Early on April 24, 2022, our mom Melba passed on after being surrounded and cherished by family at the age of 91. Even though our hearts are broken, we feel blessed to have had her with us for so many years.
Melba was predeceased by her husbands George Butcher (1959) and Tony Paquette (1995), her dad Johnny Hatten, mother Florence, stepmother Jean, her devoted sisters and spouses, Marjory (Henry) Coyle, Ferne (Howard) Parlow, Gwendolyn (Nicky) Gridzak and Geraldine (Doug) Fay, nephew Bobby Coyle, nieces Pat Fullerton and Bette (Ron) Dickinson.
Melba was the beloved mother of Barbara Payne (Brian Dempsey), Randy Butcher (Brenda), Pam Dagenais, Mike Butcher (Lynne), Toni Paquette (late Jim Furlong) and Teri Paquette (late Graham Jasper).
Mom’s grandchildren and great grandchildren are devastated to lose their Gramma Melba; Lesley Payne (Jason Brown, children Avery and Aiden), Megan Payne (Eric), Taryn Dagenais (Ian, sons Noah and Ethan), Mitch Butcher (Shelagh), Randi Lee Edwards (Andrew, 4 mo. old daughter Hannah), Michael Butcher (Tiana), and Jesse Lang. Step grandmother of Dallas Lee and Shauna Henley (Matt, daughters Sage and Jade).
Melba was a dear aunt to Nicki (Maureen) Gridzak, Jeannine (late Tom) Stenta, Christine (Merril) Evoy, Tracy Fay and their families. Also remembered by the Hatten, Butcher and other extended family members, good friends, close neighbours and her church community. Our friends adored our mom, and we thank them for treating her with such kindness.
Much gratitude is given for the compassion that we experienced at ARCH.
Our mom was the glue that held us together. It was her wish that even though we live some distance apart, we stay connected in each other’s lives.
A Gaelic Prayer. Blessings For the Journey
Deep peace of the running waves to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the smiling stars to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you.
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.
A private family service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ARCH or the charity of your choice. (Payable to or online to www.archhospice.ca/donate).
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St James Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).