Obituary of Mary Payne

December 19, 1935 – August 11, 2021

Mary Alice Payne was a force of nature. Her spirited energy, curiosity about the world, compassion for others, strong will and profound generosity left an indelible impression on all that knew her.

Born in Saskatchewan in 1935, she grew up in Saskatoon and on the family farm in Allan. The daughter of Mary Francis Turriff and Lloyd George Turriff, she met Arthur Edward Payne from Rosetown, Saskatchewan in 1955. They married, and had seven children. By 1967, Mary was a single mother and against all odds she would not be diminished. She flourished. Her courage, single-minded determination and independent spirit lifted her through nearly 6 more vital decades surrounded by family and friends.

A committed believer in social justice, in the 1970's Mary was a staunch defender of human rights, individual respect and personal dignity. She was a founding member of the Welfare Rights Organization advocating for poor and oppressed families in Calgary for many years. She earned her diploma in Criminal Justice from Mount Royal College in 1982. She single-handedly supported her family, tirelessly working at Phil's Restaurant in SW Calgary for almost 40 years, where she made hundreds of friends and touched many people's lives.

She treated everyone she met with respect, empathy and compassion. She was always down to earth; stoic, completely nonjudgmental and she loved people unconditionally; as though each and everyone she knew was her closest friend and personal confidante.

Some of her happiest times were spent celebrating life's many special occasions, especially Christmas and Thanksgiving. She traveled to Spain, enjoyed camping with family and friends and visiting family in Edmonton, Kelowna, Vancouver and Australia. She lived briefly in White Rock, British Columbia in the 1980's. She was a voracious reader and storyteller. She had memorized and could recite volumes of poetry. She was a political activist, animal lover, a lifelong feminist as well as an advocate and supporter of numerous under represented groups and communities throughout her entire life. She was amazing. She loved sewing, making pyjamas, quilts, blankets, pillows and elaborate stuffed animals for the entire family including all 20 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She often said, "When it comes to raising kids it's quantity time not quality time that's important!" She also loved just spending time with family, baking her famous buns and pastries. She loved watching baseball, playing scrabble and solving crossword puzzles. The many abundant family meals brought joy to all lucky enough to experience her magical presence. She had a hilarious sense of humour and had countless life quips like, "When it comes to life don't forget to laugh!" and "It's not the million miles I walk but the thorn in my shoe!" Her intensity, strength and integrity were an inspiration to us all. She was grateful, lucid and radiant until the very end and consistently said, "I've had a wonderful life!"

She died peacefully on August 11, 2021. The family would like to thank everyone at the Chinook Hospice for their kindness, compassion and expertise while Mom was in their care.

She leaves us all to mourn the loss of the family's matriarch and she will be deeply missed by her children, Judi, Patrick, Steven, Cris, James, Susan and Dean, their partners, 20 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and all those that loved her. She is also survived by her brother and sister in law Patrick and Byrdeen Turriff, of Saskatoon, as well as 2 nieces and 3 nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, August 23, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mary’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. In lieu of flowers Mary requested that you make a donation to your favourite charity.

In living memory of Mary Payne, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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View Mary Payne's Memorial Card Here