Obituaries

Karen VanDerMolen

A photo of Karen VanDerMolen

Service:

A Private Graveside Service will be held at a later date.

Visitation:

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

Karen VanDerMolen of Blenheim passed away on Saturday January 4, 2014. Karen was born in Chatham 55 years ago to Elizabeth (Heuvelmans) VanDerMolen of Blenheim and the late Eppie VanDerMolen. Throughout her life, Karen held a great appreciation for nature and could often be found near the water. She loved fishing, boating and long walks on the beach. Karen was the proud mother of her only son Brian Beriault of Blenheim and the very proud grandmother of Emma Beriault who she would share stories about with any willing listener in the checkout line of the grocery store. She will be missed dearly by her sisters Jackie McGaffey (Aron) and Debbie VanDerMolen (Dan) both of Chatham, by her brothers Bob (Lynn) VanDerMolen and John (Patty) VanDerMolen of Chatham, Jim (Lisa) VanDerMolen of London and Anthony VanDerMolen of Blenheim as well as her sister-in-law Cindy VanDerMolen of Chatham. Karen was predeceased by her brother Andy VanDerMolen in 2013. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday January 7th from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their respects to Karen’s family. Cremation will follow with a private family graveside service in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Karen with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent O.S.P.C.A.

Tom Richardson

A photo of Tom Richardson

Service:

St. Paul's Congregational Church
Saturday January 4, 2014
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday January 3, 2014
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Thomas Edward “Tom” Richardson, a resident of Meadow Park Nursing Home passed away on December 31, 2013 at the age of 89. Born in Harwich Township on the family farm, March 27, 1924. Son of the late Edward Albert “Bert” Richardson (1959) and Bessie Baird Snobelen (1983). Beloved husband of 66 years to Lyla Stokes. Loving father of John (Gayle) Richardson, Dan (Connie) Richardson and Debbie (Richard) VanRycheghem. Cherished grandfather of Rebecca (Bill) Kouyzer, Sarah (Mickey) Richardson, Amanda (Jeff) VanRycheghem, Brian VanRycheghem, Tanya (Darcy) Bax, Kali Richardson, Aimee (Bobby) Grinde and Ashley Nickason. Dearest great-grandfather of Zach, Justin, Ryan, Abigail, Alana, Gracie, Lucas, Nash, Kale, Britney and Mickala. Dearly missed by his brother Donald Richardson of Ridgetown. Predeceased by his brothers Robert (2001), William (2010), Samuel (1994) and his sisters Margaret (1923) and Dorothy (1923). Survived by sister and brother-in laws Alison Richardson, Grace Lundy, Faye Stokes, Joan Stokes and Valere Vannieuwenhuyze. Fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sister and brother-in law’s Olive Richardson, Laura Richardson, Barbara Richardson, Ruth and Jim Wood, Bob Lundy, Ross Stokes, Grant Stokes, June and Clifford Civalier and Irene Vannieuwenhuyze. Tom was a farmer his entire live, even after retirement from the United Cooperatives of Ontario. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim for visitation on Friday January 3, 2014 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Tom will be held in St. Paul’s Congregational Church, Chatham on Saturday January 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. The interment of Tom’s urn will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Meadow Park Auxiliary would be appreciated.

Elizabeth Russell

A photo of Elizabeth Russell

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday January 4, 2014
1:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday January 4, 2014
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Elizabeth “Beth” Russell. Mom was born in Chatham on November 15, 1952, one of four children to the late Cecile (Pinsonneault) & Orville Lucier and is survived by her sisters Delina & Rick Bogart of Wallaceburg, Ann & Yvon Monahan of Hamilton and by her brother Paul & Delores Lucier of Dover Centre. So many of you will remember my Mom as the lady who always made others smile and laugh, the core excitement of any occasion. She was friendly and outgoing. She believed in God. My Mom had a big heart, and while some would say that it was too big, I believe that she was just at peace with life and appreciative of all God’s creations. Mom’s life changed forever in 1987 when my older brother Michael Paul Russell died at 8 months. She said that it wasn’t until I was born that she found happiness again and the bond we shared was like no other. When my father Llewellyn “Lew” Russell passed away in 1995, it was just Mom and I. Through her example, she taught me how to live life without regret. We were best friends. Eight months ago she moved from Blenheim to Windsor to live close to me again while I attend College. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday January 4, 2014 for visitation between 11:30 – 1:00 which will follow by a Memorial Service conducted by Rev. Bruce Cook. Following the Memorial Service we will go to Pardoville-Union Cemetery where Mom will be laid to rest with my brother and my Dad. It was Mom’s wish that if someone wanted to remember her with a memorial donation that they consider the O.S.P.C.A.

