Canadian Pets Obituaries Logo

New Funeral Home Ads

Dignity Oshawa Funeral Home logo

Subscribe Daily Funeral Notices

Create a legal will online, affordable.
Couple using tablet for Legal Wills Canada service.

Funeral Home: NEEDHAM-JAY FUNERAL HOME

Canadian Legacy Project veterans donation support banner

Vicky Irwin

September 30, 1932 – January 9, 2025

Vicky Irwin, of Petrolia, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at the age of 92. She will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Needham-Jay Funeral Home.

Man in sports jersey near Christmas tree.

Jesse Fortin

December 28, 2024

Ghislain “Jesse” Fortin, 79 years, of Petrolia, died peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Bear Creek Terrace, Petrolia.

Jesse will be missed by his daughter Chantal Fortin (Kevin Pedersen), son Eric (Krista) Fortin, and daughter Cali Fortin. He was the grandfather of Jazlyn, Damian, Olivia, Jade, Danyka, Stephanie, Lucas, Keira, and Allie and great-grandfather to Maverick and Ivy. He was predeceased by his son Stephen (2019). Born in Quebec, Jesse was predeceased by his parents Elzear (1947) and Beatrice (2010) Fortin and was a brother to eight siblings.

Cremation has taken place, and no service will be held. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Person wearing sunglasses outside, nature background.

Donna Sheppard (nee Brandon)

February 5, 1966 – December 14, 2024

Donna Sheppard, aged 58, of Wyoming, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the London Health Sciences Centre. Donna will be deeply missed by her husband, Tom Gustin, her children Nicole (Ian) and family Dyllan (Shay), Layla, and Hudson; Alisha (Jay) and family Mackenzie, Porter, and Karder; and Chad (Nikki) and family Hilary, Riley, Abby, Ava, and Ryker. Donna was a proud and loving grandmother who cherished her family deeply.

Donna is also survived by her brother, Jim (Tara) Brandon; her sister-in-law Cheryl (John); her sister-in-law Sally (Jim); her brother-in-law Frank (Gail); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents, Richard (2010) and Dorothy (2017) Brandon, her brother Tom (2009), and her grandson Josiah (2012). Donna’s best companion, Zoey, will also miss her dearly.

Donna was a dedicated and longtime employee of Greydanus Farms, where her commitment and work ethic left a lasting impression. Her vibrant spirit and love for life will be remembered by all who knew her.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends in due course.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation for Palliative Care.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Needham-Jay Funeral Home.

Elderly woman smiling with white hair and dark background.

Geertje "Gertrude" Sipkens

July 31, 1929 - December 2, 2024

With family by her side, Geertje “Gertrude” Sipkens passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Lambton Meadowview Villa, at the age of 95. She is now in the loving embrace of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and reunited with her beloved husband Jan (1987).

Gertrude was the devoted mother of John and Hilda Sipkens and Pat and John Groendyk. A proud Beppe to John and Sarah Sipkens, Shelley and Doug Korvemaker, Scott and Margi Sipkens, Kyle Sipkens, David and Marika Groendyk, Rachel and Greg Zantingh, Mark and Tricia Groendyk, and Janene and Chris Wierenga. She was also blessed with 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Dear sister to Klaas and Vivian DeJong, and sister-in-law to Flora DeJong and Cisca DeJong. She was predeceased by her parents Roel and Pietertje DeJong, and her siblings Jack and Betty DeJong, Ed DeJong, Frances and Bart Huizinga, and Jim DeJong. Gertrude will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A dedicated and active member of the Wyoming Christian Reformed Church, Gertrude found joy in serving others through volunteer work, including Meals on Wheels and other church projects. Her family deeply appreciates the kind care provided by the staff at Lambton Meadowview Villa.

Visitation will be held at the Wyoming Chapel of Needham-Jay Funeral Home, 650 Broadway St., Wyoming, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at the Wyoming Christian Reformed Church on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Wyoming Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to John Knox Christian School. Cheques only, please, at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.needhamjay.com.

Anna Kmetic

Anna Kmetic (née Zink)

April 30, 1934 - November 28, 2024

It is with deep sadness that the family of Anna Kmetic announces her peaceful passing on November 28, 2024, at the age of 91. Surrounded by her loving sons, Anna passed away at Lambton Meadowview Villa in Petrolia, Ontario.

Anna was the devoted wife of the late Tony Kmetic for 68 wonderful years. She will be dearly missed by her sons Rudy (Patricia) and Paul Kmetic. Anna is predeceased by her parents Rozina and Martin Zink, her brothers Tony, Martin, and Stefan, and her sisters Eva and Theresa.

Anna was a source of love and strength to her family, and her kindness and warmth will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy of love and devotion to her family will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

A private memorial service will be held to honor Anna's life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated as a tribute to Anna's memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Jay Funeral Home, Petrolia, Ontario.

Wilfred Stewart Bright

April 8, 1947 - November 21, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wilfred Stewart Bright on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the age of 77. Wilfred passed peacefully at Lambton Meadowview Villa in Petrolia, surrounded by his loving family.

Wilfred was a devoted husband to the late Karen (2001), sharing a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. He will be deeply missed by his siblings: Ruby (Fred) Robinson, Stewart Bright (and friend Tracy), Len (Norma) Bright, Ernie (Patsy) Bright, Clarence Bright, Willy Bright, and Ruthy Bright (and friend Al). He was predeceased by his beloved sister Luella (the late Tom) Robinson, as well as his brothers Joseph and John, and his parents, Stuart and Kathleen Bright.

Wilfred is fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Penny (George Meredith) MacDonald, Beth Atkinson, Elaine (Roy) Mills, Judy (Rich) Ersser, and brother-in-law Wayne (Barb) Chapman. He was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews, who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.

A hardworking man, Wilfred worked as a truck driver and retired from RONA. In his free time, he enjoyed bingo and shared a special bond with his dogs: the late Sheba, the late Sam, and Ziah. Wilfred and Karen found joy in the peaceful outdoors, often camping with their trailer in the Wiarton area, where they cherished the tranquility of nature.

He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and devotion to his family. His passing leaves a profound void, but his memory will live on in the stories and love he leaves behind.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Needham-Jay Funeral Home (4059 Petrolia Line, Petrolia). As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Sarnia and District Humane Society , the Canadian Cancer Society , or the Lambton Meadowview Auxiliary. Cheques only at the funeral home, please.

Elderly man smiling in a striped shirt portrait.Robert "Bob" Sawyer
January 11, 1940 – October 30, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Sawyer, who left this world on October 30, 2024, at Bluewater Health in Sarnia after a courageous seven-month battle following a stroke. Born on January 11, 1940, Bob’s life was a tapestry of warmth and laughter.

Bob was the devoted husband of his late wife, Margaret Anne (née Hall), who predeceased him in 2012. He leaves behind his loving daughters, Cheryl Sawyer, Chris Sawyer (partner Bill Hoque), and Nicole Sawyer (husband Marcello Gidaro). Known affectionately as "Grandpa," he will be remembered fondly by his grandsons Noah and Eric, with whom he shared special memories on their toboggan adventures.

Professionally, Bob worked as a skilled lab technician at Polysar for over 30 years, leaving a legacy of dedication and enduring friendships. He was a conservationist at heart, reforesting his 50-acre family property and caring for the land. A lifelong member of the United Church of Canada, Bob found community within its walls, and was also known for his love of Western novels, card games, and crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his siblings, Ruth Anne (Bill) Moynahan, Karen (Paul) Lebert, and Jim (Karen Tessener) Sawyer, and by cherished in-laws. He is predeceased by his siblings Shirley St. Pierre and Doug Sawyer.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on Friday, November 1st, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Needham-Jay Funeral Home, 4059 Petrolia Line, Petrolia. A Funeral Service will follow on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Wyoming Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the Red Cross (cheques only at the funeral home).

Raymond George Lowrie
December 25, 1940 - October 24, 2024

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we announce the passing of Raymond George Lowrie on October 24, 2024, at C.E.E. Hospital, Petrolia. Ray went to be with his Lord and Saviour, leaving behind a legacy of love and faith cherished by all who knew him.

Ray was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Bonnie (née Burgess), since 1973. Together they created a warm and loving home for their daughter, Teri, and son-in-law, Bill Shively. Ray took great pride in his role as a grandfather to Summer and Justin Meloche, and Eric Shively, and found joy in being a great-grandfather to Ava.

Ray is survived by his sister Nancy and her husband Larry McAuley, as well as by many cherished family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Clayton Lowrie, and his sisters Arlene (the late Al) Casier, and Lynda (the late Dave) Shepherd.

A dedicated Lay Reader at St. John’s Wyoming, Ray’s faith and service to his church community were central to his life. He was the first male Registered Practical Nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Sarnia, where he was known for his compassionate care. In retirement, Ray pursued his love for service by obtaining a Pet Therapy Certificate through St. John’s Ambulance with his beloved dog, Pepper.

Ray’s life was a testament to faith, love, and dedication to family and friends. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the C.E.E. Hospital Foundation (ceehf.ca) or Christ Church Anglican (414 Oil St, Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0).

Elderly woman smiling in outdoor setting.

Doreen Helps
August 28, 1938 – October 12, 2024

Doreen Helps (nee Lewis), aged 86, of Wyoming, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospice. Doreen was the loving wife of the late Arnold (2014). She was a proud mother to Richard (Ann) Helps, Kevin (Cheri) Helps, and Kathy (Greg) Shortt, and a cherished grandmother to Kristina, Nicole, Travis, Emily (Charlie), Kylee, and Tara.

Doreen is survived by her siblings Merle and Elda (Frank Stewart) Maw, and Arnold’s siblings Donna (Jack) Bates, Gerald (the late Eleanor) Helps, and sisters-in-law Shirley Helps and Maxine Helps. She was predeceased by her parents, Goldwin and Ella Lewis, her sister, Norma (the late Elton) Steven, and many of Arnold’s siblings. Doreen will also be deeply missed by her good friend Mary Nickles, and her many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

A longtime farmer's wife, Doreen enjoyed golf and found great joy in watching her grandchildren’s many activities.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Lily and the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice, as well as Jocelyn of Bayshore, for the wonderful care they provided to Doreen.

A private family graveside service will be held at Wyoming Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Wyoming Lions Hall, 554 Main St., Wyoming.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice at St. Joseph’s Hospice.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Needham-Jay Funeral Home.

Canadian Obituaries logo
Order a memorial website

@ 2025 Canadian Obituaries, All Rights Reserved.

Subscribe Daily Funeral Notices

Canadian Obituaries logo