Helen Mahoney Payne

Helen Mahoney Payne, age 79, of Chattanooga, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 7, 2013. She is now with the Lord she served so well. A lifelong resident of Chattanooga, she was born May 16, 1933 to the late Edward and Helen Mahoney. Helen graduated from Nazareth Academy in Bardstown, Kentucky, attended Webster University in St. Louis and graduated with a degree in education from the University of Chattanooga. She was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Helen’s passion for life and devotion to her faith, family and friends was evident in all she did. She and her husband Jack were wonderful role models of love in action. Together they created a loving family who celebrate life daily, and she leaves a legacy of the meaning of true faith, family and service to others. She led by example with zest, a fun and competitive spirit, noted curiosity, and a quick wit that provided much laughter. In addition to her full time job of raising six children, she always found time to share her talents. Many friendships were made through her commitment to Ladies of Charity and Memorial Auxiliary, and her involvement in bridge club, rug hooking and tennis team. Survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Joseph (Jack) W. Payne of Chattanooga; six children, Eileen Ransom (Jim), Edward W. Payne, (Mary Lee) of Birmingham, Alabama, Karen Carden (John), Jean Celeste Payne, Joann Marshall (Ed), Joseph P. Payne, DDS (Suzanne), twelve grandchildren: Tripp Ransom, Alicia Ransom Woolwine, Amy Ransom Hall (Nolan), Hailey and Will Payne, Ben, Rob and Payne Carden, Tee and Jack Boone, Jake and Sam Payne; two great grandchildren, Blake Woolwine and Chance Hall; two sisters, Ann Thompson (Jim) of Roseville, Minnesota and Jean Wood (Deceased Husband Hewitt) of North Augusta, South Carolina; several nieces and nephews. A special thanks for wonderful care provided by Dr. James O’Connell, his staff and Hospice of Chattanooga. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 10, 2013 at 11:30am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Fr. Mike Nolan, Msgr. Al Humbrecht, Fr. Jim Vick, and Fr. Mike Creson officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 9, 2013 from 4pm to 7pm at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 7pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Ladies of Charity, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary or Hospice of Chattanooga. Please share your thoughts at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412