Jackie Crow (née Belanger)

1955 – December 2024

Jacqueline Marie Crow (née Belanger) passed away peacefully in her 68th year after a brief battle with cancer. Surrounded by her family, Jackie left this world as she had lived it—surrounded by love.

Born in 1955 to Roland and Yvonne (née Trudell), Jackie grew up on the family farm, fostering a lifelong love for gardening, cooking, and the joys of rural life. At just 15, she met the love of her life, Brian, and their inseparable bond lasted over 50 years until his passing in 2023. Together, they built a life centered on family and love.

Jackie was a devoted mother to her sons Jeff (Lyne) and Jason (Anna) and a cherished grandmother to Jules, Gabriella, and Charlie. She shared her joy of family with her siblings, the late Chuck Bélanger (Elaine), Claire Vickery (Dan), Denise Desrochers (Denis), Louise Aitken (Dan), Marie Cadotte, and the late Diane Bélanger (Jim Britnell). Jackie will also be missed by her nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Jackie enjoyed a successful career at Union Gas in Chatham, rising to managerial roles and earning respect for her dedication and leadership. Despite her professional success, her true joy came from time spent with family, whether preparing home-cooked meals or attending her sons’ hockey games, where she formed lifelong friendships.

As a caregiver, Jackie devoted herself to supporting her loved ones during their illnesses, including her husband Brian during his health struggles. Her legacy of love, generosity, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at McKinlay Reception Centre, 463 St. Clair Street, Chatham.

A private family interment will take place at Immaculée Conception Cemetery at a later date.

Donations in Jackie’s memory may be made to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation. Online condolences can be shared at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements entrusted to McKinlay Funeral Home, Chatham.

Clifford Jackson

1936 – 2024

Clifford Isaac Jackson, a resident of Chatham, passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the age of 88.

Born in Howard Township, Clifford was the son of the late Orlo “Pete” and Neva (née Merritt) Jackson. He was the beloved husband of 60 years to the late Audrey Jackson (née German) (2017) and cherished father to Brian Jackson (Rose) of Wheatley and Darlene Breschetti (Claudio) of Chatham. Proud Grandpa of Derek Breschetti (Tiffany), Julie Jackson (fiancé Jason), and Duane Breschetti (Jessica). Great-Grandpa to Cohen McTavish and Nora Breschetti, and Step-Grandpa to Debbie, Rochelle, and Tammy, along with many great-grandchildren.

Clifford is survived by siblings Lloyd Jackson (Joanne), Jean Burk, Doris Tengelis (late John), and sister-in-law Lillian Jackson. He was predeceased by siblings Leo Jackson, Herb Jackson (late Frances), Gloria Ripley (late Melvin), Velma Miklos, and Glen Jackson. Clifford will also be missed by nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

After over 30 years of service with Siemens, Clifford retired and pursued his love for carpentry, a skill he inherited from his father. Clifford was happiest in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and listening to country music with family and friends.

Special thanks to the staff of the 3rd floor Continuing Care at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for their excellent care and compassion. Cremation has taken place, with a private family interment to be held at Christ Church at a later date.

Donations in memory of Clifford may be made to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation or Christ Church. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McKinlay Funeral Home.

Tom Ellis

1948 – 2024

Tom Ellis of Chatham passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, in his 77th year, with his beloved wife of 55 years, Deanna (née Turner), by his side. Loving father and father-in-law of Patti Ellis and Cedar Lewisohn of London, England; Colette and Jonathan Lienhard of Warrenton, Virginia; and Trevor and Susan Ellis of Pain Court, Ontario.

Tom was incredibly proud of his grandsons: Aidan and Everett Ellis; Charlie, Michael, and James Lienhard; and his favorite granddaughter, Grace Ellis. They were the lights of his life, and he took immense pride in watching each of them grow and mature.

Tom was one of seven children born to the late Irene (née McNiff) and Pat Ellis. He is survived by his siblings Mike and Carol Ellis; Jill Ellis and Diane Delage; Karen and Mike Pepper; Colleen and Rob Furneaux; and Kelly and Dave Peardon. He is predeceased by his brother, Danny Ellis (late Rose). Fondly remembered by Deanna’s family: Roy Turner (late Marie Lou Langlois); Iain and Irene Turner; Karen (late Bill Heathcote); Sheila and Ken Embury. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Edwin and Georgina Turner.

Growing up in Dover Centre, Tom often reflected fondly on the joys of his childhood, a place where he later raised his family before moving to Chatham. He found joy on the golf course with friends, cherished hunting and motorcycle trips, and loved the camaraderie of playing cards. The smell of his famous spaghetti and meatballs will remain a warm memory for many, as will his readiness to lend a hand with construction projects, showcasing his skills and generosity. Proud of his trucking career, he often joked about having backed up further than most people have driven forward.

In retirement, Tom’s spirit shone through in his countless acts of kindness, unwavering support for his grandchildren’s sports events, and the delight he found in special trips to Chick-fil-A with his grandsons in Virginia. His mornings were brightened by laughter and friendship with his cherished coffee group, where he shared hearty jokes and good conversations. He looked forward to his weekly outings at the Legion, always ensuring his friends arrived home safely.

In tribute to his wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date, allowing those who loved him to honor his memory in a meaningful way. Donations made in memory of Tom to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McKinlay Funeral Home.

Carol Ann Jackson (née Duncan)

1944 – 2024

Carol Ann Jackson, a resident of Chatham, passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on December 16, 2024, at the age of 79. Born in Stouffville, Carol Ann was the daughter of the late Jack and Evelyn (née Sanderson) Duncan.

Beloved wife of 43 years to Allman Fowler. Loving mother to Petrina, Kevin, and Duncan, and stepmother to Shaun and Nicola. Caring grandmother to Josh and Sophie, and honorary grandmother to Kira, Kendra, and Sonya. Loving sister to David, Diane, Debbie, Sean, and Jeff, and predeceased by her brother Mark. She will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Carol Ann was a spirited character who enjoyed life to the fullest. As an expert gardener, her happy place was her garden. When not gardening, she kept busy knitting socks, sweaters, and all kinds of warm and cozy creations for her loved ones.

The family extends a special thank you to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for their exceptional care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Carol Ann to the Chatham Outreach for Hunger would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McKinlay Funeral Home.

Gregory Eugene Shreve

1932 – 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gregory Eugene Shreve on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the age of 91, at Windsor Regional Hospital – Metropolitan Campus. Gregory was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many.

Greg will be remembered as a retired X-Ray Technician, a successful business owner, and a man with a lifelong love of jazz and storytelling. He will be reunited with his late wife, Joyce (nee Cummings). His love for his family, passion for music, and his warm and charming personality will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, December 16, 2024, at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, from 11:00 AM until a funeral service of Greg’s life at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in North Buxton Memorial Cemetery.

In memory of Greg, donations may be made to the Buxton Museum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Emil Gerard Lesperance

1952 - November 5, 2024

Emil Gerard Lesperance, a beloved resident of Prairie Siding, Ontario, passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 72. Son of Bernadette (née Robinet) Lesperance and the late Henry, Emil was the devoted husband of Shirley Davies.

He was a loving father to Christine Williams (partner Dave Garrick) and was predeceased by his son, James Lesperance (2008). Proud grandfather to Jerome, Alexis, Jordan, Shanele, Shanice, and Shawna, and great-grandfather to Artemis Mae and Amareana Shantaevia.

Emil is survived by his siblings, Peter Lesperance (Tracy), Steve Lesperance (Lisa), Michael Lesperance (Paula), Rose Desbiens (Bill), Mary Anne LaVoie (Ron), and Cecelia Lesperance. He was a brother-in-law to Susan and John Grant, Albert and Cathy Davies, and Christine Lesperance. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A former Ford Motor Company employee, Emil was also the owner of Emil’s General Store in Prairie Siding and operated a small marina in Windsor. Known for his love of fishing, hunting, and tinkering, he was a true believer that “someone’s trash is another person’s treasure.”

Family and friends are invited to gather at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, on Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until the sharing of stories and celebration of Emil’s life at 12:30 p.m. Cremation will follow.