It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Blanche Elizabeth Duke (nee Wilton) on Saturday August 15, 2026, at Brampton Civic Hospital.

Blanche was born on February 24, 1939, in Walkerton, Ontario, to the late Wallace and Jean Wilton. She is survived by her daughters Vicki Emrich (Richard) of Hanover, Ontario, Sherri Brodhurst (Allan Ashwood) of Airdrie, Alberta, and Michele Duke (Terry Boyle) of Brampton, Ontario; her 4 grandchildren, Steven, Christopher, Nicole and Amie; her 6 great grandchildren, Riley, Logan, Hudson, Tessa, Archer, and Dimitri; her grand dog Bailey; her brother John (Brenda) of Mildmay, Ontario and her nieces and nephews.

Blanche was a much-loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother (GG), sister, aunt, and great aunt who would give you the shirt off her back if it meant that it would ease the burden if even just a bit. She was a cherished friend who made a profound difference in many people’s lives. She was always one to “tell it like it was” whether you wanted to hear it or not. Unfortunately, she had a difficult time, having survived a horrific car accident when she was 17 that caused her to suffer for the remainder of her life, but she never let it rule her, the pain, the hurt, the difficulties, she took them in stride and never stopped moving. She was a true momma bear and protected her family at all costs.

She was a brilliant light that will live on in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life to follow in the future.

Miss Me But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little-but not too long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me-but let me go

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It’s all part of the Master plan

A step on the road to home

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds

Miss me but let me go.