Obituary of Mildred Isabel Payette

May 21, 1936 – February 13, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother and grandmother on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at the age of 85 years. Mildred passed peacefully at the Calgary South Health Campus, in palliative care, held by her children.  

Mildred was born in Capreol District, (Tionaga) Ontario on May 21, 1936, to Jack and Matilda Eno.  Mildred’s mother sadly passed when she was only two years old.  Two years later her loving and devoted stepmother, Marie Claire joined the family of six children.  Shortly after the family grew to include Jackie (Mel) and Nelda (Nick). 

Jack and Marie Claire relocated the family to Gogama, Ontario and this is where our beautiful mom, Mildred, met our handsome and dashing father, Gerald Payette.  They were married on October 11, 1954 and made Gogama their home. Their family grew on July 9, 1955, with the birth of their first son Daniel.  Then came Roderick in 1956, Paul in 1960, Laurie in 1963, and Peter in 1971. 

Gerald developed a passion for flying and made a brave career change to become a commercial pilot.  Mildred always encouraged everyone to follow their heart, so she became the wife of a bush pilot in the 1960’s.  This career change required her to manage most of the home and families’ activities.  Her bravery, sense of humour and adventure supported the family as this new life unfolded. The family relocated for a short time to South Porcupine in Ontario, and then on to Mattagami, Quebec.

After five years in Mattagami, Gerald was offered a position in Quebec City with the provincial government as a water bomber pilot. They loaded up the truck and moved to the city. Mildred was expecting Peter (1971) and he arrived shortly after landing in Quebec City.  Mildred didn’t speak French, so she enrolled in classes and made every effort to adjust to City living and the language. 

Mildred and Gerald moved back to Gogama in 1977 with both Peter and Laurie still living at home.  Later their sons, Daniel and Paul would join them to make Gogama their home.

On January 30, 2012, Mildred moved to Calgary to be closer to her children Roderick, Laurie and Peter. Her health was deteriorating and living in Gogama was no longer an option because of its location and her medical demands.      

Mildred was cared for at the Providence Care Centre in Calgary from August 10, 2018, till her passing.  For two years prior, she was in care at the Glenmore Beverly Centre also in Calgary.  Many thanks to Dr. Ivan D’Souza and the all the staff at Providence Care for their incredible work and caring in making  our mother feel like family. 

Mildred was such a caring and loving soul. She was always selfless and ready to lend an unjudgmental ear to friends and family. She loved to have fun, had a great sense of humour and wished nothing but happiness and joy for her family and friends.  Mildred was a stylish and clever person, along with being a trooper.  She always put her children first, and she did everything she could to ensure everyone around her felt safe and loved even in the most turbulent times. 

She is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Larry), Peter (Mary) both of Calgary; and eleven grandchildren, Marsha, Caroline, Erica, K.P., Kyle, Daniel, Klara, Mitchell, Taylor, Michael, and Tristan; seven great-grandchildren; her sisters, Jackie (Mel) and Nelda (Nick). 

Mildred was predeceased by her husband; Gerald on May 5, 2020, and sadly her sons; Daniel (Cheryl - widowed), Roderick and Paul (Marica - widowed). As well as her sisters; Bernice, Dorinda, and Margaret; and her brothers, Gene and MJ.

Her ashes will be returned to Gogama to be buried in the cemetery with her husband of 65 years, Gerald, and their much loved sons, Daniel, Roderick and Paul. 

We will miss you and love you so dearly.