Katherine Ann (Kathy) Payne

God called Katherine (Kathy) Ann Payne home on August 11, 2019 to a warm embrace wrapped in love and peace. She felt blessed to have her Earthly journey end at N C Little Hospice and was deeply grateful for the wonderful, soothing care. Kathy was born in Benson, MN to Albert (Bud) Andrew Payne and Elizabeth (Betty Jule Foley) Payne on December 18, 1951 the oldest of 11 caring and loving siblings. Family and friends have always been the cornerstone of her life.

She grew up on a farm outside of Hancock, MN and graduated from Hancock High School in June of 1969. Kathy shares her gratitude and love in a personal message:

‘While in high school, I was blessed to be hired by the Wexler’s as a summer nanny in the cities. The connection with Mark and Muriel and their family touched me deeply throughout my life. After graduating from Alexandria Vo Tech with an accounting degree in June of 1971, I was employed by them with various job titles until retiring in December of 2003. Being part of the Wexler family gave me many opportunities and shaped me in a positive way in every aspect of my life and the lives of my family. I will be forever grateful.

My world opened as I made many friends and enjoyed roommates and life. Many of the greatest joys involved traveling to National Parks across the US as well as trips to Canada, Amsterdam, Florida, Arizona, Hong Kong, China, England, France, and the ultimate, three trips to Ireland with family (I am half ☘️). Seeing my mother and her siblings touch the ground in Ireland was one of the best gifts of my life.

A wonderful gift came into my life when Becky and I chose to host foreign exchange students and that decision expanded our world and hearts. Carissa Pang came from Hong Kong in August of 1989 and soon became our “daughter”. I am proud to share that both Carissa and her sister, Sukyee, graduated from the U of MN with master’s degrees, became citizens of the United States, and expanded our family through marriage and children.

The most beautiful gifts received each day were God’s peace, love, mercy and grace. God has blessed my life and enriched my connections with every family member and friend.’ (This attitude demonstrates her warrior spirit throughout her cancer battle.)

Kathy valued the friendships developed through playing softball, bowling and golf. She took a personal interest in the lives of all those she met. There were no strangers because a name, once learned, was committed to memory as well as their family stories. She was the command center connecting everyone forever in her hub of life. She made an investment of time, generosity, kindness, gratitude, faith and love. While others lettered in sports, academics and fine arts, Kathy lettered in LIFE.

Kathy explored life with a passion for reading; music relaxed and calmed her, fine art performances uplifted her and works of art touched her soul. She shared those interests and passion with others. She reached out to connect by celebrating life with sister weekends, cousin gatherings, company reunions and Minneapolis neighborhood luncheons.
Upon retirement, she devoted her life to caring for others, in particular to Mom and Dad. She pursued life by traveling with her cherished sister and best friend, Becky, creating a forever bond. She enriched lives with festive events, initiating company and family gatherings. She was an exceptional cook with cuisine that was carefully planned, meticulously organized on spreadsheets, and proudly displayed on her elegant dishes.

She was the heartbeat of the family, opening her heart and home to all those who entered. Faith, hope and charity were demonstrated in her devotion and volunteer work at the Church of St. Mary of the Lake. Kathy was a champion of several worthy causes with an emphasis on those in need. All who knew her felt loved and have been inspired to carry on her legacy. She will be remembered by her beautiful smile with a soul so gentle and kind. She truly lived the Beatitudes for she was a good and faithful servant.

Kathy was survived by her daughters: Carissa Pang Tjan, Cerritos, CA; Suk Yee Pang (Yinsze) Lam, Seattle, WA. Siblings: Warren (Cindy Richardson) Payne, Lake City, MN; David (Sue) Payne, Hibbing, MN; Daniel (Gayle) Payne, Starbuck; Marg (Tom) Schmitz, Rosholt, SD; Brian Payne, Princeton, MN; Chris (Keith) Rieckman, Willmar, MN; Brenda (Steve DeMorett) Payne, Sartell, MN; Rob (Maureen) Payne, Crosby, MN; Stephanie Payne, Edina, MN; Nieces and Nephews: Jennifer (Joe) Fort, Eva and Charlie; Melissa Payne, Amelia; Anthony (Leah) Payne, Warren, Daphnie, and Delanie; Karey (Jason Strege) Payne; Joshua (Andrea) Payne, Lexington and Abigayle; Joseph (Sarah) Payne, Jack and Emmitt; Dawn (Sam) Wiegel; Jeff (Holly) Schmitz, Dylan Keim, Jordan and Carson Schmitz; Paul Schmitz; Nathan (Stacy) Payne, Mallory and Brady; Jeremy (MaKayla) Payne, Mason Rach, Mara and Vayda; Tyler (Stephanie) Payne, Adelaide; Ryan (Haley) Rieckman; Brandon (Abby) Rieckman; Ben, Connor and Evan DeMorett; Logan (Kathleen) Payne, Charlotte and Elizabeth; Becca and Logan Schmitz; Katana, Quarrille and Nokoma Howard; Daniel Tjan; Tia and Ellie Lam. Aunts and Uncles: Paul (JoAnn) Foley; Mary Walsh; Albie Walsh. Special cousin Lois Nokleby; special family friends Joanne and Nancy Kumagai and numerous family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth (Betty Foley) Payne; father, Albert (Bud) Payne; sister, Rebecca (Becky) Payne; son-in-law, Bosco Tjan; Grandparents, Warren and Margaret Payne, Toby and Lucille Foley; Aunts and Uncles, Jim and Mable Foley, Clarence Walsh, Jesse and Thelma Pahl, Lillian and Manuel Flolo, Vernal and RoseMary Nokleby, Henry Walsh; Cousins, Barb Foley, Mary Ann (Flolo) Thompson and Greg Walsh.

Her celebration of life will be held at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church on Monday, August 19, 2019, located at 105 N Forestview Lane, Plymouth, MN with visitation at 10:00 am with Mass at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the Gearly-Delmore Funeral Chapel; 15800 37th Ave N; Plymouth, MN from 5 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to North Memorial Specialty Center, or NC Little Memorial Hospice. Private burial for immediate family at DeGraff, MN will be held at a later date.