Payne, Gladys M.Gladys M. Payne, 94, of Ithaca passed away on September 20, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 12, 1923 in McGraw, NY to the late James and Anna Ferris Abdallah.She attended and graduated McGraw High School, class of 1941. She worked in various part time jobs in the area, but most recently worked at Cornell at the Poultry Science Department until the mid 1980's. Gardening was a passion for her and everyone loved to drive by her house and see the profusion of colorful flowers in her garden. Another passion of hers was knitting and crocheting. She would sit by the hour making baby hats for the NICU, hats, mittens, and scarves. Gladys would give these items as gifts or for charity. She made numerous quilts, at least one for each family member and many more. Perhaps she is best known for her cooking and generosity with her food to share with all who knew her. She often left goodies for the mailman, paper carrier, and her good friends at Bigsby Market. Everyone especially loved her Lebanese specialties, grapeleaves, tabouli, fatayer, baba ganoush, zucchini burgers, and pita bread. She enjoyed traveling with her daughter to Alaska, Hawaii, Florida and North Carolina. Gladys loved to spend time with her family and many friends who will all dearly miss her.In addition to her parents she is pre deceased by her husband Gordon Payne Jr. in 2002.Gladys is survived by her children; Jim Payne of Freeville, Cindy Ceracche of Danby, Willy Payne of Las Vegas, NV, her grandchildren; Brian, Shaun, Valerie, Chris, Steven, Joni and Joe, her great grandchildren; Kelsie, Katlyn, Evan and Lily, her brother Bert (Diane) Abdallah of McGraw, Robert Abdallah of Cortland, her sister; Virginia (Daniel) Lang of NC, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Upper Buttermilk Falls (Off of E. King Road) in the Pavilion at 1:00 PM, light refreshments will be served.Gladys wishes were to have no flowers at her memorial however, the family will create a memorial garden for Gladys to be planted at her home if you would like to donate flower bulbs to them or donations may be made in Gladys name to the Varna Fire Department, 14 Turkey Hill Road, Ithaca NY 14850. www.perkinsfuneralhome.com