Donna L. Payne

Brasher Falls- Mrs. Donna L. Payne, 70, passed away on Thursday May 16, 2019 at the Canton- Potsdam Hospital surrounded by the comfort of her family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop.

Donna was born in Potsdam on April 12, 1949 to the late Donald and Mary (Reagan) Delosh and graduated from Madrid-Waddington High School.

For several years Donna was a machine operator at Michelex Plastics in Massena, more commonly known as Michelle Audio. She also spent time working at the Highland Nursing home until she was no longer able.

Although Donna was a private person, she had deep love for her family that was as unique as she was. They were her pride and joy.

She cherished  time spent with her sister Nancy, would keep the freezer stocked with ice cream for her grand kids, supplied $2.00 from her “secret stash” to hand out for a treat if needed “because that was all she had”, and always found a way to make you smile with her stubborn sense of humor.

Donna was an avid reader who always had a book in her purse or hand.

She is survived by her significant other, Roger Stevenson; daughter Candy Gonyou and her husband George Price of Waterloo, Mary Gonyou and her husband Tracy Billhardt  of Brasher Falls, daughter-in-law Jessica (Jody) Gonyou of Watertown, step-daughter Christie Pitts; sister Nancy Delosh of Massena; 5 brothers, Charles Delosh and Patricia of South Colton, Dale Delosh and Kathy of Florida, Timmy Delosh and his companion Trudy of Vermont, and Terry Delosh of North Carolina, 2 sisters-in-law, Charlene (Harold) Delosh of Florida, and Estela (William) Delosh of Massena.

Survivors also include a legacy of grandchildren who will miss their Nan; Dillon Cole and Lorna Francis, Tyson Cole and Danielle Smoke, Jennifer and Alex LaVare, Kayla and Tyler Gervais, Nicole LaPrade and Collin Fisher, Mason Billhardt, Tracy Lee Billhardt and Bruce Green, Nathan Gonyou, and Bryanna Gonyou; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Always close to Donna’s heart are those who predeceased her; son Jody Gonyou who passed on July 25, 2006, grandson CJ Cole, and a sister who passed in infancy Inez Delosh.

In keeping with Donna’s wishes, services will be held privately at the convenience of her family.

Memories and condolences can be shared, and a complete obituary can be viewed at www.hammillfh.com.