It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Doreen Payne, formerly of Rosetown, SK.
Mom was born on July 31, 1927 and was a premature baby who weighed a mere pound and a half at birth. Her parents were Arthur and Hettie Green of Anglia, SK. Mom was nursed to health by her grandmother Green, who was a certified midwife. Mom grew into a healthy and active child, with no lingering health issues; truly a miracle given the year and circumstances of her birth.
As mom grew up near Anglia she was always busy at school, or helping her father with various projects and his business ventures. Having two sisters Nell and Marjorie, who were very close to her in age made for close companionship. The three sisters were close friends for their entire lives. Mom and her younger sister Marjie were always up to some form of mischief, much to the frustration of their father. His “helpers” would often sneak away to go swimming or skating or to play ball.
Mom finished grade eleven and her dream had been to join the Armed Forces to become a nurse. Due family circumstances, Mom was not able to realize this long held dream and she sought employment close to home. She did various jobs and was always a hard and willing worker.
Mom and Dad (John Payne of Anglia) were married in November of 1947 and began their lives together, settling in Anglia after a year spent living in Calgary. Two daughters were born to their union, Betty Lou in 1952 and Mary in 1957.
Life proceeded with the usual work of raising a family and providing a home and making a living. Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1965. Mom cared for him at home until that was no longer possible and he died in July of 1967 at the age of 45.
Mom was left a widow at the age of 40, with two young daughters to raise on her own. Given these responsibilities, Mom sought employment in Rosetown. With the move to Rosetown Mom became one of the cooks at Rosetown Union Hospital. She subsequently obtained her credentials to become a Food Service Supervisor and remained employed at the hospital until 1977. Her career was cut short when in January of 1977 she was critically injured when she was hit by a drunk driver. Nothing was ever the same for Mom after that.
Mom’s sheer determination and strength of character was instrumental in her survival and ultimately being able to walk again. Mobility limitations and arthritis did not stop Mom from exercising and walking regularly. She often said “if I don’t keep moving, I’ll never be able to move again”. She was fiercely independent right to the end of her life.
Caring for her family was always Mom’s priority in life, often putting the needs of others before her own. She was giving and caring and supportive to her family through all kinds of situations. Even through the toughest times of her life, Mom always felt that things would work out for the best.
In March of 2017, Mom moved to the Jubilee Lodge in Kinistino where she was lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff at the Lodge, until her death on April 28, 2017. Mom loved living at the Lodge and was so thankful for all the care she received there.
Mom’s entire life was a testament to survival, perseverance and triumph over hardship. Her death leaves us with such sadness and we will miss her presence for the rest of our lives.
Donations in Mom’s name can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Jubilee Lodge in Kinistino.
Better yet—buy someone you love a dozen roses. Mom loved roses and her smile was worth a million dollars when she was gifted with a bouquet of red roses.
Cremation has taken place. Interment will follow at a later date in Rosetown, SK.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Doreen Eva Payne (Green), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.