Lynn Payen
1952 – 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lynn at the WRHN@Chicopee, on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at the age of 73 after a long battle with COPD.
Lynn was born and raised in St Jean Sur Richelieu, Québec, by her parents Pierre and Helen Payen.
She was the loving and fiercely devoted mother of Ashley and David Nickels (mother-in-law to Katie) and the proud and doting Nana Lynn to Brayson, Charlie, Oakley, Emma, Maddie, Jacob and Kayley. Lynn was also the dear sister of Gail Puskarich (sister-in-law to Ronnie) and the cherished Aunt of Meghan Wiles and Hayley Lynch. Lynn graduated from Concordia University with a Psychology degree and worked as a French Immersion teacher in the Montreal School Board of Education, then at the Scarborough Board of Education (later the TDSB) and finished her career in the Thames Valley Board of Education. She was passionate about teaching and nurtured the curiosity of young children and inspired them to develop a love of learning. She shared her passion for the arts and music by enthusiastically directing many school choirs and musicals throughout her career.
In her earlier years, Lynn was a voracious reader who could finish a book a day and she loved a good mystery. More recently, she enjoyed artistic activities and could often be found sketching, colouring or painting. Lynn’s favourite place was the beach and she spent every summer with her family on the water, camping and cottaging along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Sunset was her favourite time of day and she never failed to make sure she was there to watch the beautiful golden colours of the sky as the sun set below the horizon each night.
Lynn’s circle of family and friends was small but close and her beautiful smile, infectious laugh and compassionate yet feisty personality will be greatly missed by all those who knew her well. At Lynn’s request, cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto) or the Canadian Lung Association as expressions of sympathy
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