Joan Marie Potter
December 17th, 1934 - June 25th, 2026
Peacefully, surrounded by loving family at Trillium Villa, on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Joan Potter passed away at the age of 91. Predeceased in March 2026 by her husband George of 43 years. Mother of Jennifer McKeage (James), and Colleen Mormino (Dan) and stepmother of Lynne Helwig, and Carrie Wernert (Robert). Proud grandmother of Aidan (Allie), Brendan, Sara, Dan, Alex, Caitlin (Jordan), Sarah, Paige (Shane), Mitchell, and great-grandmother to Hayden and Nathaniel. Born into a farming community in Virgil, Illinois in 1934, Joan Berens attended Madonna High School in Aurora, Illinois and continued to maintain life-long friendships made there.
She raised her daughters, Jennifer and Colleen in Wheaton, Illinois and while there, she worked at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital where she established relationships that continued to be vital to Joan throughout her life. Joan married George Potter in 1983 and subsequently, moved to Sarnia, Ontario. She was welcomed into the Potter clan and enjoyed the colourful family reunions. Joan loved gardening, taking walks in Canatara Park and taking in the beauty of Lake Huron. She also enjoyed playing Gin Rummy, eating fresh tomatoes and peaches, and watching British murder mysteries. Joan was a stoic, determined and private person and became known fondly, for her “sassy” nature.
The family would like to express exceeding gratitude to the Trillium Villa staff for the love and care shown to Joan for the past 20 months.
Cremation has taken place. At Joan’s request, a private burial of ashes was held at
Resurrection Cemetery. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Canadian Cancer Society (cheques only at the funeral home please). Please also remember and celebrate Joan’s life by drinking a cup of black coffee, eating potato chips, listening to the birds, smelling the flowers and walking by the lake.
Thomas Francis Devereaux
September 1, 1936 - July 19, 2026
Peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, Thomas Francis Devereaux passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospice at the age of 89. Tom was the beloved husband of the late Joanne Devereaux (1997), with whom he shared 41 wonderful years together. He was a loving and devoted father to Patricia Fleming (the late Mark, 2021), Mark Devereaux (Marj Davey), Jill Allen (Paul), and Joel Devereaux (Rebecca). He was a proud and deeply loved Papa to Matthew Fleming (Kristina), Michael Fleming (Jessica), Ashley Devereaux, Jenna Devereaux, Averey Devereaux (Jeremy), Aaron Devereaux, Kirstin Salisbury (Paul), Alysha Allen, and Samantha Devereaux.
Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his family grow, and he was especially proud of his eight great-grandchildren. Tom was predeceased by his brother Ralph Devereaux, his sister Mary Lou Burgess, and his special friend Jeanne Dobroski (2023).
Tom was a quiet, genuinely kind, and easy-going man who never let life’s stresses weigh too heavily on him. He had a calming presence and a simple outlook that those who knew him came to appreciate deeply. His favourite saying, “That’s the way she goes,” perfectly captured his relaxed attitude and ability to take life as it came. Tom had a lifelong passion for sports, especially baseball and hockey. He was a loyal fan to the Detroit Tigers, and his patience was demonstrated as he cheered on the Toronto Maple Leafs year after year.
After retiring from Polysar, he enjoyed spending more time on the golf course, where he found both relaxation and friendship. Tom’s family will forever cherish the many summers spent gathered around his backyard pool. Those afternoons and evenings filled with laughter, swimming, corn-on-the-cob and time together became some of the most treasured memories shared by his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his warmth, gentle sense of humour, quiet strength, and the countless simple moments that made people feel loved and welcome. Tom’s love and presence will be deeply missed and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. MacSweeney and Nurse Lance Marcy for their exceptional care, compassion, and unwavering commitment to Tom over the past two years. Their kindness, support, and dedication meant a great deal to Tom and to all of us. We would also like to sincerely thank the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice for the incredible care, comfort, and dignity they provided during Tom’s final days. The compassion shown by the entire hospice team brought great comfort to our family during a difficult time.
Family and friends will be received at SFH – McKenzie & Blundy Chapel, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 1011 Oak Ave., Sarnia, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice or a charity of choice (cheques only at the funeral home, please).
Thomas "Tom" Paul Keenan
January 27th, 1939 - July 4th, 2026
It is with deep sadness that the family of Thomas “Tom” Keenan announces his peaceful passing at the age of 87, surrounded by the love of his family.
Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose kindness, quiet strength, and enduring sense of humour touched everyone who knew him. Even throughout his journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Tom continued to face each day with grace, resilience, and the wit that always brought smiles to those around him.
Tom was the beloved husband of Colleen Keenan. He was a proud and loving father to Beth Grieve (Mike McEwan) and Karen Keenan (John McInnis), and a cherished grandfather to Hilary Grieve, Emily Grieve-Ganter, Laurel McInnis, and Elise McInnis. He took great pride in his family and treasured every moment spent with them.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Betty Keenan; his brother, Jack Keenan; his sister, Marylin Dayman (Verne); and his son-in-law-, Kitch Grieve.
Tom enjoyed a full and active life. He spent many years working at Polymer/Polysar, where he built lasting friendships and a respected career. Outside of work, he had a passion for golf, tennis, and travelling, embracing every opportunity to enjoy life’s adventures and create lasting memories with family and friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton for their compassion and support throughout Tom’s illness. They also wish to sincerely thank the caring and dedicated staff at Vision Nursing Home for the kindness, dignity, and exceptional care they provided.
In keeping with Tom’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A private family memorial will be held to celebrate his life. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton, the Vision Nursing Home Social Fund, or a charity of your choice (cheques only at the funeral home please).
Tom will be remembered for his warmth, his laughter, his love of family, and the many lives he touched. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.
Lorne "Butch" Trumble
August 25, 1942 - July 26, 2026
Butch passed away at Bluewater Health on July 26th and went home to be with his Lord and Saviour. He is survived by his wife Sharron who he was married to for 60 years, by his daughters Kelly DeGurse (Mike) and Denise McMillan (Kip), his grandchildren James DeGurse (Jeanna), Nicole DeGurse, Parker Laanstra (Cass), Jaedyn Laanstra (Mason) and Toby McMillan. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Fred& Edna Trumble, 3 brothers and 5 sisters.
He was an avid roller skater who worked as a patrol at Rose Gardens Roller Rink where he was known for his gold roller skates and it was said he could skate faster backwards than most people could going forward. He enjoyed playing baseball, soccer, lacrosse, roller hockey, regular hockey and golf as well as woodworking. He enjoyed camping, initially pulling a travel trailer to various camping spots with his family then eventually settled down camping at Our Ponderosa, camping seasonally for about 20 years. His pride and joy was in taking our 57 Chev Bel Air convertible out for drives car shows where it won many trophies and plaques.
He worked as a millwright, pipe fitter, welder at Holmes Foundry, Monsanto, Akzo Chemicals in Sarnia and finally at Casco in London.
A service will be held at Bluewater Baptist Church, 1256 Wellington Street, Sarnia (corner of Wellington and Cardiff), on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11am with visitation one hour before from 10 - 11am.
Donations may be made to Bluewater Baptist Church at donations@bluewatersarnia.church or to
Huron House Boys Home; e-transfer to: dmcmillan@hhbh.ca and mark in memory of Butch Trumble and include your mailing address.
Cheques to: PO Box 260 Bright’s Grove, ON N0N 1C0
Or credit cards over the phone: at 519-869-4000
