Obituaries

Joseph Segeren

A photo of Joseph Segeren

Joe Segeren passed away with his family by his side on Saturday October 31, 2015. He will be missed by his loving wife Deanna (Flynn) Segeren, by his daughter Lisa & Rick English, by his sons Tim & Carolyn, Butch & Joy and Don & Stephanie Segeren, by 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.   Predeceased by is grandson Kyle.  Joe was born in Holland 78 years ago; one of 8 children to the late Bert and Anna (VanDongen) Segeren.  He is survived by his sister Toni & Leo Ouellette and by his brothers Leo & Pauline, Bert & Annie and Pete & Eunice Segeren, his sisters in law Carol and Sue Segeren and brother in law Jack Scoyne.  Predeceased by his brothers John, Willy and Robert Segeren and his sister in law Alice (Segeren) Scoyne.

Joe’s career and hobby in life can be summed up by saying that he was a farmer. He loved the land and was protective of it.  He worked tirelessly each year to plant and harvest his crops.  He lived by the motto that “where there’s a will, there’s a way” and so every day he would rise early and start fresh with the same positive attitude that seen him through some difficult times in his life.  He displayed the values of a true Christian man, devoting time to St. Mary’s Church and to the Knights of Columbus, by helping others through good deeds, by consistently being a blood donor, by loving his wife and by teaching his children the value of hard work.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Tuesday from 1:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00. Parish Prayers will be held at 6:30 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a Knights of Columbus service before the evening visitation begins.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday November 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.  Acting as pallbearers will be Brent Segeren, Braydon Segeren, Dan Stepniak, Dave Morrison, Tyler Roeszler and Aaron Frederick.  Flower Bearers will include Sheila Frederick, Nicole Roeszler, Stephanie Morrison, Sarah Stepniak, Amanda Segeren, Maddison Segeren, Paige Bertholds and Morgan Smith.

Friends wishing to remember Joe with a memorial donation are asked to consider the CKHA Palliative Care Unit, the Chatham-Kent Hospice, the Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Edna Armstrong

A photo of Edna Armstrong

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear Mother and Grandmother, Edna Marie Armstrong (nee Martin) on October 27th, 2015 at the grand age of 90.  Predeceased by her loving husband Gerald Armstrong (July, 1992).

Loving Mother of Larry (Carol) Armstrong, Wayde (Diane) Armstrong, MaryLou (Jerry) Coatsworth. Predeceased by daughter Barbara (Richard) Sharp (April, 2000).

Loving Grandmother to Lisa (Jay) Kearns, Todd (Kim) Armstrong, Scott (Tricia) Sharp, Kim (John) Kula, Melissa (Jim) Dupuis, Krystle (Dave St. Denis) Armstrong, Mandy (John Cano) Armstrong, Bob (Jenny) Coatsworth, Eric (Sonya) Coatsworth. Survived as well by 12 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great Great grandchildren.  Predeceased by one Great Grandson.

Predeceased by siblings Orville (Verlyn) Martin, Archie (Helen) Martin, Eva (Leo) Lalone, Bertha (Stan) Balsys, Rita (Joe DeMaeyer), Rose (Don) Rose, Dorothy (Ernie) Evans, Irene Smith, Laura (Charles) Deshaw. Surviving siblings Marie (Frank) Abram of Vancouver BC, Gerald (Irene) Martin of Chatham and sister in law Deloris (Mike) St. Peters.

Edna was employed at Southwestern Regional Centre for 10 years. She was a member of the Blenheim Senior Centre, the Moose Lodge in Blenheim and enjoyed bowling.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday October 31, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.  Interment in Merlin Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember Edna with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Kathy Speed

