Betty Allen of Blenheim passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday April 29, 2016. She was 86 years old.  Betty was one of three children born to their late parents John and Alean (Duffin) Dixon and is survived by her sisters Anne Campbell of Blenheim and Jacie Shaw (Ron) of London.  It was in the Hamilton area where Betty met her husband Bill Radford and began a family which would grow to include Jacalean Ellis (Jim) of Blenheim, Carolyn Radford of Brampton, John Radford (Brenda) of Ajax, Judi Pennanen (Lawrence) of Toronto and Murray Radford (Lucy) of Sault Ste Marie.  She was more than delighted when her family grew again to include grandchildren Meagan Radford, William Radford (Amanda), Allison Gallant (Luc), Brier Pennanen, Taylor Radford and Emily Radford and 6 great grandchildren.

Betty’s heart was broken when her husband Bill predeceased her in 1974. Following Bill’s death, Betty and her son Murray moved to Blenheim to be closer to family.  It was in Blenheim where she would meet her second husband Vern Allen who predeceased her in 2003.  Betty began working at Campbell Real Estate answering phones until she became a licensed Real Estate Agent.  She and her sister Anne worked side by side for 25 years.  It was easy to see that the two of them were more than sisters; they were best friends.

Betty will be remembered for her contagious smile, her sense of humor, her determination and her kind soul. Although she was a lady of many talents and ambitions in life, being a mother was by far what brought her the most joy.  She was born to be a Mom.

It was Betty’s wish that this stage of her life be regarded with quiet dignity. Her Funeral Service will be private.  She will be laid to rest in Dundas with Bill.

Friends wishing to remember Betty with a memorial donation are asked to consider the charity of your choice.

Michael Allen McNear, forever loved husband of Brenda (Brown) McNear and father of Jodi Hartford (Calvin) passed away peacefully on Sunday April 24, 2016. Mike was born on November 18, 1957; the year that Gordie Howe of the Detroit Red Wings was recognized as being the Most Valuable Player in the NHL and the Milwaukee Braves won the 1957 World Series.  He lived his life being a sports fan, especially of hockey and baseball in both the major leagues and locally as he played on many teams over the years and he was a huge fan of the Blenheim Blades.

Mike was a great guy. Not only was he a loving husband and an outstanding father, but he was an awesome son to his late parents Buck & Dorisann McNear and an awesome brother to Mark McNear (Debbie Wardell), Mickey McNear and the late Matthew McNear.  He will be remembered as a great son in law by Loretta Brown and Vern & Cathy Brown, a great brother in law by Deb Pinsonneault (Dan Ball), Shelley Brown (Chuck Howard), Jim Brown (Bobbi) and Bob Brown (Kit).  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mike was a long time employee of Dajcor Aluminum in Chatham where he was able to share his dry sense of humor and opinions on what mattered most in life (sports) for over forty years. In his spare time he enjoyed sitting in his garage with friends, discussing whether the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago Blackhawks were worthy of their 2015 titles, listening to the radio and cracking the top off a cold beer.  He enjoyed destinations far and wide travelled with friends, always appreciating their good company and bad jokes.  Through his journey with cancer, Mike always remained positive and treasured the time he was able to share with Brenda, Jodi & Calvin, family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday April 27, 2016 where visitation will be held from 1 – 4 & 6 – 9 p.m. Cremation will follow.  A public graveside service for Mike will be held at Evergreen Cemetery the following Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.  Friends are welcome to gather at the Legion Chapel at Evergreen Cemetery and at the Blenheim Legion following the service for lunch.

Given Mike’s admiration for the Blenheim Blades, it was his wish that friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation would consider them or another charity of your choice.

Sue Peters, a resident of Jadestone Acres, in Chatham Kent passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the Ouellette Campus of the Windsor Regional hospital on Friday April 8th 2016 at the Age of 71.   Predeceased by her husband Dr. H.C. “Hub” White. Only child of the late Gerald and Penny Peters (nee Penzer). Loving Mother of her 2 sons: CHRIS and Addie White and their 3 children Grace, Hannah and Joshua of Chatham Kent, and TIM White of Grande Prairie Alberta and Tonya Bechard of Chatham.  Loving Step Mother of SCOTT White of Toronto and his Daughters MADDIE and NICKIE White.  She will be greatly missed by her cousins STELLA Colton (Louis) of Welland and DEB Arnold (Malcom) of Reading, England, her nieces TAMARA Colton (Roy) of London, England and BECKY Arnold of Reading , England and her Nephews STEPHEN White and Mary Jo Bagnato of Toronto and ANDREW White and Judi McMichael of Goderich and her best friend Mary Ann Goodison.  Predeceased by her niece CHRISTINE White.

