Renee Paley-Bain: R.I.P.

Sad News. Renee Paley-Bain, died January 8, 2016, after a difficult three-week hospital stay. Renee with her husband Donald Bain, collaborated on the Murder She Wrote series. She was a wonderful woman who supported everyone in the mystery community and beyond.

Donald Bain's post on Facebook:

Renee had a distinguished career in public relations before turning her talent to the novels. She brought to the series a keen intellect and subtle humor that perfectly matched Jessica Fletcher and others in the cast of characters enjoyed by millions of TV viewers and readers of the books. Renée’s children and I derived much comfort during her gallant fight to stay alive from our families, including my daughter Pamela, and the legion of people who treasured, as I did, this gentle, generous and loving woman. I thank all the nurses who provided superb professional care and touching compassion to Renée during her medical ordeal, an exemplary group of people.

Per Renée’s instructions and based upon hundreds of conversations she had with me and her children about end-of-life decisions, an autopsy will be performed. She did not want a wake or funeral. She’ll be cremated, her ashes strewn over a bird feeding sanctuary she loved, and I’ll host a gathering in the future to celebrate her life. We’ve been loyal supporters of Compassion & Choices and its commitment to death-with-dignity for many years. Hopefully the state in which we live, Connecticut, and its legislators will follow the lead of Washington, Oregon, Wyoming and Vermont in allowing physician-assisted aid for certifiably terminal patients to pass peacefully and with dignity in their final days. Renée would want anyone who wishes to donate in her memory to help Compassion & Choices, the United States Humane Society, or ASPCA to carry on their work, which she so ardently supported.

Renée Paley-Bain brought me unmitigated joy during our 33 years together, and I’ll spend what years I have left honoring this talented, exemplary woman. What a joyous 33 years it’s been.


Read this essay by Renee Paley-Bain: "Partners in Crime" that appeared on Mystery Fanfare.