Creek, Darrell S. Moffat United Church and numerous sporting and social activities.  All friends and neighbours at St. Andrew’s Residence, Jeannette’s Creek and Tilbury will be pleased to know that our mother remained active until her death.

Following cremation, a memorial service and interment will be announced at a later date. Special thanks to all of the staff at St. Andrew’s Residence for the many years of loving care she received.  Donations in memory of Ann will be accepted by Tilbury Maple Leaf Cemetery.  Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements.

Alvin Frederick “Al” Weiberg

October 23, 1949 – December 28, 2015

The family of Al Weiberg announces with tremendous sadness and shock the loss of a truly amazing man who has left us too soon. Al will be greatly missed by his wife and life partner of 43 years, Marion Victoria (Hern) Weiberg, his children Mark (Judy) Weiberg, Mike (Isabelle) Weiberg and Victoria Weiberg-Burson (Chris), his grandchildren Cody, Dean, Alexandra, Miley, Rachel, Shelby, Geanna and Melissa and 5 great grandchildren and a large extended family.

Al is the son of Lorne Weiberg (Marie) and the late Mary Maxine Weiberg. He is survived by his sisters Phyllis (Fred) Mommersteg, Mildred Northcott, Wilma Telford and Sandra (Gary) Fischer, his sister in law Anna Mollard as well as many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his sister-in-law Helen Hern-Lobby.

Al & Marion have been the owners of Al-Mar Home Improvements for the past 23 years. Al loved his profession and took great pride in the business.  He was a member of the Blenheim Legion, the Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association, the Canadian Kennel Club and the American Quarter Horse Association.  What he loved most in life was the time he was able to spend with his children and grandchildren.  A true gentleman, a master of ceremonies, the most amazing man, husband, father and grandfather.  He is and forever will be the strongest and best man to touch our hearts.

Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday December 31, 2015 for visitation from 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Bruce Cook will take place at 2:30 p.m.  Cremation will follow with a private family interment to be held at a later date.  Those wishing to remember Al with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Pet and Wildlife Rescue “PAWR” in Dresden.

Arlette Vermeersch of Rondeau Bay Estates passed away peacefully and loved on Monday December 28, 2015. She was 89 years young.  Arlette was born in St. Andres, Belgium to the late Alphonse & Valentine Bassens on March 2, 1926 and emigrated to Canada in 1932.  She was raised in a time when hard work was the norm, a time when families had to bond together and make it through tough times.  Being raised in the depression sometimes brought out more of the best than it did the worst in people and Arlette was no exception.  She worked hard for and appreciated everything that she earned in life and was ready and willing to help those in need.  Following the death of Arlette’s husband Robert in 1975, their daughters Patti Vermeersch and Shelley (Mike) VanOverloop became her biggest supporters and her number one fans.  And despite the constant offers to help their mother, Arlette strongly and faithfully maintained her independence until her recent illness.  She adored her grandchildren Alecia & Josh Butzer and Nathan & Kim VanOverloop and her great grandchildren Levi and Jovie Butzer.  Her heart was broken when her grandson Matthew McTaggart and great-granddaughter Yvie Butzer passed away.  Arlette was predeceased by her only sister Doreen Van Vaerenberghe.  She is survived by her brother-in-law Floren Van Vaerenberghe of Wallaceburg and by many friends and neighbours.  In 1980 Arlette and Roy Brice began a life together that would span over 33 years.  Her family grew to include Roger & Edith Brice and Sandra Brice as well as their children Ali Brice and Callum Brice.  Arlette and Roy spent summers working on the farm and growing some of the best radishes in Erieau and in the winters they enjoyed camping in Big Pine Key, Florida.  Roy passed away in September, 2013.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 1, 2016 where visitation will be held from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Arlette will be held in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday January 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.  Cremation to follow with a private family interment at a later date.  Friends wishing to remember Arlette with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Chatham Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).

Surrounded by his loving family, Murray Handy passed away on Wednesday December 23, 2015 in his 89^th year.  Born March 2, 1927 in Bounty Saskatchewan, Murray married the love of his life, Eva (Loveday) on February 8, 1947 and began a journey together that would span almost 69 years.  They are the proud parents of Carol and her husband David Nagle of Chatham, Jim and his wife Kathy of Blenheim and Brenda Jean Handy who passed away in 1967.  Their lives together became even better with their grandchildren Jason, Cheri, Matt and Amanda and their great-grandchildren Jessica, Carter, Orionna, Taccoa, Eastonn, Kaydence and Emelia.  Murray is survived by his sister Marion Trudgen and was predeceased by his sister Zelma Smith and his brothers Keith, Clare and Jack Handy.  He is the brother in law of Jean & Allan Downie, Donald & Carol Loveday and Kenneth Loveday.  He will be missed by his extended family and friends.

