Holly "Christine" Payne

December 22, 1960 - March 6, 2025

In loving memory ~

To the moon you've gone, and in peace you are.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Holly "Christine" Payne on Thursday March 6th, 2025. She fought a hard battle of lung cancer she passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

Christine is survived by her husband of 28 years, Floyd, her children Fia, Denise Payne, Danielle, and bonus children Ronnie Schmelzeisen, Willow Prefontaine and Jason Normand. Predeceased by her son Shawn Vandale. Christine was previously married and lived in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan and had Fia, and Shawn Vandale.

Family knew her as "Holly" but she liked to be called "Chris or Christine "

Christine was born December 22nd, 1960 at Burnaby General Hospital, 3 months premature to Doris Purcell (Taylor) and Donald Purcell. She was a fighter even at birth. She grew up on the lower mainland and spent a lot of time on Vancouver Island visiting family. She was the middle child of three siblings; Rhonda - the oldest, and Dale - the youngest.

Christine was a loving and caring woman, always giving her time to others, and she incorporated that into her motherhood. No matter what, her last words to you were always "I love you" just in case those would be our last words to each other. She met her husband Floyd in 1977 but they didn't get together until 1997, as their two older daughters Fia and Denise pushed them together as they knew they had a connection. They married in 2002 and with their growing blended family, Fia, Denise and Danielle, she was at her happiest being our mom.

She taught us how to love and love ourselves. She taught us to always find the good in people and to be kind. She parented whole heartedly while treating us with respect and as an equal, but had no problems telling her girls about how it is and how it would be when they stepped out of line. She spoiled them as much as she could and would move mountains for them.

Christine became a grandmother early in life and was absolutely thrilled about her family growing even bigger. She took great pride in spending as much time with her grandchildren as she could. She enjoyed and loved babysitting her grandchildren for most of their lives while she was able to give her daughters the opportunity to pursue their careers.

Christine was a fantastic cook and ran a tight kitchen for most of her entire life. She was known for her no-nonsense in the kitchen. Customers came first and she had phenomenal recipes. She was happy to pass down that knowledge to her daughters and grandchildren. She spent the last 7 years at Little Valley Deli and made a very special bond with Raj Chander (aka "Bossman"), wife Babita and son Siddarth, and many customers that she loved and grew friendships with.

She will be missed dearly by husband Floyd, her three daughters Fia Michelle Pater (Tony Pater), Denise Marguerite Payne (Mike John), Danielle Lee Bolognese (Marcello Bolognese); her siblings Dale Purcell (Maryann Purcell), Rhonda Desbiens (Bert Vincent), Kelly Pantling (Ken); grandchildren Finnegan Lariviere (Julie Lariviere), Phoebe May Pater, Kalee Payne (Sean Cunnigham), Brandon Payne (Aliki Lazarou), Michael Payne (Jessica McDonald), Tianna Payne, Madison Bolognese, Santino Bolognese, Emma Tucker, Emmelia Golfetto, Billy Mabley, Matthew Normand (Shama) and Danielle Normand; as well as many nieces, nephews and many loved ones from her Saskatchewan family. Also, special love sent to the McKays' and Edwards' as they have been a big part of mom's adopted family.

She went in peace knowing she had a long overdue playdate with her son Shawn Vandale. "We will never say goodbye because we know you will never leave us, so instead we will always say love you to the moon and back, as we say goodnight to a wonderful woman and beautiful mama." Your love was completely unmatched and unconditional. We will always hold onto that love and we will always be connected when we look up to the moon and stars

A celebration of life will be held in Port Alberni on May 11th 1pm - 4pm at the farm (9541 Somers Road)

Goodnight MaMa, love

you to the moon n back