Diane Marie Gagnon (nee Milner)
April 15th,1950 – February 2nd. 2026
Diane Marie Gagnon (nee Milner) passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026 following a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind her devoted husband of nearly 56 years, Serge; her 2 loving children Suzanne (Sam) and Tony (Amy); four cherished grandchildren. Dakota, Kiran, Jasleen and Arjan.
She was predeceased by her parents Maynard and Ethel Milner as well as her older brother Hartley. She is survived by her other siblings Brenda, Joan, Rick and Clyde.
Following high school, Diane became a hairdresser, met Serge on 27 January 1969 and married in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia on 27 June 1970 she followed her Air Force husband through 18 moves including 4 postings in Nova Scotia, 3 postings in Ontario, one each in Germany, Virginia (USA) and Florida. Throughout these years she became an accomplished interior decorator with a very successful business named ‘Finesse Decorating’.
In her active life as a devoted mother, grandmother, wife and professional decorator, she always had a contagious radiant smile and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved hosting dinners at home and was an expert social events coordinator. She was loved and admired by all who knew her, always creating wonderful memories.
She traveled extensively to different parts of the world including all European countries, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Puerto Rico and many US states. She loved nature and exploring the different cultures and traditions. Before her illness, she was an avid hiker, gardener and enjoyed partaking in social events to meet people and to dance her heart out. She truly loved living life to its fullest.
She had a heart of gold and was gifted with a blessed soul. Diane will be sorely missed but will always be remembered, honored and cherished.
A Memorial Funeral mass will be held at St. Benedict's Church at 1011 Oak Ave in Sarnia, ON on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at 2 PM.
In her memory, donations may be dedicated to the Canadian Cancer Society or the St Joseph’s Hospice.
Patricia Ellen McEachern - Former Resident
April 9th, 1945 - March 4th, 2026
Peacefully, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Trillium Villa Nursing Home, Patricia Ellen McEachern passed away at the age of 80 years old.
Loving Mother of Shealin (Randy) Bird. Beloved Sister of Dan (Sue) Kelly and Joe (Cathy) Kelly. Patricia is predeceased by her parents Bernard and Irma Kelly, her sisters Colleen Kelly and Ann (Bill) Barnes, and her husband Bruce McEachern. Dear friend of Rita Silvestri and Sandy Lunn. She will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Patricia had a deep love for knitting. Rarely was she without her knitting bag by her side, and her needles seemed to follow her wherever she went. She cherished the time she spent around the table playing cards, where laughter, friendly competition, and conversation were always in abundance. Patricia found happiness in the company of others and the comfort of the traditions she loved.
Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at Smith Family Centre, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Friday, March 13th, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca
George William Potter
April 10th, 1942 - March 12th, 2026
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his home, George Potter passed away at the age of 83. Born April 10, 1942, George is survived by his beloved wife, Joan, of 43 years. Cherished father of Lynne Helwig, Carrie Wernert (Robert), and step-father of Jennifer McKeage (James), and Colleen Mormino (Dan). Proud grandfather of Alex, Caitlin (Jordan), Sarah, Paige (Shane), Mitchell, Aidan (Allie), Brendan, Sara, Dan and great-grandfather to Hayden and Nathaniel. Dear brother of Genevieve, Thomas (Toni) and John (Judy). Loved uncle of many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents William and Georgina, and by his siblings David, Agnes, and Bob.
George was the 5th of seven children. Following the death of his father in 1946, his mother took the family to Mooseheart, Illinois. His father had been the member of the Loyal order of Moose in Sarnia which supported a home called Mooseheart for the children of deceased members. George made many lifelong friends at Mooseheart and travelled back for Homecoming many times and remained in contact with some of his classmates until he passed. While at Mooseheart he learned to play the flute and used this knowledge to teach himself Irish tin whistle which he played often and into his last days.
After leaving Mooseheart, he returned to Sarnia for the rest of his life. He attended S.C.I.T.S. High school and worked many jobs including delivering groceries on a bicycle and setting pins at a bowling alley. He was then hired by Polysar, and its successors at which he spent the remainder of his career as a technician in their quality control lab.
George and Joan were married in September 1984. They attended Grace United Church in Sarnia until COVID and ill health prevented them from continuing. He absolutely LOVED fishing, always being very secretive about any great spots he had found. He also enjoyed making (and drinking and sharing) wine from the rhubarb he grew and blueberries and elderberries scrounged from other secret locations. Family gatherings always included a friendly wine competition with his two brothers, Dave and,John. George was also a passionate gardener, particularly at his home on Elizabeth Street, where he traditionally dug the last carrot crop on Christmas Day.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of George’s life will be held at Smith Family Centre, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Canadian Cancer Society (cheques only at the funeral home please).
Marilyn "Lynn" Ann Winch
October 11, 1942 - March 15, 2026
Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Bluewater Health, Marilyn “Lynn” Ann Winch (formerly Carobin) secured her role with the Lord’s choir of angels. Her earthly audition was complete at the age of 83.
Beloved mother of Scott Winch and Blair (Megan) Winch. “Nanna” will be greatly missed by grandchildren Carley and Emery. Predeceased by her father, Peter Carobin (1997), mother Frances (1988), and sister Layne (1982).
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 11th, 1942, during the Second World War, mom (Frances) moved to Sarnia while father, Peter finished his role with the Canadian Navy.
In 1947, a sister Layne joined the family. Acquiring a piece of property in Blackwell, Peter built the family home that Lynn would call home until 1972. It is here that she began her wonderful talent for playing the piano and singing. In her teenage years, she picked up a love for dancing. She joined Blackwell United Church and was married here in 1967 to Doug Winch, a fellow teacher at Northern Collegiate, Lynn taught Latin, Greek and keyboarding for several years and relished her involvement in student extracurricular activities and building decades-long comradery with the teaching staff. Prior to kids, she enjoyed time travelling with stops in Cuba, Italy, Turkey and other Mediterranean countries. When it was time to settle down, Doug, father, Peter, and father-in-law built a family home out in Camlachie. Taking occupancy in 1972, two sons (Scott & Blair) were quickly added to the family. Lynn would leave teaching soon after, embracing her role as mother and homemaker. She would end up using her teaching skills again by offering piano lessons out of the family home. Lynn joined Camlachie United Church and took on involvement in the UCW and church choir. With her children being young, she took on a role of leading the junior choir. Her piano talents extended to the church organ, a role that she began at Blackwell United Church and continued on at Camlachie until recent times. Needing time to venture out as the children got older, Lynn took her talents to the Art Christmas Aggregation (musical/orchestra), performing in many singing roles over the years. This time was highlighted by the social connections she made with cast members, and the travelling performance to England, Scotland and Wales. In later times, she joined the Nightingale Chorus, taking on roles well into her 70s. She would end up returning to Blackwell United Church as their musical director/organist, filling the church with uplifting music until its final closure.
Lynn loved her boys incredibly despite her reminding them of how much she wanted a daughter. Lynn loved to talk much more than her boys, perhaps feeling a void from the closeness that she had with her mom and sister. Despite the silence and yes, frustration at times, Lynn cherished the trips she was able to take with her family to Florida and Arizona. In 2013 and again in 2015, she became “Nanna”, a role she was fiercely proud of. She loved hearing about their lives and through the development of FaceTime helped her to stay more in touch with their lives. Despite physical mobility challenges that limited her ability to chase rambunctious young children, she was able to take a trip to Florida and have a couple cottage trips with them. In more recent years, Lynn loved the offerings of local playhouses, the activities of the Bluewater Country neighborhood and the social banter of “the coffee group”. She found healing in the music of the London Road West United Church and the supportive friendship that stemmed from this.
Lynn loved her canine friends; from past collies Mitzie, Char, and Destiny to shipoos Maia and the current dog Coco. She will rest comfortably that Scott will love and care for Coco… and walk him too.
Despite leaving her earthly existence, she will always be with us in loyal and compassionate spirit. Her wonderful voice will sing to us and provide comfort in our lives.
The family would like to thank the nursing and PSW staff of the Vision rest home for their continued efforts in the interest of her wellbeing. A special thanks goes out to the Bluewater Health intensive care unit, Dr. McCreary and Nurse Elizabeth.
For as Long as I Have Music by Don Besig & Nancy Price
“For as long as I have music, as long as there’s a song for me to sing, I can find a way, I can see a brighter day, the music in my life will set my spirit free”
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held at a later date in the spring.
Expression of sympathy can be made to the Canadian Red Cross and the Humane Society in Lynn’s name. (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
Helen May Forbes (née Haddon)
May 26th, 1940 - March 23rd, 2026
Passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026, in her 86th year, from lung cancer.
A lifelong resident of Sarnia, Helen was the beloved wife of Glenn, for 68 years, whom she married at the age of 17. Loving mother of four children, Joanne (Mark) Jamieson, Murray (Annette) Forbes, Scott (Karen) Forbes and Sharon (the late Bill) Smith. She delighted in her 20 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, plus the Brinksman girls that called her “Gran” and 31 nieces, nephews and their spouses.
Born the ninth of ten children, Helen’s life was shaped by and rooted in family. She was predeceased by her parents, Reginald Edgar and Kate Louisa Haddon (nee Ward), and by her siblings and their spouses: Grace and Bud Coulter, Ollie and Margaret Haddon, Edgar and Babe Haddon, Gord and Doreen Haddon, Margaret and Bill Spence, Marion and Charles Curran, and Kathy Graham. She is also predeceased by her in-laws, Donald and Irene Forbes, and sister-in-law Lois (Ted) Bastow. She is survived by her brothers Eric (the late Marianne) (Joann) of Myrtle Beach and Lloyd (Shelly) of Edmonton, and her brother-in-law Bill Graham of Tillsonburg, ON.
Helen worked for many years as a waitress, and then a secretary at Union Carbide and for Dr. Bill Muir. Despite her work commitments, Helen’s daily priority was always her family, siblings, and extended relations. She would catch the bus home to have lunch with her kids on school days and walk with them and their friends to Canatara beach on sunny summer days. An active and athletic woman, Helen enjoyed baseball and bowling and was a constant presence at her children’s sporting events. Helen was generous and liked to include extra people at family events and special occasions. Helen was not an introvert, and she believed that you had a right to hear her opinion on any and all subjects. She was a faithful member of Canon Davis Memorial Anglican Church and later Cornerstone Church, where her faith was still growing at the end of her life. In hospice she was asked if she was worried about dying, and she said “No, because I love you, you love me, and Jesus loves us both. We will be okay.”
Many thanks to Dr. Van As her patient family physician, and Doctor Sung at Bluewater Health who made palliative care and hospice care take place when Helen was determined to go back home. Special thanks to Dr. Crombeen and the tender-hearted nurses, staff, and volunteers at St. Josephs Hospice. The hospice facility and the people who enliven it with attentive loving kindness and dignity are the diamond in the crown of the Sarnia – Lambton region.
A funeral service will be held at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, Ontario, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with family and friends being received one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to St Joseph’s Hospice, or Cornerstone Anglican Church.