Lauren Russell

Anne Marie Cooper

A photo of Anne Marie Cooper

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday December 28, 2013
1:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday December 27, 2013
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Anne Marie Cooper of Ridgetown, much loved mother of Tanya Marie Cooper and grandmother of Mark Jackson and Joel Jackson passed away peacefully on December 24, 2013 at the age of 68 years. Born in Bagotville Quebec, Anne Marie was one of twelve siblings born to her late parents Cecile & Robert Gagnon. She is survived by Jeannine Gagnon, Philipe Gagnon, Marguerite Gagnon & Marcel Perron, Marthe & Roger Pineault, Edmond Gagnon & Celine Bedard, Nicole Gagnon & Claude Perron, Michel Gagnon and Denise Gagnon, and by her chosen siblings Guy Girard & Elia Simard, Nicole Girard & Arthur Grenon and Olivette Girard. When Anne Marie married Jim Cooper (who predeceased her on October 7, 2011), her family grew to include daughters Debra Leslie, Barbara Bowen and Lisa Cooper, grandchildren Tiffany, Trina, Ryan, Jason and Derek, and most recently great-grandchildren Wyatt, Cameron and Carter. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Carolyn Cooper and Dorothy Cooper. In addition to her parents, Anne Marie was predeceased by her son Michael James Cooper, her chosen parents Albert Girard & Corinne Renaud as well as her family members Paul Tremblay, Raymond Gagnon, Yolande Gagnon & Raymond Tremblay, Pierrette Fortin, Paul-Henri Gagnon & Mathilda Dallaire, Ginette Ross, Yvon Fortin, Renaud Girard, Marcel Lauzier, Arlette & Rosaire Girard and by Jim’s brothers Dave Cooper and Jerry Cooper. Anne Marie was grateful in her life to have been surrounded by a wonderful group of nieces and nephews that she loved very much.

Despite the challenges that life sent her way, Anne Marie always maintained a positive outlook on life. She was a lady of great strength and great character. She could tell a joke, shoot a gun and at the end of the day instill a sense of peace in those she loved.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday December 27th to pay their respects and to share memories with Anne Marie’s family. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday December 28, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Pardoville-Union Cemetery. In keeping with Anne Marie’s love of children and family, it was her wish that friends wanting to remember her with a memorial donation would consider the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Archibald Munro

A photo of Archibald Munro

Service:

Wolseley Barracks Officers’ Mess
701 Oxford Street East, Building #92, London on
Monday, January 13, 2014 between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. for
a time of sharing and reminiscence. A short remembrance
of Archie’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m.

Archibald (Archie) Angus Munro passed away peacefully in Chatham, Ontario on December 23, 2013. Along with heavy hearts, he leaves behind many wonderful and happy memories for his family and friends.

Archie was born in London, Ontario on September 2, 1924 to the late Archibald and Edith Munro. He was the beloved brother to the late Bob and Don Munro.

Upon graduation from Sir Adam Beck Collegiate, Archie joined the R.C.A.F. and a year later was awarded the Navigator Wing. He was immediately posted to Britain and served with Bomber Command in the Royal Air Force. He served his country proudly in WW II, flying many missions over Germany and later dropping relief supplies to the starving citizens of the Netherlands. A lifelong brotherhood with his “Able Mabel” Lancaster air crew ensued for the rest of his life.

After the war, Archie returned to London to marry his high school sweetheart, the late Barbara Morgan (1987). Together on Huron Street, they raised Bob (Heather) Munro residing in Golden B.C., Michael (Darlene) Munro living in Chatham, Ontario, and Susan (Steve) Birtch living in London, Ontario. Archie was the proud grandfather of Daniel (Kelly), Ian, Greg, and Alison Munro, along with Cristian and Nicola Birtch.

Archie was predeceased by his in-laws, Fred and Helen Morgan, and by sisters and brothers- in -law, Robert Morgan, James and Mona Oppe, William and Margaret Kime, and June Munro. Also, he is remembered fondly by sister- in- law, Mae Munro. Uncle Arch will also be remembered by several nephews and nieces.

In 1988, Archie wed Georgina Mills (deceased 2009).

Throughout the years, Archie remained very active. He was Past President and Board of Director of London Family Services, Vice President of Ontario Automobile Association, Past President of Royal London Military Institute, Past President of Vimy Legion Branch 145, member of the local Auxiliary Air Force 420 Squadron, member of Wartime Pilots and Observers Association, member of the Air Force Association of Canada, and British Aircrew Association. Finally, Archie was always a proud sponsor and volunteer at 614 Forest City Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

Cremation has taken place. In the spirit of his memory, family and friends will be welcomed at Wolseley Barracks Officers’ Mess (701 Oxford Street East, Building #92) on Monday, January 13, 2014 between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. for a time of sharing and reminiscence. A short remembrance of Archie’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m.

