Michelle Louise Simpson passed away on Sunday September 28, 2008 at the age of 43 years. Michelle is survived by her daughter Tonya Wright of Chatham, by her mother Linda & Ken Nealey of Blenheim and by her father Arnold DeLong of London. She is also survived by her siblings Michael DeLong & Kelly, Chrissandra Nealey & Dave, Kenneth Nealey Jr, Kelly Nealey & Dave, Kim Nealey & Kevin, Cathy Lamont, Karen Lamont & James, Arnold DeLong, Rena DeLong, Dawn DeLong & Mike, Carrie Maloney & Mike as well as several nieces and nephews. In keeping with Michelle’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday October 3, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Friends wishing to honour Michelle’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Lung Association or the O.S.P.C.A.

Surrounded by his loving family, Nicholas Johannes Hewko passed away at home on Wednesday September 17, 2008 following a brief journey with cancer. Nick was born in Belgium 61 years ago. He married his wife Nadia (Lykow) in 1967 and together they raised their sons Paul & Sandi with their daughter Sara of Mississauga and Geoff & Michelle of Oakville. Nick is survived by his father John Hewko and his companion Luba Royko of Toronto, by his sister Annie & Samaran Sing with their children Eric & A.J. of Charleston, South Carolina and his sister Irene Hewko of Toronto. Nick’s family will receive friends at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday September 19, 2008 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday September 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Ouvry Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Nick’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Oncology Department.

Marlene Hagan of Blenheim passed away on Saturday September 13, 2008 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Marlene was born in Leamington to her late parents, Ray and Susan (Langlois) Simpson 63 years ago. She married her husband Bill Hagan in 1967 and together they raised their sons Patrick Ian Hagan & Maureen of Chatham and Robin Andrew Hagan & Sherri of Hanover. Marlene’s most precious gifts in life were her grandchildren Taryn, Aislyn, Kailyn and Caleb; to her they were number one. Marlene is survived by her sisters Carolyn & Ron Queale of Maidstone, Luanne & Dale Nash of Leamington and Sandra & Mark Whittle of Leamington, by her brothers Ray Simpson of Leamington, Bill & Judi Simpson of Calgary, Al & Rosita Simpson of Leamington, Michael Simpson of Leamington and Mark Simpson also of Leamington. Marlene will be remembered through her many years as a Dental Receptionist for Dr. Allingham in Blenheim as well as her involvement in the Blenheim Historical Society. Her favourite past times included photography, finding and refinishing antiques and of course her faithful feline companion “Cosmo”. Marlene’s family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday September 16, 2008 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Wednesday September 17, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Pardoville Union Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to honour Marlene’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the “Myles’ Miracle Mission”.

Stanley Gabriel Stefina passed away on Thursday September 4, 2008. Born to his late parents Andrew & Anny (Gazo) Stefina 69 years ago, Stan had many interests in life but family always ranked number one. He is survived by his daughters Denise Stefina of Chatham and Karen (Leslie) McQuarrie of Blenheim and by his sons Rob (Gina) Stefina of Windsor and Brandon Stefina of Blenheim. He was predeceased by his daughter Stephanie. Stan is the proud Grandpa of Tyler McQuarrie, and Bianca, Sophia and Brandon Stefina. Stan got much pleasure in life by helping his sisters Annie Janicek of Alvinston and Mary (Karl) Pirhalla of Blenheim. He was the last surviving brother of the family having been predeceased by Joe, Frank, Andy and Steve. He is survived by his sisters in law Delores Stefina, Jean Stefina, Sylvia Stefina and Mary Anne Stefina. Stan retired as a Maintenance Worker at Motor Wheel in Chatham. He was also a good farmer. Stan loved to work the land. He loved to listen to the Prairie Farm Report on Sunday. He loved to go crop touring in his “pickemup truck”. And at the end of the day when his work was done, he loved to fish. The Stefina family invite friends to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday September 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. for a time to share their memories and stories of Stan. Cremation will follow. Those wishing to honour Stan’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital ICU Department, the Victoria Hospital Critical Care Trauma Centre or Ducks Unlimited.

Jayne Margaret (Gonyou) Stuart passed away at the Leamington Mennonite Long Term Care Facility on Tuesday September 2, 2008. Jayne was born 78 years ago and is predeceased by her parents Sarah (McNeil) and Lyall Gonyou. Predeceased by her husband Robert Henry Stuart (1991), Jayne is survived by her children Brenda Tetley and her husband Tony of Windsor, Karen Danchuk and her husband Ken of Windsor, Robert Stuart and his wife Karen of Cottam, Todd Stuart of Windsor and Brian Stuart and his wife Debbie of Kingsville. Missing their grandmother are Kelly, Chris, Heather, April, Tina, Kurtis, Shauwn and Kyle. Jayne was blessed to have great grandchildren including Alyssa, Drew, Akeara, Bailey, Dillon, Chloe, Cameron, Wyatt and Cooper. She is also survived by her brother Bill Gonyou and his wife Louisa as well as by her sisters-in-law Barb Gonyou and Mildred Gonyou. In addition to her husband, Jayne is predeceased by her grandson Robert (1998) a sister Lois Parent and by brothers Clare Gonyou and Jack Gonyou. A Memorial Service celebrating Jayne’s life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim on Saturday September 6, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., with Captain(s) Neil and Dolores Abbott of the Salvation Army Church officiating. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim following a reception at the Blenheim Masonic Lodge. Friends wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Jayne are asked to consider a charity of choice or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Allen Ray Greenway of Morpeth passed away on Monday August 25, 2008. Allen was born 68 years ago to his late parents Jennie (Walters) and Harold Greenway. Together, Allen and his wife Mary Ellen (Eskritt) have owned and operated Greenview Aviaries in Morpeth for many years. They also raised their family Wayne & Cindy Daly of Ridgetown, Ken Daly & Gwen of Palmyra, Brian & Sue Daly of Ridgetown, Allen & Brigetta Daly of Victoria, B.C., Darlene & Alex Miller of Thamesville and Scott & Teri Daly of Ridgetown. Allen is survived by his sister Cathie Wright of Blenheim, by 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Wayne Pasco Goodwin passed away peacefully with his family at his side at Meadow Park Nursing Home, Chatham on Tuesday August 19, 2008. Wayne was born 78 years ago in Harwich Township to his parents Alma (Buckler) and Sidney Goodwin.Surviving is his loving wife of 52 years Donna (Shepley) Goodwin of Chatham and formerly of Blenheim. Wayne is also survived by his two children, Cheryl Oosterhoff of Chatham and Mike Goodwin and his wife Krista, also of Chatham. Missing their grandfather are Joel, Saul, Madison, Aaron, Kaela and Kendra. Surviving are his sisters Audrey Jackson of Chatham and Marge Drennan and her husband Charlie of Corunna as well a sister-in-law Doris Goodwin of Blenheim. Wayne has one surviving brother Ray Goodwin and his wife Marie of London and he is predeceased by his brother Lorne in 1999. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Until his illness, Wayne was an active member and supporter of the Masonic Lodge, Kent Lodge #274 Blenheim.

Donna Louise Collins (Nee McEachran), on Thursday, August 14, 2008, after suffering from a short illness, peacefully surrendered into God’s hands. Donna had been hospitalized at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Sydenham Campus, for the past several months. Donna was born and raised in Mull, ON and later resided in Sparta, Chatham and ended up in Blenheim. She is predeceased by parents Sadie & Austin McEachran and a brother Carl McEachran. She is survived by her sisters Nancy and Joyce as well as a brother Ralph. She will be most sadly missed by her husband of 40 years, James Collins and loving children, Renee & Jean, Jerry & Jo Ann, Joni, David & Paula, Tami & Shaun, Sandy & Brian, Charlene & Joe, Jamie & June, Eileen & John, Jim & Shelly, Bonnie, Jami, and Lori. She was a loving Grandma to Sadie & Mack, Stephanie, Jeremy & Mack, Sara-Beth, Joy-Lynn, Caress & Eryn, Holly & Chad, Melanie & Brian, Andrew, Christopher & Evan, Peter & Paul. She was also blessed with great grandchildren.

Frances Jean Snobelen, born Jan. 4, 1922 last surviving member of the family of Edith and Alonzo Thomas. Her family lived for a time on a small farm in the Kent Bridge area and later on the plot now occupied by the No-Frills grocery on Queen Street. Mom attended CCI in Chatham, taking mainly “business” courses. At a young age, Mom married Jack Goddard of Taylor Ave., Chatham. Jack shipped off to war shortly after the birth of their son Terry, born December 1, 1941. During the war, Mom worked at different jobs in Toronto and Chatham for a time mostly at war-related factory work, including a hand grenade factory. A member of the First Hussars as tank driver, Jack’s tank hit a land mine a few days after D Day, leaving Mom widowed with a young son.

Introduced through mutual friends, this attractive lady caught the eye of a single farmer from Blenheim, and she eventually married Morley Roy Snobelen. The three farmed on Erieau Road and eventually three more children came along. In 1962, Mom and Dad, and the three youngest moved to 100 Victoria Street Thamesville. Mom went to work at McDonalds Restaurant, in Thamesville, and later Fetters Restaurant, working the 6am shift for many years. Later Mom and Dad retired to the “Bush Nest” they built in the woodlot on the back of the family farm on Erieau Road. A few years back, Mom and Dad moved to an addition to the brick house on the front of the farm, so they could maintain their independence, but be close to their three youngest grandchildren. We remember the speed at which Mom would work, her resolve to tackle anything, and the fact that she seldom complained. We also remember her love of music and dancing. She will be missed by all of her surviving family, husband Morley, daughter Lou Ann, sons Terry and wife, Sherrell, Garnet and wife, Gayle, Albert, grandchildren Terry Lynn, Bob, Sam, Kelly, Erie, Susan and great-grandchildren Amanda, Jessica, Shayna, Jami, and Allison.

Paul MacDonald passed away on Sunday April 13, 2008. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Joan (Duffy) and their three sons Eric, Tyler & his fiancée Julie Walker and Ryan.

Paul was born 52 years ago to his late parents George and Glenna MacDonald. He was the youngest of his brothers and sisters and their spouses; Joan & Mel Goddard of Fenelon Falls, George & Charlotte MacDonald of Blenheim, Sandy Rehill of Erieau, John & Marianne MacDonald of Woodstock, Cathy & Clayt Wheeler of Erieau, Patti MacDonald of Erieau and Roger MacDonald of Blenheim. Paul is also survived by his second family Geraldine Duffy, Ronna & Reg Everitt, Colleen & Barry Dickson, all of Chatham and Michael & Deb Duffy of Oklahoma, as well as several aunts & uncles, nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews. He is predeceased by his father-in-law Ronald Edward Duffy and by his brother-in-law Bob Rehill.

Paul was an Erieau son. Family and his friends were the most important part of his life. If you ever needed a person to talk to, he was there for you, encouraging you all the way. Throughout his cancer journey, Paul’s family and friends were a constant support and encouragement…it was time to help him. When the house was full of people, he was happy. He showed us all how it could be done. Paul loved lighthouses. For him, lighthouses showed a constant point of reference to safe harbours in a storm, a symbol of hope, safety and comfort. It was a symbol he used to in his journey with cancer.

Paul would love to put on his favourite music and go for a cruise; a path that would lead him to places by the water…Morpeth, Shrewsbury and finally to his favourite Erieau. There are many highlights in Paul’s life: his marriage to Joan; the birth of his sons; the addition of Julie to his family; his brothers and sisters and their families; spending time with “the boys”; having his 50^th birthday announced by George Stroumboulopoulos on the national television show “The Hour”; his work and the condition of the Blenheim District High School where he was the custodian; family reunions; fish fry’s and sitting on the front porch watching his world.