A photo of Kathy Speed

Surrounded by the love of her family, Kathleen “Kathy” Speed passed away at home on Thursday October 22, 2015 at the age of 76 years. Kathy was the daughter of the late George & Gertrude (Middleton) Tuach.  On a blind date she met a young man named Don Speed and they went to the Rondeau Pavillion for a dance and they began a life journey that would span over 55 years.  Kathy & Don became the proud parents of two children; Lori (Mike Steel) and Mike (Simone Speed) both of Blenheim.  They also became the proud grandparents of Aaron & Ashley Armstrong of Woodstock, Michelle & Will MacNaughton of Cambridge, Brittany Speed & her friend Bryan of Corner Brook NL and Pte. Mathew Speed & his friend Shae of Edmonton AB.  They are also the very proud great grandparents of Olivia and Gwen Armstrong.  Kathy is survived by her sister Patricia & Ron Durfy of Kent Bridge, her sister in law Evelyn Speed (late Bob) of Ridgetown and Mary Lou Speed (late Bill) of Aylmer.  Predeceased by her brother Don Tuach (survived by Linda Smith) and brothers in law and sisters in law Helen & Jack McDonald and Vernon & Jane Speed.  She will be fondly remembered by her cousin Cathy Bernhardt & Dean of Illinois and by her niece Deanna Roberts (Greg) of Mississauga.  Kathy was a long time employee of CIBC where she also spent twelve years travelling through Ontario promoting Chargex (Visa).  She also worked for the Kent County School Board and Mallory’s in Blenheim.  Family and gathered at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Sunday.  A Funeral Service for Kathy was held at the Funeral Home on Monday October 26, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. David Fuller officiating.  Interment in Pardoville Cemetery.  Acting as pallbearers were Mathew Speed, Aaron Armstrong, Will MacNaughton, Gary Speed, Donnie Tuach and Pete Muller.  Friends wishing to remember Kathy with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association.

Charles Legue

A photo of Charles Legue

Charles Legue passed away at his home in Chatham at the age of 68 years. Charles was the son of the late Orville and Doris (Carson) Legue.  He is survived by his only sister Michelle Legue &  Paul Ward, his nephew Zachary & Amber and by his Aunt Carol.  Predeceased by his brother Larry Legue as well as several Aunts and Uncles.  Friends will remember Charles from his working days at Strings ‘N Things in Chatham where he enjoyed working with electronics.  In keeping with Charles’ wishes, cremation has taken place.  A Funeral Service was held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday October 21, 2015.  Private family interment in Maple Leaf Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember Charles with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Salvation Army.

Mary Nooyen

A photo of Mary Nooyen

Mary Nooyen, beloved wife of Marius passed away on Friday October 9, 2015 with her family by her side. Born in Holland 82 years ago, Mary came to Canada where she met and married Marius beginning a life that would span over 56 years.  Together they raised four children; Gary Nooyen (Tammy) of Blenheim,  Erick Nooyen (Jill) of Rondeau, Kellie Gillier (Tim) of Kent Bridge and Marietta DeLaet (Ken) of Blenheim.  They were also blessed with five grandchildren who she loved very much; Dalton Nooyen, McKenna Nooyen, Bayley Gillier, Caden Gillier and Sydney Gillier.  Mary is also survived by her brothers Tony Kerkhof (Josephine) of California and Harry Kerkhof (Bernadette) of Wallaceburg as well as her sisters in law Bertha Kerkhof and Nellie Kerkhof.  She was predeceased in life by her sisters Berta and Dina, and by her brothers Albert, Joe, Theo and Frank (Eda).  In her life, Mary was a dedicated wife and mother.  She placed her family first, taught her children well and enjoyed watching her grandkids playing sports and other activities.  She enjoyed gardening, took care of animals (especially her cat Kia) and was an avid fan of the South Buxton races, the Chatham Maroons and the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visiting on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Mass for Mary will be held in St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember Mary with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Larry Burke

A photo of Larry Burke

Larry Burke, forever loved husband of Linda (Tanguay) Burke passed away on Friday October 9, 2015 at the age of 61. Larry was the proud father of two sons; Greg Burke & Lori Broad of Courtwright and Geoff & Angela Burke of Highgate.  He was an especially proud Grandpa of Spencer, Mackenzie, Emily, Lindsey, Maddie, Lindsay and Shayna.  He will be remembered with great fondness by his mother Marjorie Burke and his sister Diane Pinsonneault.  Predeceased by his father Douglas Burke and his brother Bruce Burke.

Larry was an avid car guy; his most recent acquisition being a red 1968 Camaro SS. He and Linda went on cruises in that Camaro with the Independent Car Cruisers and attended car shows, the most recent being the shows at Canadian Tire and Westside this summer.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting.  He especially loved taking the grandkids fishing.

Friends and family gathered at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday for visitation. Friends wishing to remember Larry with a memorial donation are asked to consider supporting research for Thoracic Cancer.

Keira Sauve

A photo of Keira Sauve

With very broken hearts Mike & Connie Sauvé announce the passing of their sweet princess Keira. She went very peacefully with Mom and Dad by her side on Sunday September 27, 2015.  She will be forever missed by her siblings Ethan and Lacey.  Grandparents Charlie & Barb Cowell and Norm & Cathy Sauvé will always cherish the precious times they had with her.  Fond memories will be kept close to the hearts of Uncle Steve, Aunt Kelly, Katelyn, Logan, Uncle, Charlie, Aunt Jen, Ryder, Aunt Tara, Uncle Jay, Lucas and Lincoln.

