It is with broken hearts that the family of the late Irene Maude Payne-Skinner announces her passing from the Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre, Baie Verte, NL on Thursday, September 21, 2023, aged 82 years.

Irene was born in Baie Verte, NL on July 4, 1941 to John and Madeline O'Connell of Brent's Cove. She had a difficult childhood, losing her mother at the young age of four.

Irene met the love of her life, Lawrence Payne and they were wed on May 1, 1963. Together they had seven children, six boys and one girl. At 29, she lost her husband in a tragic mining accident. This left her to raise her six boys and her one girl, born one month later. She raised that young family and each one turned out wonderful adults. She was given a second chance at love with Gerard Skinner. She had a wonderful life with him and her family.

Irene was a caring woman with a strong faith in God, her devotion to the church knew no bounds. She loved to knit, bake, go to the cabin, but most of all she loved her music and her puppies, Shino and Muffin.

Irene loved to help others and made friends wherever she went. She will be forever loved and missed by all who knew her.

Left with a lifetime of precious memories is her second husband, Gerard Skinner; children, Larry Payne, Sean Payne (Roxanne), David Payne (Kelly), Roderick Payne (Paula), Darrell Payne (Sinead), Craig Payne and Lori-Ann Payne-Johnson (Shannon); grandchildren, Travis, Shania (Nathan), Jake (Julia), Mikyla, Cody, Morgan (Cody), Rachel, Marcus, Jared and Jonah (Morgan); special grandchildren, Gerry and Kerry; great grandchildren, Kinsley and Jaelyn; sister, Mary Downey; special niece, Kayla Payne (Jeremy Martin); special friends, Ruby Norman, Joanne Haas and Agnes Payne, as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Irene is predeceased by her first husband, Lawrence Payne; parents, John and Madeline O'Connell; sister, Elizabeth Jones (Anthony); daughter-in-law, Margaret Payne; special niece, Hilda Payne (Joseph); special friends, Harvey Norman and Bert Haas Jr.

Public visitation will take place from Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Harbour Round, NL on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 7-9 pm, continuing on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.

A rosary service will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 7 pm.

A wake service will take place on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 7 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place from Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Harbour Round, NL on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 2 pm, with Father Camillus Ekedobe officiating. Interment will follow from Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Cemetery, Harbour Round, NL.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are gratefully accepted, or donations may be made in Irene's memory to Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Harbour Round, NL.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Baie Verte, NL.