Obituaries

Betty Jean Smith

A photo of Betty Jean Smith

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday October 15, 2014
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday October 14, 2014
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Betty Jean Smith (nee Hill) passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance surrounded by her family on October 12, 2014 at the age of 85. She is predeceased by her parents John and Alice Hill, husbands John Sebben and Maxwell Smith and by her son Patrick Smith. She is survived by her children Gwen Snobelen (Dave), Sharron Panchoo (Alex) and Mike Smith (Kelly) all of Blenheim, by her grandchildren Kim DeMeester (Aaron), Stacey Snobelen (Jason), Melissa Clayton (Ben), Jamie, Shawn, Andrew and Adam, by her great-grandchildren Alex, James, Mason, Brooke, McKenna, Paige, Emily and Leland as well as several nieces and nephews. Betty Jean was the youngest of eight children and was the last surviving member of her family. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Bill Terris will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday October 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Pardoville Cemetery. If you wish, donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Janice Gardiner

A photo of Janice Gardiner

Service:

Private

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday October 10, 2014
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Janice Mary Gardiner (VanSlembrouck)

It is with deepest sadness that Jennifer, Jessica and Doug announce the passing of their mother and wife Janice. Jan was gently and quietly handed back to the loving arms of her mother and father (Georgette and Bob VanSlembrouck) in heaven on October 8, 2014 surrounded by her family. Janice will always be remembered for her steadfast dedication to her dearest loves in life, her daughters and loving husband. She spent her entire life caring for and nurturing her family, especially her two girls. She was always there unselfishly for her husband no matter the job from cleaning a days catch of perch to bringing in the docks at the end of the season. Jan was an avid outdoors person who loved to swim, boat, fish and camp with the family. Frogging, catching snakes and other creatures with the kids were also known to be among her outdoor adventures. Janice will be sadly missed by her sisters and best friends Linda (John Arnold), Karen (Francis Sterling) and Elaine (John Vleeming) who she loved with her whole heart. These wonderful sisters worked tirelessly throughout Janice’s illness to ensure the best quality of life was present at all times. Janice is also survived by a very proud and dedicated mother-in-law Sandra Gardiner (late Robert Gardiner) who was always there among the sisters lending a loving hand and support. Janice will be fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Leanne Reid (Dennis), Brett Stothart (Jennifer) and many special nieces and nephews who always made her smile. Janice wished to give her heartfelt thanks to all those who worked so hard to make things better during a very difficult time. A very special thanks to: Rev. David Fuller, Archdeacon Paul Millward, Brett Stothart, Cancer Drivers, Dawn, Pam, Sarah, Bridget, the nurses from Bayshore and Nurses of the Palliative Care Unit at CKHA, especially Danielle Cogghe. In remembrance of Janice, donations to the Cancer Society or St. Paul’s Anglican Church elevator fund would be appreciated. Friends will be received for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday October 10, 2014 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. A private family graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday.

Bradley McIlroy

A photo of Bradley McIlroy

Service:

Private

Visitation:

Private

Bradley Stuart McIlroy of Toronto and formerly of Erie Beach passed away at the age of 51 years. Brad is the son of John and Cathy McIlroy and the late Barbara Ann (Grady) McIlroy. He is survived by his siblings Kevin & Marilyn McIlroy of Tilbury and their children Ashley and Matthew, Catherine McIlroy of Blenheim and her daughter Heather, Jaime McIlroy of London and her son Anthony and by Dayna Gulyas of Leamington. Brad was a student of Blenheim District High School, an avid hunter and fisherman and a friend to many. Cremation to take place. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Craford Cemetery when Brad’s urn will be interred with his Mom. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements.

Peggy McIntyre

A photo of Peggy McIntyre

Service:

Blenheim Baptist Church
Saturday November 1, 2014
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Baptist Church
Saturday November 1, 2014
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Marguerite “Peggy” McIntyre, a resident of Blenheim died peacefully at her farm on October 4, 2014 at the age of 96. Born in Blenheim, daughter of Ted Elsham and Kathryn Smedley. Beloved wife of the late George Mark McIntyre (1979). She is survived by her two daughters, Dixie McIntyre and Saundra Zajdlik (John), five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, six great great grandchildren and her sister Jeanne Fitz Patrick as well as several nieces and nephews. Peggy’s wish of donating her body to science has been fulfilled.
A Memorial Service conducted by Rev. Bill Terris will be held at the Blenheim Baptist Church on Saturday November 1, 2014 where visitation will take place from 10:00 – 11:00 followed immediately by the service. Donations in memory of Peggy to the Chatham-Kent Mental Health Services TNT Program or a charity of choice would be appreciated. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Janet Scott

A photo of Janet Scott

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday October 12, 2014
2:00 p.m.

Visitation:

A Luncheon will follow the Memorial Service

Janet Patricia Scott of Ridgetown passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday September 30, 2014 as a result of complications of Kidney Failure. Janet was born on September 26, 1951 in Chatham to Arthur James Scott (1997) and Nancy (Boyd) Scott (1990) of Ridgetown. She is survived by her brother William B. Scott (Ruth) of Blenheim and by her sister Heather Gaze (David) of Kelowna, B.C.

Janet was educated at Ridgetown Public School and Ridgetown District High School. She attended Western University in London Ontario. She graduated from Western with a B.A. English and obtained a Masters of Library Science. After graduation she found employment as a School Librarian at the G.R. Davis Elementary School in Fort McLeod, Alberta. Janet made many friends in Fort McLeod and influenced many students with her love of books, her cupcake treats and Garfield cakes. She returned to Ridgetown in 1998 and found employment with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent first in the Museum and then with the Library. She worked in many Libraries in Chatham-Kent with her last position being at the Children’s Library at the Chatham Central Library.

Janet was known by many children authors first at Fort McLeod and recently in Chatham. She enjoyed photographing friends, the Rockies and local scenery. A visit to the New York City Library and Tiffany’s were recent highlights of her travelling.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday October 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. for a Memorial Service officiated by Rev. Bill Terris. A luncheon and time to visit with family will follow. Friends wishing to remember Janet with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Libraries.

Elgin Johnson

A photo of Elgin Johnson

Service:

Private

Visitation:

Private

Elgin Gerald Johnson of Dealtown passed away at home on September 28, 2014. Elgin was born in Palmyra 80 years ago to his late parents Ethel May (Wightman) and George Johnson. He was the last surviving member of his family. He will be missed by his companion Mary Guttridge, his daughters Deborah Johnson of Kingston and Cheryl & Bill Dickhout of Merlin, by five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. He was a truck driver by trade and was able to see many places and experience may things. In recent years he also owned and operated a restaurant in Merlin. A private family service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Elgin with a memorial donation are asked to consider the VON or St. Andrews Church in South Buxton. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Joanne Gagner

A photo of Joanne Gagner

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday October 1, 2014
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday October 1, 2014
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Joanne Lynn Gagner passed away in London on September 26, 2014 at the age of 59 years. Joanne was predeceased by her father Gerald Bishop and will be forever held in the hearts of her parents Dora (Smith) and Wray Winters, her husband Bill Therrien, sister Denise Winters, brothers Larry Winters and Dean Winters, by her step children Jacqueline & Alan VanEvery and Michael & Chantel Therrien and by her grandchildren Kalleigh, Rylliah and Millie. Joanne was a fun loving, hard working person who just enjoyed life especially if it included children, her dogs Sophie and Tucker and her very special friends Judy and Margie. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday October 1, 2014 where visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service officiated by Pastor Tim Joyce. A luncheon will follow at the Blenheim Legion. Friends wishing to remember Joanne with a Memorial Donation are asked to consider either the Huntingtons Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Archie DeWitte

A photo of Archie DeWitte

Service:

St. Mary's Church
Wednesday September 24, 2014
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday September 23, 2014
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Archie Roy DeWitte of Blenheim, son of the late Martha (Pattyn) and Leopold DeWitte passed away on Sunday September 21, 2014 at the age of 87 years. A man devoted to his wife and family, Archie and Denise (VanBiesbrouck) would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in October. He was a role model to his children Paul DeWitte who predeceased him in 2009 (Judy) of Kitchener, Mark DeWitte (Lori) of Brampton and Susan DeWitte (Dwain Mann) of Blenheim, devoted “Papa” to Janet Stephenson (Jamie), Nicholas DeWitte, Sarah Thompson and Michael Thompson, “Great Papa” to Sally Stephenson (Eric) and “Great-Great Papa” to Joey. Predeceased by his sisters Dolores Hoy and Anna Westelaken, Archie is survived by his brother Alphonse DeWitte (Margaret) of Chatham, brothers-in-law John Hoy (Dorothy) of Chatham and Ed Westelaken of Blenheim.

Archie was keen on history. He read many books and studied the historical significance of countries before travelling to them with Denise. He loved being on the land and farmed for many years. He worked at Rockwell in Chatham for 38 years and he took great pride in being the parishioner with the longest active membership at St. Mary’s Church in Blenheim and an Affiliate of the Capuchin Order. He will be remembered for his love of animals, his good sense of humor, for his love of music and dance and maybe even for hogging the remote. But more importantly, Archie will be remembered for displaying the values of a true Christian man every day and for being a man who loved his family.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to pay their respects to Archie and his family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday September 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Archie with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Lung Association or the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Murray Tunstall

A photo of Murray Tunstall

Service:

A Private Family Service will be held at the
Blenheim Community Funeral Home

TUNSTALL, Murray Alan. With the heaviest of hearts, the family announces the sudden and peaceful passing of Murray. Husband and best friend of Sandra (Venclik) Tunstall, and proud father of Madison Tunstall and DJ (Carly) Christian. Dear son of Ruth Tunstall, brother of Elaine (Bill) Saunders, Dennis (Cindy), Jeff (Shana), and sister-in-law Brenda. Predeceased by his father James Tunstall, brother Bryan, and sister Ava. Dear son-in-law of Joe (Nellie) Venclik and sister-in-law of Sherry and Laurie Venclik. Also remembered by his nieces and nephews. Murray was a sports fanatic, coaching many of Maddie’s travel teams throughout her life. He enjoyed travelling the country side to numerous rinks and diamonds. He also enjoyed many fantasy sports pools and took his job of commissioner very seriously. Welcome to your field of dreams Murray, you will be forever missed and always remembered. A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Friends wishing to remember Murray with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Salvation Army’s Homelessness and Emergency Housing project.

Daphne VanBiesbrouck

A photo of Daphne VanBiesbrouck

Service:

A Private Family Interment will take place at
Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Paula DAPHNE Marie Van Biesbrouck was born on August 5th, 1963. On August 28, 2014 she was called to a meeting in Heaven with her parents Julius and Marilyn and her sisters Julie (Frank) and Susan (Mike). Those that missed the meeting, but will be called at a later date are brothers Barry (Sandy), Lee (Jill), sisters Laurie (Larry), Janette (Michael), Merrie (Mike), brothers-in-law DeeDee and Zimbo and sister-in-law Michelle. Daphne will be missed by Bosco Bertrand and their sons Connor (Tysa) and Ryker. Daphne loved all of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and they too will all miss the spark that she brought to their lives. Daphne had a warm and caring heart. She had many friends that were dear to her, especially her friends Fiona King and Bernadette Rivait…there wasn’t anything that one wouldn’t do for the other. Daphne was a lifelong learner. She worked as a DSW at Southwestern Regional Centre and at a group home in Amherstburg. While doing these jobs she received her Sign Language Communicator diploma. Her next job destination was as a Slot Attendant for the OLG Corporation. Her latest accomplishment was obtaining her CSR certification. If you would like to honour Daphne’s’ memory, a donation to Cancer Research would be appreciated. Her favourite quote was “Cancer is a bitch. You just have to be a bigger one”. Cremation has taken place. A private family interment will take place at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery.