PAYNE, Ethel Mina– November 30, 1924 - May 19, 2011, aged 86. Passed away unexpectedly after a short illness at the Health Sciences Centre, St. John’s, NL. Ethel was born in St. John’s, NL, the second of five children born to Norman and Elizabeth (nee Russell) Payne. Ethel completed high school in St. John’s and went directly into the workforce where her career at Imperial Optical spanned 48 years before retiring from the position of office manager. During those years she furthered her education by completing an extensive number of work related and personal interest courses. She led a full and active life enjoying performing with the Mews Singers, lawn bowling, painting and was an avid reader. Some of her favorite times were spent at the cabin on the pond with “the crowd” and family members where memories were created and stories told. She was the family historian and spoke often of both her own and her family's adventures, including stories of her life in times gone by. Ethel travelled extensively visiting a variety of destinations including England for the Queen’s Coronation and the Silver Jubilee celebration, various European countries, the People's Republic of the Congo, as well as Australia, and New Zealand. She also made many trips to the United States to visit her brother Edward and his family in Florida and her sister Violet and her family in Pennsylvania. She was an active and faithful member of the Parish of the Ascension in Mount Pearl, NL, volunteered with St. Luke’s Nursing Home Auxiliary, Anglican Church Women (ACW), and was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. She resided in Mount Pearl for over 50 years before moving to Karwood Retirement Retreat, Paradise in 2010. Ethel is survived by her brother Edward Payne and his wife Veronica of Edgewater, Florida. She leaves an extended loving family comprised of 13 nieces and nephews; 22 great-nieces and nephews; 23 great-great-nieces and nephews; and a large circle of family and dear friends, especially those at her new home at Karwood Retirement Retreat. Ethel relied on the comfort and support of her cousin Roy Russell and his wife Sherry Wall during her later years - she could not have managed without them and greatly appreciated their selflessness. Ethel was predeceased by her parents Norman (September 8, 1957, aged 59) and Elizabeth (nee Russell) (July 31, 1973, aged 71) Payne; her eldest sister Violet Turner (August 27, 1996, aged 73); brother Cyril Payne (March 3, 1982, aged 55) and sister Alice Payne (February 4, 1998, aged 66). At Ethel’s request cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors at Barrett's Funeral Home, 73 Commonwealth Ave., Mount Pearl, NL on Sunday, May 22, 2011 from 7 - 9 p.m. and Monday, May 23, 2011 from 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. Funeral service to be held Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. from the Church of the Ascension, 58 Smallwood Drive, Mount Pearl. There will be a reception at the Church of the Ascension following the funeral service from 12-1. Interment will follow the reception in the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road, St. John’s. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in Ethel’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. To send a message of condolence or sign the guest book, please visit www.barretts.ca.
“No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say goodbye,
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knows why.”