Cornelia M. Payne

Cornelia “Connie” Marie (Mitchell) Payne of Marblehead passed peacefully at the age of 91 on Saturday, March 2. Connie was born on April 30, 1932 in Peabody, MA. She was the daughter of Donald and Cornelia (Ahearne) Mitchell.

Connie graduated from Marblehead High School in 1950 where she started the ice hockey cheerleading team; in the summers, she served as a lifeguard at Preston Beach. She was known as sweet and sociable by her classmates. Always fashionable, she went on to graduate from Chamberlain School of Merchandising in Boston and was a merchandise buyer for Jordan Marsh and Filene’s. Later in life, she enrolled in a 5-year architectural college in Boston which she loved. Connie enjoyed playing cards, watching and attending many local town sports, following the Red Sox and Patriots and spending wonderful times with family and friends.

Connie is predeceased by her beloved son Thomas Payne and her twin brother, Donald Mitchell, Jr. She is survived by her son John and his wife Dorothea of Marblehead, as well as granddaughters Elizabeth and Samantha, who were her pride and joy.

Funeral services will be held at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street, on Friday, March 8 at 12:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hour prior to the service, from 11:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Cornelia’s name to Marblehead Food Pantry, 80 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead, MA or Elder Services of the North Shore (now known as AgeSpan), 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 200, Danvers, MA 01923. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Payne family