Keira was an amazing little girl, who in her way too short of a lifetime touched many people with her beautiful smile and sparkly blue eyes. Keira loved camping, and having her Prangley Pals always made our camping trips perfect.  She will always be the shiniest star in the sky.  So many friends and family will miss her beautiful smile and infectious giggle.  She is at comfort and peace now with no more challenges.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday for visitation from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Keira will be held in Glad Tidings Community Church on Thursday October 1, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Eric Skillings officiating.  Friends wishing to remember Keira with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Acceptional Riders Program at TJ Stables or the Ronald McDonald House in London.

David Roe

A photo of David Roe

David William Roe of Ridgetown passed away on Thursday September 24, 2015 at the age of 77 years. He is survived by his wife Margaret (Sisson), daughter Leslie (Knight), Son in Law Greg (Knight) and Grandchildren Mitchell, Keegan and Kylie. Predeceased by his parents Rose and Reuben Roe and 3 brothers James, Charles and Peter Roe.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday September 28th for visitation from 7 – 9 p.m.  A Legion Service will be held at 6:45 before the visitation.  A Funeral Service conducted by Legion Padre Bill Terris will take place at the Funeral Home on Tuesday September 29, 2015 at noon.  Interment in Watford Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember David with a memorial donation are asked to consider the charity of your choice.

Rita McEachran

A photo of Rita McEachran

Rita McEachran of Blenheim passed away on Thursday September 24, 2015 at the age of 92 years. Rita was one of eleven children born to Ovila & Julia (Matte) Pilotte and was the last surviving member of her family.  She was predeceased by her sisters Erma Couture, Marie Burger, Raie Houle, Leslie Hughes, Cecile Revoir, Joanne Burger, Delores Tetreault, Rose Porter and Ann St. Pierre and by her brother Oscar Pilotte.  Rita was a woman of courage and determination who appreciated the value of hard work and maybe even more, the value of family.  She raised seven children on her own while working two jobs to make sure that they had what they needed.  She was very proud of her children Carol Armstrong (Larry) of Chatham, Glenda McEachran of Blenheim, Allen McEachran (Kathy), Glen McEachran (Debbie) and Michael McEachran (Barb Hassen) all of Chatham as well as Richard McEachran and Danny McEachran who predeceased her.  She was blessed with 9 grandchildren; Todd Armstrong (Kim), Lisa Kearns (Jason), Richard McEachran (Erika), Ryan McEachran (Emma), Nicole Bradley (Ian), Candace Pook (Jason), Michele Henderson ( Dan Haskell), Melanie Groot and Kimberly VanHaren (Rob Young) as well as 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.  She was a special Aunt to many nieces and nephews.  In keeping with the thing that Rita loved most in life, her funeral service will be quietly spent with her family.  Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements.  Friends wishing to remember Rita with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Vera Crombez

A photo of Vera Crombez

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of our mother Vera Jean Crombez (1927 – 2015). She was predeceased by her husband Michel G Crombez Sr. (2005) and is survived by the other loves of her life, her children: her daughter Glenda (Don Staddon) of North York and her son Mike Crombez Jr. (Anne Bryant) of Charing Cross. Vera was blessed to have 6 grandchildren that were so special to her heart. Jim (Jenn), Ryan, Andrea (Jason), Sara, Mike (Claire) and Celeste (Scott). She also had 6 great grandchildren. Hunter, Ben, Iva, Lauren, Michela, and Kherington.  Vera was the only daughter of her father Charles and mother Alice (Giggi) Campbell and only sister to predeceased brothers Mel (Vi) Campbell (Orillia) and Earl (Helen) Campbell (Hamilton). Vera loved all her nieces and nephews of the “Campbell Clan”. Extra special to her was her Campbell Nieces; Shirley (Hamilton); Vera (Grimsby) and Helen (Windsor) along with all of the Campbell nieces and nephews as well as chosen daughter Candy Schmidt (Texas).  She was also a special aunt to many surviving Crombez family nieces and nephews. Special in her heart as well were all her lifelong friends and neighbours who like the rest of us enjoyed mom’s quick wit and laughter and shared a lifetime of memories for all to cherish forever.

A Celebration of Mom’s life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday September 27, 2015 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. An Open House will be held at the home of Glenda and Don Staddon, 275 Newton Drive, North York (Bayview and Steels) on Sunday October 4, 2015 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Those who knew Mom would understand that she would have appreciated donations to the O.S.P.C.A. in lieu of flowers.