Our family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff at Meadow Park, Chatham for their kind and caring ways.

In memory of Archie, donations can be made to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Lancaster Restoration Project or The Royal Canadian Legion Branch of your choice. Online condolences can be accepted at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

“Oh I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds- and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of”…

Martha Vercouteren

A photo of Martha Vercouteren

Service:

St. Mary's Church, Blenheim
Thursday December 19, 2013
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday December 18, 2013
2:00 - 5:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
*Parish Prayers will be held at 6:45 p.m

Martha Elizabeth (Meidinger) Vercouteren passed away peacefully at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on December 15, 2013 at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife of 52 years to Phil and dear mother of Christena and Kevin Fulmer of Blenheim, Laurie and Andy LaBrosse of Essex, Phillip and Susan Vercouteren of Blenheim, and Liesa Hodgins of Blenheim. Mother-in-law to Mike Caughy and John Hodgins. Very proud and loving grandmother of Joel Caughy (Melissa), Jennifer Caughy (Chris), Cassie Fulmer (Matt), Stephan Fulmer, Nathan Vercouteren, Kevin Vercouteren (Gillian), Jolynne Vercouteren, Mitchell LaBrosse, Rachael LaBrosse, Zechariah Hodgins, Kuper Hodgins and great-grandmother of Noah Reis, Leland Walker and Scarlett Caughy.

Dear sister and sister-in-law to Marjorie Meidinger, Stephen and Pat Meidinger, Paul Jaster, Theresa Regier, Virginia Denomme, Mary and Gerard Ducharme, Anne and Cyrille Hartman, Anne and Tony Versteegden, Hank, Tony (Joanne) and Albert Vercouteren and Adriana Wilson-Dowler. She will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews along with numerous friends. Predeceased by her parents Alfred and Emily (Bedour) Meidinger, her brothers Roman (Elsie), Ivan and LeoMeidinger, her sister, Marquerite Jaster, her brother-in-laws Lloyd Denomme and Clem Regier, and her sister-in-laws Cecillia Meidinger and Marie Oostrom.

Mom truly enjoyed her job as personal support worker and worked until the age of 70. Many lives were touch by her generous and caring heart. We would often hear “we just love your mother”. Those who knew Martha could not help but love her for her innocent and funny comments. We would like to thank all the nurses and support staff for their help during Mom’s illness and a big thank you to Dr. Martha Clendenning, our family, friends and neighbours.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim for visitation on Wednesday December 18, 2013 from 2 – 5 & 7 – 9 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 6:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, 95 Marlborough Street N, Blenheim on Thursday December 19 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery followed by a reception in St. Mary’s Hall. Friends wishing to remember Martha with a Memorial Donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society and Blenheim Community Senior Centre.

Ella Palmvang

A photo of Ella Palmvang

Service:

Spring of 2014
(To Be Announced)

Mrs. Ella Palmvang (Kjeldsen), a resident of Blenheim Community Village, passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 11, 2013 at the age of 100. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark on November 5, 1913, Ella was the daughter of Jorgan Peter Kjeldsen and Karoline Amelia Larsen. One of 10 children, Ella is predeceased by the following brothers and sisters; Inger Kjeldsen (Denmark), Viggo Kjeldsen (Denmark), Ester Hesselldahl (Denmark), Werner Kjeldsen (Denmark), Otto Kjeldsen (Denmark), Jens Peter Kjeldsen (California), Jorgan Viggo Kjeldsen (Bothwell) and Robert Kjeldsen (Denmark). Ella is survived by her sister Sigrid Bolmgren and husband Poul of Denmark and sister in law Agnete Kjeldsen of Bothwell. Ella was the beloved wife of the late Asger Palmvang (1969), a local high school mathematics teacher. The two of them spent the majority of their lives living outside of Blenheim on the corner of Harwich Road and Mink Line. Ella was a certified tailor, pattern maker and designer. Although Ella was not formerly known as an artist, she wove her artistic creations within her beautiful flower beds and handmade braided rugs. For many years Ella competed in local fairs and events often coming home with the top prizes for her floral arrangement and sewing entries. Ella was an avid bridge player, participated in the Blenheim horticultural society and garden tours, and was an all-around passionate lover of nature. Although Ella did not have children of her own, she was loved by her many nieces and nephews, including goddaughter Birthe Margrethe Kjeldsen of Grimbsy, Ontario. Cremation, and memorial donations to the Canadian Wildlife Federation or to the local OSPCA, are entrusted to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. A celebration of Ella’s life will be announced and held in the spring of 2014. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

William “Stub” Knights

A photo of William “Stub” Knights

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday November 26, 2013
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday November 25, 2013
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

William W. (Stub) Knights passed away at home in his favourite chair in the early hours of Thursday, November 21, 2013, at the age of 78.

