Jean Payne

PAYNE Jean (May 12, 1939 – March 4, 2020) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Payne (Croft), former Member of Parliament, following a lengthy illness. Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband, David Payne; parents George and Mary (Morris); treasured brother George; infant siblings Marion and Francis; and brother-in-law Mick Dalton. She leaves behind her cherished sisters Eleanor Powell (Sandy) of Greenfield, NS; Madonna Dalton of Cape Broyle, NL; and Esther Barrett (Richard) of St. John’s, NL; dear sister-in-law Margaret Croft of Aquaforte, NL; many nieces and nephews, whom she considered her own children; a large group of great nieces, great nephews and cousins; and a large circle of friends. Jean was born Mary Genevieve Croft in Aquaforte, NL, the second oldest child of George and Mary. It was while growing up in Aquaforte that Jean met the love of her life, David, and they were inseparable partners for more than fifty years until David’s death in 2013. From childhood Jean was intelligent, ambitious and determined -traits that shaped her life to the very end. She excelled in school, graduating at fifteen and setting off into the world. Early in her career she and David moved to Toronto where she entered the field of marketing and public relations. After a few short years Jean and David, both passionate Newfoundlanders, felt the pull of home and returned to Newfoundland, where Jean embarked on a career as a serial entrepreneur and David returned to his calling as a fisherman. In the ensuing years Jean founded several successful businesses in the fields of personnel services, executive search and legal support services. Jean was a passionate advocate for what was important to her, and this passion was the catalyst for her entry into politics. As the spouse of a lifelong fisherman and fisherman’s union representative, Jean was committed to supporting the fishing industry and the people of rural Newfoundland who depended on that industry. She was deeply affected by the 1992 closure of the inshore fishing industry. The following year, Jean ran as a Liberal and was elected as Member of Parliament for St. John’s West, the riding that included many fishing communities including her home community on the Southern Shore. Jean held this position until 1997, following which she returned to private business. Jean was a force to be reckoned with. She was a trailblazer in business and politics, never daunted by the barriers facing women of her time. Her strength of will and her indomitable spirit made her a fierce adversary –and just as fierce a friend. Jean was a loving and generous sister, sister in law, aunt, great aunt, friend. She gave us enthusiastic support in our times of joy, and tireless assistance in times of need. Visitation will be held at Caul’s Funeral Home in St. John’s on Thursday, March 5, 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm; and at Fahey’s Funeral Home in Fermeuse on Friday, March 6, 2-5pm and 7-9 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church in Ferryland on Saturday, March 7 at 11:00 am. Flowers are gratefully accepted, or in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jean’s memory to the Cancer Society of Newfoundland.