Obituary of Phyllis Payne

Phyllis Wanda Payne, 57, a resident of Chatham, passed away suddenly at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus, on Saturday, October 12^th, 2019, following a courageous battle with heart disease. Reunited in Heaven with her beloved parents, Lloyd and Ruby Apthorp, both whom predeceased her in 2014. Loved and missed by siblings Kathy Eldridge, Marlene (the late Don) Gordon, Al (Loretta) Apthorp, Nolan (Leora) Ripley and the late Tim Steele; 15 nieces and nephews and many extended family. Also survived by Gail Roach, Shirley Ronald, Linda Payne, Paul Payne and Darlene Payne.

Phyllis was born in Windsor, Ontario on October 11^th, 1962. She came to reside with the Apthorp family, at the age of 12 days, where she remained until 1996. She then transitioned to an independent and supportive living situation under the covering of Christian Horizons, a Canadian faith-based not-for-profit charity, serving individuals with special needs.

Phyllis had been employed at The Parkfield (Arc Industries) since 1983, only retiring this year due to poor health. She was never idle and loved to volunteer each year at different venues. Among her favourites were the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Program, the Wish Centre Christmas Dinner and the United Way Backpack Program.

Phyllis was an avid baseball (Go Tigers!) and hockey (Go Leafs!) fan all of her life and was staunchly loyal to her teams. She loved playing on her church baseball team in past years, was involved with the Community Living Bowling League until recently and enjoyed participation in the Special Olympics program.

She was everyone’s friend and will be remembered most for her beautiful, contagious smile and kind spirit. She was always ready with a simple word of encouragement or a helping hand.

A very, very special thank you to Dr. Allison Morand, family physician and friend, for the outstanding care, support and availability shown to Phyllis and her family during her illness. Also thank you to the staff of the CKHA ER Department and Inpatient Units for the skill, expertise, compassion and concern given each time Phyllis presented to the hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Evangel Community Church, 76 Sandy Street, Chatham, on Saturday, October 19^th, 2019. Rev. Paul McPhail officiant. Visitation with family will be held from 10 am, until the time of the service at 11 am. Cremation has taken place. A private family interment will be held at Pardoville-Union Cemetery.

If desired, donations in memory of Phyllis may be made to either Christian Horizons International or the Gideon Bible Society. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.