Family’s tribute after woman’s tragic death
Genevieve’s life lost after railway incident
THE family of an elderly woman killed in a tragic accident at Lindum railway crossing last week has paid tribute to her as a tireless community worker.
GENEVIEVE Payne, nee Mcilvena, was born on April 8, 1948, and raised in Donald, Victoria.
She moved to Queensland in 1998 and lived in various parts including Blackbutt, Crows Nest, Highfields, Helidon and Oakey before moving to Toowoomba.
Gen married Graeme Payne and had three children, Christopher, Gregory and Lyndee.
Gen was an active member in her children’s school communities and was always taking her kids to their afterschool activities.
She touched the hearts of everyone she crossed paths with and never had a bad word towards anyone.
Gen suffered from polio as a child and through adulthood and so became a member of the Queensland Polio Club to raise awareness.
There are so many wonderful things about this generous, thoughtful lady. She was a supporter/restorer of communities, especially of those in need.
In her younger days, Gen swam with Dawn Fraser and was an active member of her community.
In her working years she was a switchboard worker at emergency services, taught religious education in primary schools, volunteered at Blue Cross respite centre, Red Cross Calling, Link A Friend, palliative care, Ironbark school camp as a cook, cub/scout leader and was a support worker for families at Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.
In 2007 Gen received an Order Of Australia Medal for her community work.
She also campaigned for changes to what children’s nightwear was made of, after many children were burnt by flammable materials melting when they sat near a heater.
Gen was a campaigner for equality, dignity and respect for all. She battled many illnesses, including Merkel cancer and cervical cancer, as well as polio but had a great attitude towards life.
She is now resting with her parents and brother Bruce and is survived by her children, grandchild, husband and remaining sibling Lorraine Joy.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to members of the Brisbane community for their offers of support.