Obituary of Pamela Ann PAYNE

April 16, 1936 - April 26, 2023

On April 26, 2023, our “utterly fantastic” Pamela passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones…and a big fluffy dog.. She was 87.

Born in Drummondville, Quebec on April 16, 1936, Pamela Ann Payne was the youngest of six children born to Kenneth and Edith Hackett. Life took her from Drummondville to Shawinigan to Montreal, Georgetown to Orangeville and many stops in between. She earned a teaching diploma from MacDonald College, became a librarian after moving to Ontario and was Head Librarian at the Georgetown Public Library until her retirement.

Left with a lifetime of wonderful memories and shaped by her excellent example are her children Mark (Jennifer), Gordon (Lynley) and Lianne Payne, the “father of all her children” Bruce Payne, grandchildren Rebecca, Jonathan, Daniel, Emily and Charlotte Payne. Pam will be deeply missed by her sister Patricia (Pierre) and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and pets. She was predeceased by siblings Kenneth, Phillip, Paula (the late Larry) and Geoffrey (survived by Mae).

Her besties, Odile Gear and Enid Gledhill, will dearly miss their third musketeer, and will continue to pour a third white wine in her honour (just a small glass, never Chardonnay, and add one ice cube, if you please). 

Pamela lived a full and active life that included badminton, tennis, golf, cycling, walking, hiking, yoga, and cross-country skiing. She was a voracious reader, a fan of Scrabble and Solitaire, a supporter of the arts and saw it as her duty to keep the local farmers and entrepreneurs in business and entertained. She was an adventurous traveller, hiking the Milford Track, NZ at age 81, cycling solo from north Mono to Orangeville at 83, touring European mountains on the back of a motorcycle in her 60s, going up in a hot air balloon for her 50th, to name a few notable quests.

Her greatest achievement was as a loving and encouraging mother, and a devoted grandmother to her cherished grandchildren and many animals. She maintained and treasured her close friendships as well. Pam took pleasure in preparing and sharing meals and taught many how to cook creatively from scratch, how to value food and the importance of enjoying it together with special people. 

In addition to a wicked sense of humour, she generously expressed gratitude and heaped praise on everyone around her, especially her family, of whom she was immensely proud. Pam was positive, witty and courageous to the end. 

“A bientôt…and toodleloo! Love you to bits.”

At Pamela’s request there will be no service. Memorial donations are appreciated. Suggested organizations inspired by Pamela’s life interests include the CBC, Island Lake Conservation Area, municipal libraries, the Stephen Lewis Foundation or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to express our deep appreciation of the staff and volunteers at Bethell Hospice, Inglewood, Ontario (https://foundation.bethellhospice.org), the staff at Lord Dufferin Centre, at In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc, and all the health care workers and advocates who have supported us along this journey.

Online condolences may be made at www.imfunerals.com

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Payne Family.