Stub was the son of Clarence (predeceased 1993) and Eileen (Johnston) Knights, currently of Blenheim Community Village. A life long resident of Blenheim, Stub is survived by his loving wife, Donna (Rigby) Knights, his son, Stewart (Stubby), of Blenheim, and his daughter, Jane and her husband John Pratt, of Aurora, ON. Stub was cherished “Grandpa Stub” to Billy Jo Knights and Chris Cunningham, Jessica (Knights) and Matt Hall, Claire Knights, and Tyler and Michele Pratt, and Great-Grandpa Stub to Jolee Knights, and Cameron and Emily Hall.

Stub is also survived by his sister and brother and their spouses, John and Sally Knights, and Ann and Jack Morrison, and was predeceased by sister Mary (Bill) Sutherland in 2008. He also leaves many treasured nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Stub graduated from Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology in 1954, and was involved in the agricultural community his entire life. He farmed, trucked livestock, and was an employee of the Ontario Pork Producers until the time of his death. He also owned and helped to run Blenheim Meats with his son, Stubby.

Stub was a valued member of the Kiwanis Club of Blenheim for many years and a Life Member and Past President of the Golden Acres Curling Club.

Stub was also an avid boater and spent many summers in Erieau, relaxing by the shanty, cooking legendary breakfasts and barbecued dinners, and cruising the waters of Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay.

The family will receive visitors at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday, November 25 from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm, and the funeral will be held there on Tuesday, November 26 at 11am, with a reception following at the Golden Acres Curling Club.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Tyler Pratt, Chris Cunningham, Matt Hall, Bill Clendenning, Tom Hebblethwaite, Leo Timmermans, and Peter, Jeff and Kevin Knights.

Donations to Chatham Kent Hospice or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

 

Laurent McGraw

A photo of Laurent McGraw

Service:

There will be no formal Funeral Service

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday November 24, 2013
2:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Joseph “Laurent” McGraw of Shrewsbury lost his battle with cancer on November 20, 2013. Predeceased by his parents Gerald and Emilenne McGraw, Laurent is survived by his beloved partner Diane Dutka, by his children Laureen McGraw, Tracie Vanvrouwerff (Bruce) and Joe McGraw Jr, by his grandchildren Damien, Joel, Samantha, Colin and Luke, by 11 siblings and many nephews and nieces. He will be remembered with great fondness by his step-children Michelle, Danny and David (Lee-Anne) Sowden as well as his step-grandchildren Joey, Bennett, Brady, Donna, Jake,Luke and Dylan. Friends will be received at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Sunday November 24 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. to show their support to Laurent’s family. Cremation will follow. Friends wishing to remember Laurent are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society or the Chatham Hospice Project in lieu of flowers.

Laurents family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. J. Denys and the 4th floor Nursing Staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Siham Dorssers

A photo of Siham Dorssers

Service:

St. Mary's Church
Saturday November 23, 2013
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday November 22, 2013
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Siham Mary Dorssers passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on November 19, 2013 at the age of 76. Siham was one of three children born their late parents Mariana and Gabriel Najjar and is survived by her sister Nouhad Najjar (predeceased by her husband Ghanem Ghanem) and by her brother Charlie Najjar. After the death of Siham’s father, her mother married Mikhael Hraiki (deceased) and their family grew to include her sisters and brothers Laudie Hraiki & Saliba Jriege, Khoulia Hraiki & Hatem Kobrossy, Mahassen Hraiki & Kamal Moulayess, Rahif Hraiki (deceased) & Avila Najjar, Kalim Hraiki & Simona Mansour and Wassim Hraiki & Dianne Shapas.

On December 26, 1959 Siham married Tony Dorssers who predeceased her on November 22, 2010. Siham and Tony worked hard in life building their business “Dorssers Welding Company” and raising two children Mike & Carol (Walker) Dorssers of Blenheim and Jacqueline Dorssers of Chatham. They were also blessed with five grandchildren; Michael Gabriel Preston, Megan & Marshall Cole, Nicole Dorssers, Clinton Dorssers & Jessika Harding and Alan Dorssers and most recently a great grandson Logan Cole.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim for visitation on Friday November 22, 2013 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, 95 Marlborough Street N, Blenheim on Saturday November 23, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in St. Mary’s Hall. Cremation will take place with a private family interment at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Siham with a Memorial Donation are asked to consider the Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario or the Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario.