Obituary of Catherine C. Payne

Catherine C. (Connors) Payne, of Niles passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017, at her home with her family surrounding her. Catherine was born to the late Raymond and Mary (Gleason) Connors on April 8, 1921 in Hubbell, Michigan. She was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church for many years, serving in both the Christian Mothers and Rosary Society. Catherine's life revolved around her family, and there was nothing that brought her greater joy than when her family was surrounding her. She always enjoyed the reunions and holiday celebrations when her family was gathered. Catherine was an extraordinary individual, loving and selfless, always placing others and their needs above her own. In addition to caring for her family she would open her home and finances to others in need. She, along with a group that she organized, made and sent gifts to the Vietnamese children through her four sons that were serving in the military during Vietnam War, while writing them daily. She was truly a wonderful mother, wife, sister and friend to so many. We love you so much mama and we will see you in heaven. Catherine is preceded by her husband of 65 years Harold "Pete" Payne, her parents, her siblings; John Connors, William "Bill" Connors, Connie Leinonen, Anna Delf, Doris Hemphill, Ruth Wisler and Beverly Wruck, a daughter-in-law, Pricilla Alvord, two grandchildren, Aaron Payne and William Alvord. She is survived by her nineteen children: Charles Alvord, Kathleen (Jon) Jankoviak, Jim (Dawn) Payne, Raymond Payne, Timothy (Melissa) Payne, Therese Bella, Jeff (Christine) Payne, Michael (Pamela) Payne, Mary Payne, Denise Casey, Doris (William) Beckman, Peter (Kay) Payne, Colleen (John) Raven, Corrine (Tim) Craig, Suzette (Donald) Kennedy, Rhea Yoder, Kerry (Laura) Payne, Thomas (Brenda) Payne, Thaddeus (Emma) Payne. She is also survived by her siblings: Raymond Connors, Mary Hunt, and Judy (Dick) Parker, her ninety- six grandchildren, and over 300 great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren as well as a host of nieces and nephews and countless lives she has touched. The Rosary Service will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 4:30PM followed by a time of visitation from 5:00PM until 8:00PM. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at 11:00AM at St. Mark Catholic Church, Niles. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Catherine's honor may do so to St. Mark Catholic Church, 3 South 19th Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. . Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Catherine's family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.