McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.

07/23/2025

07/22/2025

Today we had the true honour of celebrating the life of Marilyn Borchiver and fulfilling her wish of bringing her to be buried with her late son in Westminister Cemetery in Toronto. With “Superstar!” adorning her casket, she was just that - a superstar. Thank you to our caring team for accompanying Marilyn to her final resting place. It truly emulates our passion of serving families within Chatham-Kent and beyond. And thank you to Pizazz! Florals and Balloons for assisting us with creating a beautiful display of florals for a beautiful women.

07/22/2025

Earlier this month, someone had passed away and I was called to do a transfer at Fairfield Park in Wallaceburg. Fairfield Park, along with a number of local nursing homes, have been actively pushing for dignified transfer experiences at the time of death. However, Fairfield, I feel, truly knocked it out of the Park.

In the past, nursing homes would often try to make their resident’s final transfer a subtle one. They would have us go out the “back door”. The resident would be removed without ceremony, often to avoid their fellow residents being disturbed. The fellow residents were very aware of what we were doing, however, and I am sure it was the thought of many that they themselves would be carted off in secret one day.

At Fairfield Park, the resident’s dignity was at the forefront of everyone’s mind. The PA system spoke to all of the staff and residents and let them know that a resident had passed away. They spoke kind words about the resident, and invited everyone to foyer to participate in an Honour Guard. A poem was read through the PA as we approached the foyer. When we arrived at the foyer, we were greeted not only by a team of staff but by a number of residents, some sitting on their walkers, honouring their friend as we passed by. You could see in the face of the residents that they knew when their day came, they would be shown the same respect. It was a beautiful thing.

I followed up with Richelle Lucier, Director of Nursing at Fairfield Park and asked her about the origin of the Honour Guard. She had this to say: “This initiative, developed collaboratively by nursing staff, environmental services, and personal support workers, was built with the resident’s dignity and best interests at heart. Over time, the significance of the Honour Guard has become deeply rooted in our culture, as staff from every department and home area come together in a shared moment of respect and remembrance. To ensure its continued impact, our palliative care champions conduct monthly rounds, gathering feedback and providing education so that new staff understand the purpose and power of this tradition. It’s more than a program—it’s a reflection of our commitment to compassion, connection, and dignity at every stage of a resident’s journey."

Thank you to the team at Fairfield Park for your commitment to dignity and excellence.
-Nathan

07/21/2025

Scheibli: Florence "Alice" (née Letts) -

A resident of Chatham, Alice Scheibli passed away at Riverview Gardens on July 19, 2025 at the age of 90.

Born in Harwich Township, Alice was the daughter of the late John Frederick (Jack) and Florence Alice (née Snowden) Letts.

Beloved wife of 67 years to the late Andy.

Cherished mother to Monica Tunks (Paul), Andy Scheibli (Tracy), Ramona Robinson (Mark), and the late Frank Scheibli (2008).

Proud Grandma to Jeff Tunks (Crissy), Jennifer Rock (Terrence); Evan Scheibli (Nikki), Logan Scheibli; Katherine Robinson, Alexander Robinson (Darcy); Erika Russell (Alex) and Evelyn Scheibli.

Great-Grandma to George, Ryan, Jack, Zeddy, Kayden, Clara, James, Benjamin, Violet and Ezra.

Dear sister to the late John, Julie, and Charlie.

Missed by brother-in-law Bill McBride, and sisters-in-law Christine Pinsonneault and Valerie Fritz.

Alice will be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Gardens - 5th Floor for all their care, concern and support. They truly go above and beyond. Thank you so much.

Alice loved her garden, reading, ceramics, folk art, and crocheting.

One of her favourite memories was ballroom dancing with her husband Andy.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Wednesday July 23, 2025 at 11:00 am, with visiting from 10:00 am until the Service time. Burial to follow in Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Donations made in memory of Alice to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Lung Association, or the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040

07/19/2025

A resident of Chatham, formerly of Toronto, Marilyn Borchiver passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Born on July 23 1964.

