Lillian “Pauline” Zillah Payne (née Peters)

Surrounded and wrapped by the unwavering love of her family, Pauline (LPZ) departed from this world in the early afternoon of Friday, September 20, 2024, at Oakcrossing Long Term Care in London, Ontario. She was predeceased by her parents, Allan and Yvonne Peters, her eldest child, Sandra Payne, her estranged husband, Howard Payne, both of her sisters Ruth Tinkess (née Peters) and Jane Rathbun (née Peters), as well as her brother-in-law Murray Payne and sister-in-law Ruth Caswell (née Payne) and their spouses.

She is lovingly remembered and missed by her numerous nieces, nephews & cousins.

Pauline’s values live on through her daughters Patricia Davidson of Cobourg, Margo Langan (John) of London, Nancy Payne (Stephen) of London, Julie Kent of Simcoe, and son Jeff (Megan) of Spallumcheen. Pauline is also survived by her grandchildren, great and great-great: John Davidson of Cobourg, Alethea Davidson of London, Joshua Langan (Rachel) of Etobicoke, Victoria Langan of London, Ashleigh Hatton-Kent (Ben) of Omemee, Kristoffer Kent (Ryan) of Vancouver, Conor Payne (Bailey) of West Kelowna, Nikita Payne of Spallumcheen.  Lily-Ann Davidson of London, Charlize and Yvonne Langan of Etobicoke, Lucas and Harper Hatton-Kent of Omemee, and Jakob Davidson-Rawlins of London.

Pauline was born May 18, 1928, in what was known in the family as “The Mudhouse” at Maple Grove Farm (now part of the Batterwood Estate) in Canton.

When Pauline was three years old, her father sold the property and moved the family to the Spruceholm farm in Morrish. Pauline attended schools at Morrish and Bunker Hill, receiving extra tutoring, which enabled her early enrolment at Port Hope High School.  At 15 years old, she was accepted at Danforth Technical School in Toronto where she graduated from their Dress Design/Making program in 1946, returning home to work at a tailoring shop in Port Hope.

On June 21, 1950, Pauline married Howard and lived at Payne Lea Farm on Lakeshore Road East of Port Granby, raising six children. In 1977, they moved the farm to Coldsprings, later ‘retiring’ to London. Pauline continued living in London, until she moved to the Oakcrossing Retirement Living Residences, and later their Long Term Care facility.  She served as the Secretary of the Residency Council from 2020 – 2024. She engaged with residents in activities such as puzzles, colouring, arts & crafts, BINGO, Guggenheim, and occasionally YOGA (led by her daughter, Nancy). Pauline was always quick-witted and generous with her advice, often leaving people laughing. Her passions were perfection (especially in making beds), ice cream (any flavour), driving fast (back & forth to piano, skating or swimming lessons, etc with kids), and enjoying a Wendy’s Frosty (usually eaten with french fries).

The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to staff at Oakcrossing Long Term Care facility, and to Westview Funeral Chapel and Mount Pleasant Cemetery in London, for their exceptional care and support. Pauline’s interment will be at Canton Cemetery at a future date. Donations, in lieu of flowers, to Riverside United Church, 695 Riverside Drive, London, Ontario N6H 2S3