Ila Mae Payette

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!

Ila, Maurice and their son Blake moved to Calgary in 1962. Not long after, Ila had the chance to experience life in another part of the world when the young family moved to Germany, where Maurice was stationed with the Canadian Armed Forces from 1965 to 1969. This experience sparked a love of travel which lasted a lifetime and included trips to Europe, China, Russia, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, Brazil, Australia and numerous other locations. After each new adventure, you could count on Ila coming home with many wonderful stories, photographs and a host of new friends.

When not travelling, Ila volunteered with a number of organizations. A faithful member of the Anglican Church, Ila was an important leader with the Anglican Church Women at St Martin’s Parish. Her leadership and commitment were instrumental in helping St. Martin’s attain a new building. Ila put her teaching skills to good use as part of the English for New Canadians program, another place she volunteered. After retiring, Ila helped run the shop at the Sarcee Hospital and Royal Park Retirement Residence, worked on the Benny the Bookworm fundraiser for the Calgary Philharmonic and did delivery for “Meals on Wheels”. Ila believed in giving back to her community and did so daily through her volunteer work and kindness to others.

Ila is survived by her son Blake (Helen), grandson Morgan (Rachel), sisters Edna Churchill and Betty Thomas, nieces Bev, Brenda and Tricia and nephews Grant and Scott.

Ila is predeceased by her husband Maurice, sister Peggy Morgan and brother Bob Morgan.

A Memorial Service will be held for Ila at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society at https://cancer.ca/en or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada at https://www.heartandstroke.ca.

The City of Calgary Vaccine Passport Bylaw 65M2021, requires all individuals attending funeral services to provide COVID-19 proof of vaccination, or proof of a privately paid negative test result taken within 72 hours of service, or documentation of medical exemption.