Supervisor Payne Mourned In Middletown Twp.

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA —The township ismourning the loss of Supervisor Anna Payne, who passed away this week as politicians and agencies paid their respects after her passing was announced on Tuesday.

"Anna courageously battled serious illness throughout her life. Indeed, there are few people who, if faced with the health challenges that confronted her, would be able to rally to live life fully, let alone run for and serve in public office," said State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, speaking on behalf of the Bucks County Democratic Committee. "But Anna loved her community and wanted to use her time in this world, no matter how short, to make a difference, and that she did. We are all better for having known her and Bucks County and Pennsylvania are better for her having served."

Payne, 37, from Langhorne, courageously battled cystic fibrosis most of her life and stage four colon cancer for the past four years, demonstrating an incredible spirit, resilience, and positive attitude, township officials said.

Besides being a supervisor, Payne served as the executive assistant to Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglia.

Payne ran unsuccessfully for state representative in the November general election, losing to Republican incumbent State Rep. Joe Hogan to represent the 142nd Legislative District.

"The hole in our hearts that she leaves behind will never be filled, but her example should inspire us to carry on the work of healing our world. And in that way we can honor her memory and ensure that it is a blessing for us all," Santarsiero said.

The Middletown Fire & Emergency Services said that Payne had "an immense passion for our township, and worked very hard every day to help build our community and make it safer by supporting its public safety organizations."

"She was a fierce fighter, a joyful warrior, and a committed advocate. She will be missed greatly," Indivisible Bucks County posted on Facebook.

"Take a lesson from her life. Despite being diagnosed as an infant with an incurable and devastating disease, she committed her life to public service and healthcare advocacy. Despite then getting a cancer diagnosis, she found the inner strength to sign up for a competitive political campaign because she felt her community needed her," the organization said. "If you are feeling tired, and that you can no longer fight on, remember Anna. She never stopped fighting for what she believed in. And if she could do that while dealing with cystic fibrosis and stage four colorectal cancer, then you can probably find a way to keep fighting too."