Marilyn is happily reunited with her late son, Joshua Luftspring (March 2023).

Sister of Darryl Norman of Chatham.

Dear friend of Heather & Martin Buscher, Rhonda Abone, Perry Steinburg, Silva & Eric Goldstein, Kelvin McDonald, Debra L**h, Julie & James Koncyk and Mark Borchiver.

Predeceased by niece Michelle, her parents Murdock & Margaret and brother Wayne.

Survived by Lenny (her dog), brother Darryl, nephews Timothy and Patrick, nieces Grace, Pyper and cousin, Betty-Ann and her husband Kim.

Marilyn was a dedicated nurse with over 25 years of experience, working in various Toronto hospitals like Mount Sinai and Sunnybrook. She specialized in Cardiology, Medicine, Neonatal ICU, and Thoracic Surgery. Marilyn also spent 7 years as a Pharmaceutical Representative and enjoyed her role as a Case Manager with the LHIN Network at Sunnybrook Emerge. She was well-educated, graduating from George Brown, University of Toronto, and Ryerson University.

Outside of work, Marilyn had a passion for gardening, growing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, which she loved incorporating into her cooking. She also enjoyed landscaping and expressing her creativity in her garden. A globetrotter, she visited many countries and was deeply connected to her furry companion, Lenny, who was the center of her world.

A Graveside Celebration of Marilyn's Life will take place on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Westminister Cemetery & Mausoleum, 5830 Bathurst St, North York, ON M2R 1Y6 at 11:00 am. All are welcome to attend.

In memory of Marilyn, donations may be made to any charity that assists youth shelters or helping animals.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519 351 2040

07/19/2025

This morning we had the honour of celebrating the life of a well known Blenheimite, Toni Ouellette. What a beautiful day for a beautiful woman.

07/16/2025

Manson: Shirley Helen (née Belfie) -

Shirley Manson was born April 10, 1921. She passed away at Riverview Gardens in Chatham, Ontario on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at the age of 104.

She is predeceased by her first husband Irwin Manson (1981) and her second husband Eugene Leroy (Roy) Beacom (2011).

She is survived by her step children and their families:

Gardiner and Joan Beacom.
Jason and Lindsay Beacom - Jaxson and Hollie.
Tyler and Carrie Beacom - Aynsleigh and Kieryn.

Janet and Glen Smyth.
Christopher and Angela Smyth - Adam and Evan.
Carolyn and Mike Eltervoog - Braden and Taryn.
Michael Smyth - Sam and Malcolm.

Betty and Paul Thornton
Matthew and Fei Fei Thornton - Ben and Emma.
Greg and Marie Thornton - Marian and Clara.

Kirk Beacom and Delilah Dushenski.
Sean Beacom and Jennifer Gardiner - Lilah and Maeve.
Logan Beacom.
Kiri and Daniel Allen - Conley, Shepherd and Elise.

Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040

07/15/2025

Crouch: Simon Richard -

A resident of Chatham, Simon Crouch passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the age of 67.

Cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Simon's life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040

07/15/2025

Landry: Edna Marie -

A resident of Tilbury, Edna Landry passed away at the Tilbury Manor Nursing Home on July 13, 2025 at the age of 88.

Born in Sackville NB, Edna was the daughter of the late Melose and Alvata (née Landry) Landry.

Loving mother to Ellena Aust and Linda Aust.

Adored grandmother.

Beloved sister to Adrise, Albertinne and Carol.

Predeceased by siblings Claudette and Richard.

Edna will be missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Edna enjoyed life, she was hard working and always put her heart and soul into anything she did. Edna loved her family deeply and she well be greatly missed.

Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at a later date.

Donations made in memory of Edna to the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040

07/15/2025

Ouellette: Antoinette 'Toni' Evelyn (née Segeren) -

A resident of Chatham, and formerly of Blenheim, Toni Ouellette passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice, with family at her side on Monday, July 14, 2025 at the age of 89.

Born in The Netherlands, Toni was the daughter of the late Bert and Anna (née Vandongen) Segeren.

