It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Anna Payne, a dedicated public servant, compassionate advocate, and beloved community member. At the age of 37, Payne lost her courageous battle with stage four colon cancer, a condition she fought for four years while also living with cystic fibrosis, a disease she had battled since childhood. Her passing has left a profound void in Middletown Township, where she served as a supervisor and where her legacy of advocacy, kindness, and determination will never be forgotten.
Anna Payne’s life was defined by resilience. Despite the overwhelming challenges she faced from cystic fibrosis and cancer, she maintained an unwavering commitment to helping others. From her leadership in local government to her tireless advocacy for rare disease patients, Payne’s life was a testament to strength, perseverance, and a deep love for her community. She made a lasting impact not only through her professional endeavors but also by simply being a guiding light for those in need.
Born and raised in Levittown, Pennsylvania, Payne graduated from Neshaminy High School and later earned her degree from Bucks County Community College. Her path to public service was not easy, but it was driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference. Before entering politics, Anna worked in the financial services industry, but her passion for helping others led her to serve as an executive assistant to Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia. She went on to become a township auditor before making history as a supervisor for Middletown Township.
Despite her struggles with health, Anna’s dedication to public service was unwavering. She served as vice chair of the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council, was a co-founder of the Bucks County Cystic Fibrosis Alliance, and was a presidential delegate. Her leadership on these platforms was a driving force in raising awareness about cystic fibrosis and cancer while ensuring that other patients and families had access to the resources they needed.
Payne’s own battle with cancer, which she shared openly with the community, was marked by grace, vulnerability, and a relentless pursuit of normalcy. In a 2021 post on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website, Anna reflected on the uncertainty of her health journey and how quickly her condition worsened. Yet even in the face of such hardship, she remained hopeful, stating, “I hope for a future of a ‘healthy’ life. I had big dreams and a lot of things I wanted to accomplish. Now those things are on hold because my future holds so much doubt. But I still cling to the hope that things will get better.”
One of Anna’s most remarkable qualities was her ability to put others first. She didn’t allow political affiliation or personal differences to divide her from helping others. Whether she was serving as a township supervisor or offering support to a family dealing with cystic fibrosis, she was always there to help, no questions asked. A story shared by one of her colleagues emphasized this point, recounting a time when a reader was worried that Anna, a Democrat, might not want to help because they were a staunch Republican. But without hesitation, Anna reached out and shared resources, demonstrating her commitment to people over politics.
Her kindness and advocacy were not limited to her work in government. State Rep. Joe Hogan, a Republican who ran against Anna in the November election, spoke fondly of their years of community collaboration. He said, “No fight was too big for her if she thought it was the right thing. And while we were briefly political opponents, Anna knew when to put politics aside for the good of her community.” Ashley Ehasz, a Democrat who ran for Congress, shared a similar sentiment, remembering Anna’s fierce, compassionate attitude and how she was always ready to advocate for change.
Anna’s connection with the community went beyond politics. She was a cherished member of various organizations, including the Middletown Township police, fire and emergency services, and the Middletown Community Foundation. Her work with these organizations demonstrated her dedication to her community, and her colleagues remembered her fondly for the positivity and spirit she brought to every aspect of her life.
Among the many moments of inspiration in Anna’s life, one of the most touching was a video message she received from her idol, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, during her cancer battle. In a personal message, The Rock expressed his admiration for Anna’s strength and encouraged her to keep fighting. Anna described that moment as one of the best days of her life, and it serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the strength we draw from one another in times of hardship.
In her final years, Anna Payne’s advocacy work and positive spirit remained steadfast. She fought not only for herself but for others living with rare diseases and cancer. She often said that her greatest desire was to help others have a better life, and she certainly did just that. Her story of hope, resilience, and selflessness will continue to inspire generations to come.
Anna’s passing leaves a deep void in Middletown Township, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her family, friends, and colleagues will forever carry the lessons she taught them—lessons of courage, compassion, and dedication. Her memory will serve as a beacon of strength and hope, reminding us all to never give up, no matter how difficult the road may be.
As we mourn the loss of Anna Payne, our thoughts are with her family, especially her loved ones, who now must navigate life without her. Her life may have been shorter than many expected, but the impact she made in that time was nothing short of extraordinary. Anna Payne will be deeply missed, but her legacy will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Anna. Your strength, love, and spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know you.
