here is no greater heartache in life than having to share the loss of your child. With broken hearts we let you know that Olivia Sarah Hanak-Guttridge, just 23 years old passed away on September 22, 2025 following a car accident. She will be missed immensely by her parents Heather Hanak (Gary Bryans) and Warren Guttridge (Marylu), her brother Joseph Guttridge and her sister Jennifer Brown (Kevin). She was an awesome aunt to Gideon and Grace, granddaughter to John & Helen Hanak and the late Harley & Donna Guttridge and niece to Linda Dupuis (Al Howes), Sally Benge (Terry) and Allison Graef (Harley).
Olivia had a huge heart, especially for animals – a steady stream of furry friends including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and ducks always seemed to find their way to her door. And throughout her life, any job that she had was one where she could make a difference in someone’s day. Most recently she worked at the Tilbury Tots Daycare.
True to her caring nature, Olivia wanted to help others even after her death. To that end, she had signed her license to become an organ donor, and thanks to her generosity, others have now been given a second chance at life. That’s the kind of selflessness she showed every day.
We would have celebrated Olivia’s birthday with her on November 29th. We have chosen to keep that day now to celebrate her life. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home that day at 11:00 where there will be a chance to visit with her family until noon when a Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Eric Skillings will take place. Following the funeral service, everyone is invited to gather at the Merlin Legion to join us in celebrating a life, albeit too short, was lived fully, boldly and without regret.
Our family would like to convey our sincerest gratitude to the Chatham-Kent EMS and Police Service as well as the Victoria Hospital Critical Care Trauma Unit. The care and kindness that you gave to Olivia did not go unnoticed.