Beloved wife of 37 years to Leo Ouellette. Predeceased by her first husband of 27 years, Camiel Debusschere (1982).

Loving mother of Ron Debusschere (Shelley), Sharon Campbell (Marc) and Brian Debusschere (Heather). Loving step-mother to Roland Ouellette (Lisa), Michael Ouellette (Evelyn), Dennis Ouellette (Janice), Robert Ouellette (Laurie) and Roseanne Carota (Dino).

Proud Grandma to 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Dear sister to the late John Segeren (late Alice), Leo Segeren (Pauline), the late Joseph Segeren (Deanna), Bert Segeren (Annie), the late Pete Segeren (Eunice), the late W***y Segeren (Carol) and the late Bob Segeren (Sue).

Survived by sister-in-law Mary Debusschere.

Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

Toni was the original owner operator of Blenheim Variety and enjoyed serving the Blenheim community for many years. When she was not in the store, she was in the flower garden, which encapsulated the entire back yard.

She will be remembered for her welcoming smile, compassionate nature, friendly disposition and the genuine understanding of people.

As per Toni's wishes, cremation has taken place. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 2:00 - 4:00pm and 6:00 - 8:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home at 10:30am on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Toni to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
141 Park Street, Blenheim
519-676-3451

07/13/2025

Brown: Joanne Beverley (nee Brooke)

Formerly of Dover Centre, Joanne Brown passed away at the Riverview Gardens on July 11, 2025 at the age of 84.

Born in London, ON, Joanne was the daughter of George and Helen (nee Gilbert) Brooke.

Beloved wife of the late Dennis Brown (2023)

Survived by Daughter, Krista (Ron) Leclair of Dresden, ON; Grandson, Derrick Leclair (Lynnai) of Dover Centre and Granddaughter Alana Leclair (Kyle) of Kitchener

Predeceased by brother Eugene Brooke and sister Dolores Dodds. Survived by brother and sister-in-laws Brian and Nancy Sparks , Larry and Shirley Martens, Gary and Jean Noltie.

Joanne enjoyed crafts and spending time at the Active lifestyle Centre in Chatham with her greeting card group. She also enjoyed the companionship of her dogs . Joanne loved buying many Christmas presents for her grandchildren. In return Derrick and Alana enjoyed putting gift bows in her hair.

A special thank-you to the staff of Eden Villa Retirement Home and Riverview Gardens.

A private family service and burial to take place at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham.

In lieu of flowers donations made in memory of Joanne to PAWS Chatham or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040

07/12/2025

Gerow, Edna Mae (nee McCallum)

A resident of Chatham, Edna Gerow passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham on July 11, 2025 at the age of 88.

Survived by her loving family, Sherry Lee (Gene Benoit), Keith and Kathy Gerow, Susan and David McKenzie, granddaughter Lisa Wilson (Brendan), grandsons Gregory Lee, Jeffrey Lee (Dara), Corey McKenzie (Kimberley Manders), and Nick Gerow (Nicole Baldwin). Special great-granddaughter Deliah Susan Manders McKenzie. Also survived by sisters-in-law Connie McCallum, Pat Lalonde and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Charles Gerow (2011), son-in-law Wayne Lee, parents Jack and Jennie McCallum, siblings Murray, Melvin, Ronald, Karl, Jean Cooper, Dianne Johnston.

Edna was very organized and efficient in her varied clerical and secretarial positions throughout her career. She played the organ for many years and enjoyed music, especially classic country. Most Saturday nights you could find her and Chuck dancing up a storm anywhere in Southern Ontario. Her favourite pastimes included sewing and creating wall hangings. She also loved flowers, doing crosswords and reading. She was a member of the Sprucedale United Church family.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Grand Retirement Village. She loved her time there. Appreciation to Dr Moazzam (CKHA) and Dr Kovacs (LHSC) and Dr. Gagner and their staff, for their dedication and care.

In lieu of flowers donations to The War Amps Ontario Champ program, Sprucedale United Church or Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.

Cremation has taken place, followed by a private family burial at Evergreen Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040