It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to Ila Mae Payette, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, who passed away on Sunday, October 24th, 2021, at the age of 87. Ila fell ill at the end of the summer and died at the Chinook Hospice in Calgary, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Ila was born on October 21st, 1934, in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. The oldest child of Melville and Beatrice Morgan, Ila grew up on the family farm along with her siblings. Her curiosity, intelligence and desire to help others led her to the teaching profession and in 1952/3 she attended Manitoba Normal School and received her teaching certification. Ila taught in rural Manitoba for four years before marrying Maurice Payette on August 16th, 1958. Later on Ila attended the University of Calgary and completed a Bachelor of Education in 1974. During her 20 years as a teacher in Calgary Ila touched many young lives, in particular helping students who had recently moved to Canada and were learning English as a second language. She was an active member of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, holding a position on the Local #38 executive, and volunteered many hours in service to her peers. The many friends Ila made during her years in education remember her as someone who loved to laugh and spend time with others, often over a well-deserved glass of wine!