Irene Anne Payne (7 Oct 1946 - 11 Jul 2024)

In loving memory of Irene Anne Payne who sadly passed away on 11th July 2024

Irene Anne Winnard was born on the 7th October 1946 in St. Helier, Jersey. She moved to Bolton when she was a baby, which is where she was brought up. She had two younger siblings, Audrey and Howard.

Her first job was a nursery nurse at Pendlebury Hospital but she had to leave due to the start of her mental health issues.

She met David Payne in Jersey when she was 16 whilst on holiday. They wrote to each other daily and five years later he moved to Bolton. When she was 23 they were married and she became Irene Payne.

After waiting for six years and believing they couldn't have children, Anthony came along, followed by Angela a year later. They have five grandchildren: Joshua, Samuel, Nathaniel from Anthony; and Ella and Phoebe from Angela. Irene decided to retire from being a domestic cleaner when Angela was due to have Ella as she wanted to help look after her so Angela could continue working full time.

Irene was devoted to her family and a life long member of the Salvation Army where she was involved selling the Warcry when she was a teenager and later became singing company sergeant. She was known for welcoming new comers into the meetings. Despite being quiet, she enjoyed getting to know people and was known for her caring nature by everyone she met.

Irene's illness, bipolar, made life difficult for her and David, as she spent numerous periods in hospital. It took its tole on her in later years and she spent the last decade away from David, in hospital and then in St. Catherine's Nursing Home. She was happy there, had many friends and very much enjoyed the food. She knew everyone there by name, as well as their families and was a much loved resident by the staff.

She began to deteriorate in the last couple of years and left us peacefully in her sleep on 11 July 2024. Her family are happy in the knowledge that she is now free from all her burdens. She will be dearly missed, and her smile and loving spirit will always be remembered.