Announcements

Remembering Mom and Dad always and at Christmas past and present. In our hearts your memory lingers, Sweetly tender, fond and true. There is not a day, dear mother and father, That we do not think of you.   ♥ Love, Gary, Marianne & Family

Peacefully, at Norfolk General Hospital with family at her side, on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Diane Blundell (nee Ryerse), beloved wife of the late Stan Blundell (2013), in her 81st year. Loving mother of Terry (Debbie) of Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia and Leslie (David) Heipel of Waterford.  Proud GwaGwa of Zach, Cole and Steven (Marcy). Great-GwaGwa of Audrey and Wyatt. Also survived by her “honourary granddaughter” Sam, many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be missed by many friends, and she was blessed to have many regular phone callers and visitors. Many have had a meal prepared by Diane and other church members who together catered many meals for church functions, weddings and Lions Club meetings to name a few.  Diane was responsible for delivering hundreds of children to and from school over the years as a bus driver for Lindsay Bus Lines and Stock with many former students recognizing her as “Mrs. Blundell the Bus Driver”. Friends are invited to call at COOPER FUNERAL HOME, 19 Talbot Street West, Jarvis on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral for Diane will be held at Jarvis Community Church, 19 Church Street, Jarvis on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. Interment Wesley United Church, Jarvis. If desired, donations to Campfire Circle Rainbow Lake or Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca

August 12, 1943 – December 10, 2024 The family is heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of Nicholas Marino on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.  Nick was a proud retired teacher of Hagersville Secondary School. Nick is survived by his loving wife Rita and their children, Josephine (Mario) Visocchi, and Lawrence (Nichole) Marino, and his beloved grand daughters Carla (Odean) and Stephanie (North) Visocchi, Sophia and Emma Marino as well as his great grand daughter Naomi.  Pre-deceased by his parents Domenico and Lolanda, and his brother Mauro Marino (Dora). The family will receive friends at Hyde & Mott Chapel of R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes (2020) Ltd. on Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m.  For those who wish, memorial donations in Nick’s name to St. Joseph’s Health Care Center, Hamilton would be appreciated by the family.  www.rhbanderson.com

June 27, 1926 – December 3, 2024 At 98 years of age, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Edward (2004). Loving mother of Barry Benner (Karen Lees) of Trail, BC, Richard Benner (Joy) of Calgary, AB, Randall Benner of Tillsonburg, and Pam Osborne (Brian) of Cottam. Adored Grandma of Blaine, Keri Lee, Darren, Brad, Sara, Jonathan, Ashley, and Great-Grandma of 13. Dear daughter of the late Fred and Emma Otterman. Dearest sister of June Kohtz (Roger) and predeceased by her siblings, Lorene Jensen (Larry), Robert Otterman (Shirley) and Raymond Otterman (Johanna). She will also be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, and friends. Shirley was devoted to her family and worked hard to provide the best opportunities possible. She enjoyed knitting and needlework and volunteered in her retirement.  Shirley was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed music and is now dancing in heaven! The family would like to thank the staff of Tillsonburg Retirement Residence for providing a safe and enjoyable home, as well as the doctors and nurses at Tillsonburg Hospital for their professional and compassionate care. In keeping with Shirley’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Community Living Tillsonburg, or Peace Lutheran Church, Tillsonburg by contacting Reid Funeral Home, Essex (519-776-4233). Family and friends are invited to share their memories online at www.reidfuneralhome.ca

It is with heartbreak and sadness that we announce the passing of Jean-Marc Lafleur (Flower) age 47, on December 7, 2024 at Stedman Hospice in Brantford, Ontario.  Husband of Jenifer; loving father of Brady, Olivia, Marquise, Keisha, Tyrius, Dontae, and his dog Thor.  Son to John and Linda. Brother to Richard (Angela) and Lena (Evan). Brother-in-law to Mark, and Jessica (Keith).  Loving uncle to his nephews Josh (Christina), and Xavier, and his nieces Tatrianna, Hannah, and Saydee. Jean was selfless, compassionate and caring. His unconditional love for his wife and kids will carry on forever.  He cherished his job at Pepsi and all his co-workers. We want to thank all the Home Care nurses and the nurses at Stedman Hospice.  It takes a special person to do what you do. Jean’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 3 – 6 p.m. at the Hyde & Mott Chapel of R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd., 60 Main St. S., Hagersville, Ontario.  www.rhbanderson.com

2010 – December 6, 2024 Mac, our 14 year old shepherd mix who believed in the power of aggressive cuddling, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 6, 2024, after a life spent loving (and sometimes smothering) his family in Selkirk, Ontario. Known for his heart as big as his paws and his need to sit on every lap within a five-mile radius, Mac will be remembered for his unrelenting pursuit of affection—whether or not you were prepared for it. Born in 2010, Mac was rescued through Canons Cause and adopted by his forever family in 2012. He spent his early years perfecting the art of excessive barking. It was clear that he was destined to be the world’s loudest and most persistent watchdog. Mac would also be found getting into mischief by taking off to the neighbours pond for a swim or getting sprayed by skunks. His true passion was cuddling, and we mean cuddling—the kind where he would climb on top of you, flatten you and insist you pet him immediately. “Personal space” was a concept he never understood. Mac was also passionate about Christmas. He loved to open his endless amount of presents as well as any others without his name on the tag. Every summer, Mac spent a lot of his time at the family cottage in Stokes Bay, where he claimed the couch as his own, terrorized the squirrels (or they terrorized him) and gave “cottage fun” a whole new meaning. Whether it was chasing a stick into the lake, barking at the wind in the boat, or simply snuggling up by the fire, Mac made sure every moment was filled with joy and cuddles. In his later years, Mac enjoyed putting his brother on the school bus in the morning and waiting for him to get home. His barking became legendary throughout the neighborhood. It wasn’t so much that he had anything important to say, but more that he was certain everyone needed to hear his opinion on anything that moved, his bark could be heard echoing for miles. He is survived by his devoted family, who will miss his “aggressive cuddles”, his relentless joy in the simplest things, and his loud proclamations about anything that dared to enter his domain. Rest in peace, Mac. Our protector and bestfriend. You were so special and a very good boy— you definitely got all the cuddles. We will forever cherish our time with you. As Kolton always says “we will love you forever”

October 19, 1961 – November 28, 2024 Passed away suddenly in her home on November 28, 2024.Beloved daughter to the late Patrick and Anita Gray (nee Letwin). Forever missed by her siblings Shannon Gray (Lenora McIvor) and Mary Catherine Gagliardi (Frank Gagliardi). Beloved aunt to Patrick and Annie Gray. Close companion to Ulrich Bieri (Uli). Remembered and loved by her many friends (you know who you are). Sadly missed by her little dog, Pugsley. Donations in memory of Susie may be made to the Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS). A special thanks to the Paramedics, O.P.P. and to Dr. Stephen Walker for their guidance and support. An adventurous spirit who marched to her own drum and lived life on her own terms. Funeral arrangements entrusted to C.R. Gamble Funeral Home & Chapel Inc. (127 Church St., Almonte, ON. 613-256-3313). Condolences and Tributes: https://www.crgamble.com

March 3, 1939 – November 30, 2024 At Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the age of 85 years. Wife of the late William Courtnage. Loving mother of Bruce and Tammie. Dear grandmother of Skylar, Ashley, and Brooke.  Daughter of the late Harold and Marjorie Schneider.  Sister of Tony (deceased) and Betty Schneider, Bruce Schneider, and Gay Brzozowski and Sandy Smith. Also will be remembered by nephews Andrew, Tony Jr., Louie and their families. Funeral Service will be held at Hyde & Mott Chapel of R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd., 60 Main St. S., Hagersville on Thursday December 5, 2024 at 11 a.m.  (visitation 1 hour prior to service).  Interment Hagersville Cemetery. The family extends a sincere thank you to the staff at Parkview Meadows and Norfolk General Hospital. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the West Haldimand General Hospital Foundation or the S.P.C.A. www.rhbanderson.com