Born and raised in Chatham Sue grew up on Wilson Ave where she attended McKeough Public School, Tecumseh and CCI. After graduation she headed to Toronto to follow in her mother footsteps to study and work in the field of nursing. Sue spent the rest of her working life involved with nursing in many different areas; working teaching and studying and went on to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Masters of Science in Nursing.  In 1979 she married the love of her life “Hub” and they spent the rest of their lives together building a home, a farm and a family and a partnership that was inspiring to all those around her.  Sue spent the last 9 years of her life working part time, volunteering, spending time with her family (especially her 3 grand children, who love an excuse to run over to Nana’s house) and traveling.

Friends and Family are invited to attend the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for Visitation on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Sue will be held on Tuesday April 12, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.

The family wishes to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff at Windsor Regional Hospital who cared for her in final days especially her ICU nurse Franca.

In Lieu of Flowers the Family would appreciate donations to the ALS Society of Windsor Essex County, The MS Society of Canada or the Chatham Kent Hospice. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left online at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Christina Diane High of Chatham passed away on Monday April 4, 2016 at the age of 36 years. She will be forever loved and remembered by her children Izabella Dorothy Marie Poisson, Gauge Christopher Scott Guyett and their father James Guyett. Christina was one of four children born to Susan and David High and is survived by her sisters Carrie High-Oster (Chris), Kelly High (Martin) and her brother David. Her memory will live on in several good friends. Christina was a kind and gentle person who put the needs of others before her own. She trained as a Developmental Service Worker and was employed by CHAPS. She wanted to train as a Massage Therapist. All of the roads she travelled in her life all led to the same destination which was to help people. She will be missed forever and always.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday April 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Friends wishing to remember Christina with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Downs Syndrome Society.

For anyone that cannot attend Dana’s final farewell on Friday, RM Sotheby’s has provided for a live stream beginning at 2p.m.  http://www.rmsothebys.com/dana/

With deep sadness and great love, we announce the passing of Dana Joy Brezzi (Santavy) on April 3, 2016. Dana died peacefully surrounded by her family and friends following her eight-and-a-half year battle with cancer. She leaves behind her husband and rock, Paul, and her angel, her reason to fight as long and hard as she did, Isabella Kai. Dana is also survived by her mother Margaret Santavy; brothers Greg Santavy and his fiancée Leah Lee and Mark Santavy and his wife Mary Lynn; nephews Nathan, Brayden, and Chase; in-laws Mariano and Santina Brezzi; sister-in-law Patricia and her husband John Edmonson; and nieces Sara and Courtney. Dana is predeceased by her father Frank Santavy and nephew Tyson Santavy.

While we grieve for this beautiful life taken too soon, our hearts overflow with gratitude that we were able to bear witness to the inspiring life she led. It has been a humble privilege and great blessing to share in this journey with her. Born in Chatham, Ontario, Dana was raised a Blenheim girl, complete with summers spent by the lake and culminating in her loss of the coveted Blossom Queen title. She went on to attend the University of Windsor, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications and late-night border-crossing booze runs. She began her career at RM in 1995 and quickly became RM’s head cheerleader and beloved snowflake of Rob Myers. Her career brought her around the world, including a quick stint as a California girl living in Santa Monica, and ultimately making her way home to meet the love of her life, Paul Brezzi. The two married in 2006 and gave birth to beautiful Isabella Kai in 2007.

Dana’s joyful spirit lit up every place she went and dazzled every person she met. Hundreds of people called her friend and thousands of people have been inspired by her story of hope in the midst of great challenge. In the short years she had, she taught us all to love without abandon, to live without fear, to celebrate today, to hope for the future, and to find joy in the everyday miracles of life.

Dana was a vivacious soul, always planning a new adventure and ready to make new memories. She had an open heart and an open home, and she made everything beautiful. She was an incredible wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, aunt, and friend. She was the memory keeper for countless groups of friends, family, and soul sisters. She made friends everywhere she went, whether from the far corners of the globe or just across her hometown—and once you were a friend, you were a friend for life. She was the glue who held us all together over the years. To be loved by her was an enormous joy, and our lives are so much richer for having known her.

Dana did not have the time here with us that we so hoped she would, but she did have just enough time to forever change the lives she touched.

Visitation services will be held on Thursday, April 7, from 12:00–3:00 pm and 5:00–8:00 pm at The Armoury in Chatham at 44 William St. N. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 8, at 2:00 pm at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider a donation to a memorial fund established in Dana’s name at the Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance–the Dana Brezzi Memorial Fund, or to the Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery Initiative. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Laurie MacEacheron and the entire staff of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Oncology Department.

#vivalacure #dailygratitude #biglove #onemoreday

Margaret Rose (French) Ardis of Blenheim passed away on Thursday March 24, 2016. Margaret was born in Leamington on November 26, 1942 to her late parents Sydney & Ruby (Hall) French. She will be missed greatly by her husband Walter Ardis, by her daughters Susan Reed of Kingsville and Cindy Williamson of London, by Walter’s son Trevor Ardis (Lisa) of Kingsville, by grandchildren Darren, Sean, Riona, Aleksia, Mirjana, and Milica, by her brother Murray French (Henrietta) of London, and by family and friends.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 30, for visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. A Funeral Service for Margaret will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Fuller officiating. Following a luncheon at Trinity Anglican Church, a private family interment will take place in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Leamington. Friends wishing to remember Margaret with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Candice Jennifer Duff passed away at the Hospice of Windsor on Thursday March 24, 2016 with her family by her side. In her 39 short years, Candice was able to accomplish many things…she was a loving and devoted mother to her daughter Sasha of Windsor who she raised with confidence and determination to go forward and she was an awesome big sister to Laura & Josh Ellis of Saskatoon and Peter & Ester Duff of Ottawa. She was the first to teach her parents Judy (Webster) Duff of Windsor and Hugh Duff of Chatham about unconditional love and she instilled a great sense of pride in the hearts of her grandparents Agatha Duff (late William) and Betty Webster (Bert) (late Walter). She will be fondly remembered by her companion Norm Gascon and her friend Marg Schram. Candice was an employee of Livingston International Inc. She will be missed by all and respected for her warrior approach to life and her illness. Her family is truly grateful to have had her in their lives. In keeping with Candice’s love for animals, it was her desire that friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation would consider their local O.S.P.C.A. It was also Candice’s wish that this stage of her life be treated with quiet dignity. Following cremation, a private family service will be held. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

James Shane “Legend” Woudenberg, a resident of Blenheim passed away suddenly Thursday March 24, 2016. Born in Chatham on November 29, 1973 to Dini Woudenberg and the late John Woudenberg (2013). Loving father of Alexis Woudenberg (Aaron McCathern). Brother and best friend to John Woudenberg Jr (Kathy). Great brother to sisters Marrianne Willis (Jon), Janet Ostrander (John), Henny Hoy (Rick) and Rob Wever. James will be missed by many nieces and nephews.  Also missed by Corinne Summerfield (Dodi).

James was a loyal employee of Anbo Machine Tool & Die. He enjoyed many things in life; motorcycling, snowmobiling, socializing with his many friends and recently home renovations but his number one interest in life was always his relationship with his daughter Alexis. We will truly miss your infectious smile and stories, James.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings will be held in Glad Tidings Community Church on Monday March 28, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember James with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

George Thomas passed away in Leamington on Wednesday March 16, 2016. George was born 71 years ago to his late parents Lee Orville Thomas and Dorothy Fern (Franklin) Thomas. He is survived by his sister Sue Newman (late Lorne), his nephew Mike Newman, his niece Leanne & Steven Crawford and by his great nephews Daniel Vaughan and Evan Vaughan. George worked for many years at Rockwell in Tilbury. He was a quiet man who was content to live his life in blue jeans and a t-shirt as long as there was a Corvette waiting for him in his garage. It was George’s wish that this part of his life be shared with his family. His service will be private.

Claire Diane Marchand nee Owens, 39 years old of Flemingo Street Blenheim passed away March 14, 2016.

Claire was born in Bridgend, South Wales, UK to Michael and Diane Owens on May 1, 1976. Claire worked tirelessly as a Registered Nurse in Chatham –Kent for many years and most patients she cared for would refer to her as “Their Angel”.

Claire is preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill & Phyllis Owens and “Vic” and Marie Buckland of South Wales, UK.

Claire is survived by her husband Brent, much loved son Brenden and daughter Lauren, parents Mike & Diane Owens, brother Rhys, sister–in–law Lyndsey and beautiful nephew Kalen.

Claire will also be sadly missed by her mother-in-law and father–in-law Neil & Sandra Marchand and family, many uncles, aunts and cousins in the UK, and by her very close friends Karen, Emily, Becky, Rachel, Jen, Cara and Jamie.

Visitation will be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday March 18, 2016 from 2:00– 4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm. A private funeral service for family and close friend will be on Saturday March 19, 2016.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the medical staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). With a special mention and appreciation to Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Neil Mckenzie and Cardiologist Dr. David McCarty both of LHSC.

Friends wishing to remember Claire with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation.