Riverside Funeral Home Inc.

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Brussels, ON
Riverside Funeral Home Inc.

Riverside Funeral Home is dedicated to providing personalized, meaningful services with emphasis on family and community.

We believe that everyone grieves differently and want to provide a specialized service for every family. We offer traditional services, cremation options, progressive ideas and professional advice about whichever service your family needs.

04/03/2026

Emily Ann Cousins

Emily Ann Cousins of Brussels, passed away at the age of 84 on March 31st at Victoria Hospital in London with her family at her side.

Emily was the beloved wife of the late George Cousins (2016). Proud Mother to Tim (Krista) of Cambridge and Laura (Jorge) of London. Also loved by her grandson Dean Cousins, Dean's mother Angela, and by her many nieces and nephews. Sister to Lewis Metzger and David (Elaine) Metzger.Predeceased by parents Sylvester & Dora Metzger (Schaus), sisters Audrey (Rodney) Helwig, Gloria (Cliff) Van Slyke, brother Bill Metzger and sister-in-law Patricia Metzger.

Emily was born in Neustadt Ontario on February 22, 1942, and grew up in Hanover. At the age of 17, Emily began her career as a teacher in a country school house in Bruce County. After attending Teacher’s College, she moved to Brussels to teach at Brussels Public School for the remainder of her career where her dedication and love for teaching shone through, earning her a special place in the hearts of many students. Emily had a gift for delighting audiences, delivering thoughtfully crafted, clever and hilarious speeches at Grade 8 graduations and family reunions. Emily’s love for playing the piano stayed with her throughout her life, and her music was deeply cherished by all who heard it. Many fond memories were made gathered around the piano, singing together with both the Metzger families and Cousins families. Some cherished favourites by her family and students include The Boogie Woogie Ghost, Blueberry Hill and Columbus. After retirement, Emily continued her love of teaching by inspiring children through piano lessons and tutoring, guided by her passion for helping children learn. Emily also loved knitting, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and board games, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to Brussels United Church on Saturday April 11th at 11:00 a.m. for the funeral service. Reverend Alex Jebson officiating. Interment in Brussels Cemetery to follow.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy can be made to the Brussels United Church or to One Care Home and Community Support Services would be appreciated. Condolences may be shared at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

View Emily Ann Cousins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/30/2026

Isaac Fehr

Passed away peacefully at Huronview Home for the Aged on January 28th, 2026, in his 87th year.

Loving husband to Martha for 63 years.

Proud dad to Dawn & Neil MacLeod, Shelly & Shawn Meyers, Roxanne & Dennis Clarke.

Grandpa to Kaitlyn, Guinevere, Sabrina, Samantha, Denielle.

Brother to Mary Carra.

A private funeral service will take place.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to the HCFDC (Huron County Food Distribution Centre) would be appreciated.

Sympathy cards may be sent to Box 172 Brussels ON N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Isaac Fehr's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Odin Arthur Leachman

After a long and courageous battle, Odin Arthur Leachman, age 10, laid down his shield and passed peacefully in his sleep at London Health Sciences Centre on January 25, 2026.

Odin was the deeply loved son of Tara Leachman and Brandon Roorda, and cherished grandson of Sherry Leachman and Richard and Eva Roorda. He was predeceased by his papa, Brian Leachman.

Odin will be deeply missed by his vader Ryan Leibold, his aunt Lorelei, uncles Dan and Jamie, cousins Jimmy, Jacob, Cassandra, and Drew, and by the many friends who walked beside him. He was also dearly loved by his loyal companions Waggy, Coco, and Gaia.

Fierce, wild, and full of life, Odin loved baseball and hockey, ripping around on his dirt bike, catching air at the skatepark, and chasing anything fast. Roller coasters thrilled him. Snowmobiling with his dad, biking with friends, gaming on his PC, and sharing time with those he loved filled his days. He lived boldly, with fire in his spirit and motion in his soul.

A private family service will be held in the spring.

Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Wingham Minor Hockey, and Wingham Minor Ball would be appreciated.

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 199 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Odin Arthur Leachman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/28/2026

Frank Stretton

Francis “Frank” James Stretton of Brussels, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, January 26th at Clinton Public Hospital in his 78th year.

Frank was the beloved husband of Mary Stretton and the loving father of Margaret and Dave Speer of Whitechurch, Grant and Cindy Jarvis of Brussels, Lesley Stretton of Toronto and Brendan and Stephanie Stretton of Brussels.

Frank was the adored Grandpa to Ben and James Speer.

Brother-in-law of Les and Brenda Williams and Angie Williams. Frank will be missed by several nieces and nephews.

Frank is predeceased by his parents Herb and Marguerite Stretton, brother Herb (Norma) Stretton, sister Geraldine Bradshaw, brother-in-law Gordon Bradshaw and father and mother-in-law Grant and Jean Williams.

Frank lived a life defined by dedication, service, and love for the people around him.

For 47 years, Frank devoted himself to education in Huron County, now known as the Avon Maitland District School Board, serving as a Teacher, Vice Principal of Special Education, and Principal. He believed deeply in the power of learning and in supporting every student to reach their full potential. His career was not just a profession, but a calling, and he touched countless lives along the way.

Above all else, Frank was a devoted family man. Excelling in sports like hockey and baseball led him to coach many local teams, and eventually his greatest pride became coaching his own children and later cheering them on from the stands.

When retirement came, Frank and Mary embraced a new chapter together, travelling the world and discovering new places, their favourite view was from the deck of a cruise ship. One of Frank’s greatest joys was his role as Grandpa. Spoiling his grandsons was a privilege he took very seriously.

Frank also gave generously of his time and talents to his community. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Brussels Branch 218 for 31 years and served more than 13 years in municipal government with Brussels Town Council and Huron East. As Finance Chair for the construction of the original BMG Arena, Frank helped build a place that would become a cornerstone for sports, gatherings, and community life for generations to come.

He was known for his loyalty, especially to his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, cheering them on through every season, with hope always alive for the next win.

In his later years, Frank found great joy on the pickleball court and was proud to be one of the founders of the Brussels Pickleball Club, helping bring people together through sport, laughter, and friendship.

Frank’s life was one of commitment: to education, to family, to community, and to the simple joys that made each day meaningful. His legacy lives on in the many students he guided, the community he helped shape, and the family who will forever carry his love in their hearts.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of life will be held at the Brussels Morris and Grey Community Centre on Saturday, May 9th from 1 to 4. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the Oncology Department of Wingham & District Hospital.

https://wdhfoundation.ca/

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 317, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0.

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 340, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Frank Stretton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/26/2026

Doreen Smith

Passed away peacefully at Wingham & District Hospital on January 23rd, 2026 in her 81st year.

Loving Wife to her best friend Carman Roy Smith for 61 years.

Proud Mother to Barry Smith of Parry Sound, Barb (Ken) Fedy of Kemble, Mike (Leeanne Robinson) Smith of South River, Gary Smith of Parry Sound, Brian Smith of Muskoka and Sarah (Sheldon) Philpott of Kitchener.

Adoring Nan to Kelly Smith (Justin Roberts), Dennis Smith, Cameron (Sally) Fedy, Nevin (Kelsey) Fedy, Daniel Smith, Dezirae (Mitch) Slote, Cooper and Spencer Philpott and to her great-grandchildren Riley, Damon and Ella Roberts, Nora Slote and Finley Fedy.

Sister to Gloria (Jim) Sebastian, Ron (Mel) Heibein, Rosemary Hare, Joan (Murray) McCracken, Rick (Charlotte) Heibein, Roger (Margie Fenner) Heibein and Lori (Mark) Dobson.

Sister-in-law to Ross Smith, Fred (Teuni) Smith, Roger (Donna) Smith, Fran Gibbons and Marilyn Smith.

Missed by nieces, nephews, cousins and neighbours. Special thanks to a caring neighbour Carol who provided comfort and support during this difficult time.

Predeceased by her parents Bruce and Pearl Heibein, her father and mother-in law Allan and Mabel Smith, brothers-in-law Alan Hunter and John Gibbons, brothers and sisters-in-law Harvey and Marion Smith, Joe and Bev Smith, Doreen and Vern Willoughby, Shirley Smith, Lloyd and Beryl Smith, Larry and Elaine Smith, Grace and Harry Smith, Glenna and John Seddon,

Doreen was an avid card player and a sharp-shooting crokinole tournament champion. She loved creative cooking and staying connected through social media. She cherished her Cousins Luncheons and her lifelong friendships with the Trowbridge Girls. Doreen enjoyed fishing, camping, and baking cookies for her grand dogs. She especially loved Christmas, watching videos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reading, pickling and preserving just about anything, and quilting. For many years she was an active member of The Southline Women’s Institute and she had a fondness for anything with a rooster motif.

Most of all Doreen loved her family and the laughter, joy and fun that always filled each and every gathering.

Cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Doreen’s life will take place in the spring to honour a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to Huron Safe Homes for Youth, Goderich or Huron Perth Centre for Youth, Stratford to help disadvantaged youth or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Unit 3 91135 Belmore Line, Wroxeter ON N0G 2X0.

View Doreen Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/26/2026

Brian Defoe

Brian Glen Defoe was born on September 18th, 1955, in Brampton, Ontario, son to Bill Defoe and Rose Defoe. Brother to Jim Defoe and the late Al Defoe. Living in Kitchener, Ontario at age 20, Brian married Elisa Massaro and raised three children during their 23-year marriage: his daughters, the late Michelle Defoe and the late Ashley Defoe, and his son, Derek Defoe.

Brian spent his later years in Walton, Ontario, living a peaceful, quiet life. He passed away in his home on January 19th, 2026 at the age of 70.

Brian touched many lives and made friends wherever he went. He had a love for animals, especially cats. His cat Smokey was his best friend. He had a very special place in his heart for cats and would offer love and care to his own pets as well as strays that needed his help.

Cremation has taken place. Brian’s final resting place will be in Kitchener, Ontario, where his daughters, Michelle and Ashley, also rest.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the KW Humane Society.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Brian Defoe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/23/2026

Viola May Adams

Passed away peacefully at Huronlea Home for the Aged in Brussels on January 22nd, 2026, in her 92nd year.

Loving mother to Nancy (Ken) Gowing, Andy (Marge) Adams, John (Connie) Adams, David (Colleen) Adams, and Steven (Donna) Adams.

Cherished grandma to Heather (Kenny), Scott, Cathy (Greg), Will, Crystal (Dave), Kayla (Dar), John, Andrew, Tara (Jason), Jessica (Nicky), Tavis, Kaylyn (Lavon), Karissa (Austyn), Octavia, and Olivia. Great grandma to Jack, Cassidy, Chase, Aeson, Levi, Viola, Orion, Basil, Mira, Percival, Hailey, Hannah, Madison, Pheonix, Ava, Alexander, and Radley, and great-great grandma to Hudson.

Viola will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and the Edgar family.

Predeceased by her parents Russel and Mae Bradshaw, husband William Wilson Adams (1977), and her second husband Allan Edgar (2017), brothers Harvey (Betty) Bradshaw, Gordon (Geraldine) Bradshaw, and sister Mary (Hugh) Campbell.

Viola will be remembered for her love of family and community. She had a quiet strength and warmth that was palpable. When you could get her to laugh, she had a smile that would light up the room.

Viola found great joy in spending time with her family and hosting family get togethers. Her loved ones will forever cherish the kitchen table conversations they shared with her and the stories she would tell about everything happening in Brussels. Her shortbread and pickles were a family favourite.

Over the years, Viola enjoyed liquid embroidery and quilting, feeding the birds, and playing euchre. Viola was a long-time member of Melville Presbyterian Church.

Viola had a long and wonderful life and will be missed.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Huronlea for the excellent care Viola received.

Friends and family are invited to Melville Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, January 27th for visitation from 10-11am with funeral service to follow at 11am.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to Melville Presbyterian Church would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

View Viola May Adams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/21/2026

Greg Ducharme

Ducharme: Gregory ‘Greg’ Bruce

Passed away suddenly on January 19th 2026.

Husband to Nanci (Bennett) for 40 years.

Dad to Evan & Victoria Ducharme, Danielle & Chris Jutzi.

Grandpa to Wilson and Clara Ducharme, Nora and Jaxson Jutzi.

Son of Dorothea and the Late Oscar Ducharme (2018).

Brother to Murray Ducharme and Kimberley Ducharme.

Brother-in-law to Peter & LuAnn Bennett.

Sadly missed by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Missed by the McDonald family, past and present employees of McDonald Home Hardware, as well as many customers and contractors.

Predeceased by in-laws Ross & Margaret Bennett.

A life long devoted Home Hardware employee; he started his career at the age of 14 with McDonald Build-All. The McDonald’s were like family. He was a dedicated Brussels Lions club member for over 40 years. He enjoyed coaching, being on the executive and watching his son play hockey. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than his 4 grandchildren and dog Cailee.

Cremation has taken place.

A private family service will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Brussels Lions Club would be appreciated.

Donations may be sent to PO Box 340, Brussels, ON. N0G 1H0

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

Cards of sympathy or stories about Greg can be sent to PO Box 26 Brussels, ON. N0G 1H0

View Greg Ducharme's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/16/2026

Surendra Shiamduth Jugdave

AUM

Surendra Shiamduth Jugdave

October 19, 1960 – January 9, 2026

Surendra Shiamduth Jugdave passed away peacefully at Clinton Hospital on January 9, 2026, in his 65th year, surrounded by the love of his family.

A devoted husband to Swasthi Jugdave for 41 years, Surendra built his life around family, duty, and unwavering commitment. He was a proud and loving father to Vishaal, Sumeeth, and Karikshah, and a cherished father-in-law to Clayton and Cassidy. His greatest joy was being a grandfather to Sasha, Hailey, Hayden, and Ashur, whom he adored deeply and spoke of often with quiet pride.

Surendra is survived by his siblings Chiranjeeva Jugdave and Ansuyah Gowrie, and was predeceased by his beloved parents Shiamduth and Bridgekumari, formerly of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Born and raised in South Africa, Surendra immigrated to Canada with little more than determination, skill, and faith in a better future. Through sheer willpower and tireless work, he built a stable, loving home for his family. Whether working as a locksmith, practicing carpentry, repairing small engines, or fixing whatever was broken, Surendra had a rare gift for problem-solving and self-reliance. If something needed doing, he simply did it.

He was a man of principle and discipline — firm, fair, and quietly generous. He taught his children the value of hard work, responsibility, and integrity not through words, but through example. Surendra never complained, never sought pity, and faced every challenge with calm resolve. His favorite saying, “It is what it is,” reflected his stoic strength and acceptance of life as it came.

As a husband, he was loyal, protective, and steadfast. As a father, he was dependable, guiding, and deeply proud of the lives his children built. As a grandfather, he softened, finding joy in laughter, stories, and watching the next generation grow.

In accordance with Hindu tradition, we honor Surendra not only for the life he lived, but for the soul he now continues. We take comfort in knowing that his ātman has begun its next journey, free from pain, guided by the love and good karma he created in this world.

Cremation has taken place on Tuesday January 13, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made through donations to any local food banks .

Condolences may be shared with the family at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

May Surendra’s soul find peace, and may his legacy of strength, sacrifice, and devotion continue through all who loved him. 🕉️

View Surendra Shiamduth Jugdave's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/04/2026

Harry David Smith

Passed away surrounded by family on January 3rd, 2026, at Wingham and District Hospital in his 88th year.

Loving husband to Grace (2006) for 49 years.

Proud Dad to Catherine & Richard Badley of Blyth, Patricia & Steven Fidler of Lurgan Beach, and Darlene & Ben Hoegy of Brussels.

Grandpa to Amelia & Ben, Heidi & Jonathan, Mitchell & Ashton, Hannah & Teddy, and Chad & Elyshia.

Great grandpa to Jasper, Reggie, Jaxx, Quinn, and Todd Joseph.

Predeceased by siblings Aileen, Gloria and Bill.

Harry loved life. He worked hard, played hard and enjoyed his family and friends.

He will be truly missed by family and friends.

Cremation has taken place.

A private family graveside service will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to the Wingham & District Hospital would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Harry David Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

Viki Johnson

Passed away at her home in Ethel on December 4th, 2025, in her 71st year.

Partner to Murray Thompson.

Sister to Kathy Mason and Nancy Rosinke.

Predeceased by her parents Andrew and Mary Petro, and husband Allan, and brother-in-law Ken Mason.

Viki’s passing has left a whole in the hearts of those who loved her, including friends, neighbours and many rescued animals.

Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to an animal rescue of your choice would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Viki Johnson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/30/2025

Dianne Siertsema

Courageously passed away on November 27th at Jessica's House Hospice in Exeter in her 60th year.

Loving wife to Ken Siertsema for 28 years.

Proud mom to Jessica, Kasey and Amber Siertsema.

Adoring Grandma to Esma Siertsema.

Sister to Andy Nethery and Randy & Sandra McCurdy and Terry McCurdy.

Fondly missed by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends.

Predeceased by parents Dina & Bill Nethery, and Dorothy McCurdy, brother Barry McCurdy, nephew Duane in infancy and in-laws Hebo & Marg Siertsema.

Dianne was a force to be reckoned with, she valued honesty and you always knew how she felt. She was incredibly giving of her time to others and thoughtful of her neighbours. She loved her family and was a great mom and grandmother to her daughters. She worked alongside her husband for many years running their dairy cow operation and enjoyed it. She loved being on the farm and all the adventures it brought, whether it was riding the side by side up the lane, snowshoeing the back forty or just going for a walk down the road.

Early in her life Dianne worked at the Wawanosh Nature Centre, became the Brown Swiss Princess, and then moved on to work at the Blyth Rutabaga plant. Known as ‘Stick’, she was very active in sports playing for many Blyth baseball teams, several broomball teams and running the Blyth Soccer League. Dianne loved her community and was a member of the Blyth Legion, the Blyth Threshers Association, 4H and more recently the Auburn Lions Club.

In her spare time Dianne liked to make diamond dot pictures, she was mildly obsessed with the rubber ducks that people put on jeeps and no matter what the season she loved a good Hallmark movie.

Dianne was a strong, independent person and great role model for anyone that came into her life. Her stubborn yet forgiving nature and heartfelt laugh will be missed.

Cremation has taken place.

A come and go celebration of Dianne’s Life will take place on Saturday, January 10th at the Auburn Hall from 1-4 pm.

Donations to the Auburn Lions Club would be appreciated.

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 199 Blyth N0M 1H0

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Dianne Siertsema's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

401 Albert Street Box 340
Brussels, ON
N0G1H0

Website

http://www.riversidefuneralhome.ca/

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I became a Funeral Director to be able to help others in a time when they might not be able to make important decisions with a clear head, to empathize with others and share their grief. I believe everyone needs different closure when someone we love dies and I’m here to facilitate that whenever and to whomever needs it.

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