Murray and his brother Jack started Handy Brothers in 1959 and he worked there until his retirement in 1990 when he and Eva enjoyed travelling with their wonderful friends. Murray enjoyed both old time and modern square dancing with Eva for many years.  He also liked to polka and waltz.  Once a week he would visit the nursing home and entertain folks with his accordion and harmonica.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday December 28, 2015 where visitation will take place from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. Cremation to follow.

Friends wishing to remember Murray with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim United Church or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Mary Seney 75, of Raleigh Township passed December 23^rd at the Chatham – Kent Health Alliance surrounded by loved ones. Mary was born October, 30^th, 1940 in Chatham. She is predeceased by her parents Rose (O’Hara) & John McGivern. Mary was married to her one true love Neil Seney for 53 ¾ years.  She was the best mom to her three children; Sally & Lloyd Thompson, Patti & Jake Nauta and Ben & Tara Seney. She was a grandma to 6 grandchildren; Beth & Darcy Myles, Katie Thompson & Shawn VanBemmel, Ty Seney, Elysha “Meesha” Seney, Alex Nauta and Nathan Nauta. Mary was the oldest of 9 McGivern children. She is survived by her brothers Pat & Leona McGivern, Mike & Rita McGivern, Francis & Laura McGivern and John McGivern, her sisters Rose & John Johnson, Theresa & Mike McDonald, Bernadette & Brent Moor and by her sisters in law Rita McGivern (late Hugh) and Ada & Bill English. Mary loved God, she loved her husband and she loved her family.

Visitation will be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home Sunday, December 27^th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9pm.  A Funeral Service for Mary will be held on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 1:00 pm in the Charing Cross United Church.  Friends wishing to remember Mary with a memorial donation are asked to consider Teen Challenge in London or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Terry Seguin of Dealtown passed away on Sunday December 20, 2015 at the age of 76 years. He will be forever loved by his wife Lynda Baetsen and their family Gary & Kristi Baetsen of St. Michael, Minnesota and their children Jacob and Ella, Tom & Lisa Baetsen of Cambridge and their children Ashley, Tyler, Amber, William, Natalie and Jaedyn (predeceased by Jacqueline Baetsen).  Terry was one of six children born to the late Lucille & Gilbert Seguin; Ronald & Elaine Seguin of Comber, Andrew & Joyce Seguin of Amherstburg, Judy & Jerry Rogowski of Georgetown, Kentucky, the late Lyle & Beatrice Seguin and the late Douglas & Joan Seguin.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  Terry was a retiree of Southwestern Regional Centre and an avid fisherman.  He will be remembered fondly by his best friends John Brooks & Diana Brazil.  In keeping with Terry’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A private family service will be held when Terry’s urn will be interred in Pardoville-Union Cemetery.

Shirley Ann Gardiner of Windsor passed away on Saturday December 19, 2015. One of three children born to her late parents Bertha & Warren Gardiner, Shirley is survived by her brother Ken Gardiner & Jackie DeWispelaere of Blenheim and was predeceased by her older sister Judy DeMaeyer.  She will be remembered with great fondness by her niece Jen & Rick Dulisch, her nephews Mickey & Cheryl Gardiner and Michael & Terry Gardiner, by her great nieces and nephews Allan, Kyle, Bowdie, Kristen and Alex Gardiner, Abbie and Rhys Dulisch as well as her great-great niece Lauren.  Shirley was raised on the family farm outside of Blenheim.  After graduating from Blenheim District High School, she took a job at Forsyth Travel Bureau and Thompsons in Blenheim.  Following that she worked at the CKLW television station in Windsor before becoming the  Executive Assistant to the Manager of Ford (Essex plant).  She was a family oriented person whose work ethics and precision were second to none.  In her quiet times she enjoyed being at home and spending time with her cat, affectionately known as “Mr T”.  Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Shirley will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday December 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr.Mariaraj Irudayam of St. Mary’s Church officiating.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember Shirley with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

Terry Graves of Chatham, best friend of John Robinson, passed away at home on Tuesday December 15, 2015 at the age of 60 years. Born in Chatham to the late George and Marie Graves, Terry was raised in Ridgetown.  She was predeceased by her only son Stefano Graves in 2012 and by her sister Betty Ure.  She is survived by her brother Gerald Graves, her aunts and uncles Madeline Bateman, Nora Graves, Joyce Campbell, Ruth Graves, Junne & Bill Jenkins and Ron & Jan Graves as well as several cousins.  Predeceased by her aunts and uncles Gladys & George Shoemaker, Dorothy Graves Wally Bateman, Audrey & Garnet Smith, Ken Graves, Don Campbell and Fred Graves.

Terry was an independent spirit. After living in Ridgetown her residences included Toronto, Mexico, Vancouver and Windsor before settling in Chatham.  She had many friends who have walked beside her in her journeys, especially John who has been her rock for the last 20 years.

Cremation has taken place. Friends and family gathered at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday December 18, 2015 for a time of visitation followed by a Memorial Service with Rev. David Fuller officiating.  Friends wishing to remember Terry with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.