Remembering Mom

Mom loved Jim and me dearly.  She loved her 6 grandchildren: Deborah, Jennifer, Stephen, Lindsay, Ethan, and Matthew. When Madalyn, Lindsay, Ethan, and I would have our Virginia visits, we would go to Old Town Alexandria to visit the Torpedo Factory Art Studios and the Christmas shop.  We would walk along King Street and go into interesting shops.  We'd have pizza and ice cream.  We would go out to visit Jim and Cousin David in Bluemont.  Sometimes we would get to see Aunt Evelyn, Uncle Johnny, Rusty, and Carol Anne in Front Royal.  

However, our time with Mom was never long enough.  “Can't you stay a little longer?” was always part of the conversation during the last few days before we had to return to St. Louis.  When our visit was drawing to a close and it was time to leave once again, Mom would follow us from the kitchen to the car with tears in her eyes and ask one last time, “Are you sure you can't stay a little longer?”  As we would slowly back out of the driveway and pull off, Mom would be standing there looking so incredibly sad and alone until we were out of sight.

Our older children talked in terms of the same sort of departures at the end of the visits they were able to make.  Most recently, our oldest daughter, Deborah, was able to visit with one of her three children, Layne.  Madalyn and I were so glad that Mom was able to meet one of her 3 great grandchildren.  Mom talked about how Layne was “…such a nice, well-behaved little boy.”  Deborah talked about how Layne was very confused by the physical resemblance between Jim and me.  She reassured Layne several times, “No that's Uncle Jim, your Granddaddy's brother.”  (We have a picture of Mom, Layne, and Jim on our fireplace mantle.

I learned many things from our Mother.  Top among these were:

How to be careful with money – Mom knew how to “squeeze the buffalo off a nickel.” 

Mom taught me about how to be organized and thorough.

She was a good example to follow when it comes to taking care of things.  Mom's home is packed full of things kept in pristine condition for many, many decades.

Mom and Dad would have occasional spats about one thing or another, especially when they were working on a project together, like painting a room. From their example, I learned the importance of putting differences aside and being patient and understanding with one's partner.

My parents instilled in me the importance of a good education.  When I was 5 years old I remember sitting in front of an upright chalkboard in my Chinquapin Village bedroom, while Mom taught me the alphabet and how to spell my name before getting to the 1st Grade. Then there were the many times we would sit at that little kitchen table and Dad would talk about how he wanted me to grow up to be an Engineer.  At the ages of 5 through 7, I thought that this was a great idea since, in my estimation, driving a train in and out of Potomac Yard where my Granddaddy worked would be lots of fun.

Katherine was a good friend – to her family members, neighbors, the folks she worked with in the school cafeteria, and particularly to me and Jim.  This wonderful characteristic was also quite obvious while Mom was at Rose Hill Nursing Home.  

During the 10 days I visited with Mom at the Nursing Home in June, we went to meals together and played Bingo with her newest friends.  I watched while she was in Physical Therapy and generally hung out with Mom and her roommate.  So, I got to see a lot.

If someone seemed sad, Mom would go talk to them and ask if there was anything she could do to help out.  If someone needed anything, Mom and I would get it for them in the community while we were on an ice cream outing.  It seemed that all the patients and residents at Rose Hill knew how much she cared about them, and that she was indeed a friend.  When her roommate left to return to her home, they cried together.

Finally, I will miss Mom's smile, gentle touch, and sharp mind.  I'll miss the frequent talks we had on the phone.  I'll always remember the two trips Mom and Dad made to St. Louis, insisting upon living out of their camper parked in the driveway.  In particular, we greatly enjoyed going together with them to the Forest Park Balloon Races.  Mom never forgot to send holiday cards and was always generous with birthday and Christmas gifts.  

We have always loved Mom.  Our love will continue even though she has passed on.

Much love, 

Russell, Madalyn, and The Kids

To the Payne Family,  Your Mother was like an Aunt or Mother to me.   We were very close for many years.  In the latter years, I tried to look after her as much as I could.  We talked on the phone almost every day for years.   We spent a lot of time together. Talking, laughing, shopping, eating out and many other things.   I tried to be there for her and she was there for me if I needed her.  I can feel that void in my life already.  May she rest in peace and pain free as she certainly needs it.
I'll always love her.  My family did too.
Her friend,
Glenda

Grangma Payne was a very strong, independent, and loving woman with a great sense of humor. She will be greatly missed here with us, yet I find comfort in the thought of her being reunited with Grandpa. I am so thankful for all of our visits and moments shared. May she rest in peace.

We had so many years of beautiful family memories.  Your radiant smile, gentle spirit, and keen intelligence will truly be missed.  You are our irreplacable, beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother always. 

Much Love,
Russell, Madalyn, and all the Kids

Dear James, I'm sorry for the loss of your mother, I know how difficult it is. Having only met her once I could tell what a special lady she was and how much she meant to you. You are a good son to have taken care of her like you did., Jill

Your Mom was very special to me, and I'll never forget her quick wit and great sense of humor.  She may be gone, but she will never be forgotten. More like a mother, she was the best mother-in-law ever a girl could ever hope to have.  My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and family.

Dear Jimmy, Russell and family,
 My heart goes out to all of you. Your mom and I were good friends for along
time. I cared for her very much. She may be gone, but she will never be
forgotten. 
                                 Sam

OBITUARIO

Katherine Elizabeth Payne

12 diciembre, 1924 – 18 octubre, 2012

Demaine Funeral Home

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios