Vonnie Rae Payette

She is survived by her children: Mark Payette(Mary), Julie Kupfer(Steve), Lori Lonergan(Mike), Gayle Stoven, Joni Hanson(Eric) and Mary Pat Payette. Grandchildren: Bobby, Jenny, Katie, Kristen, Brandon, Joe, Amy, Tyler, Katrina, Connor, Sam, Estefani, Elise and Jackie. Great grandchildren: Gavyn, Chase, Ella, Evie, Ernest, Hector, Riley, Skylar, Theo, Augie, Elliot, and one on the way in November. Sisters: Iris, Kitty, Sue and Sandy. Many close nieces and nephews and many good friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Bud Payette, her parents Oliver and Edwidge DuFresne, Siblings Keith, Neil, Dean, Brian, Ramona and Barbara, and many brothers in-law and sisters in-law.

Vonnie Rae was born in Somerset Wisconsin. She moved with her family to St. Paul when she was 8 years old. She attended Marshall Senior High, and was in the last class to graduate from there. After high school, Vonnie Rae started dating the love of her life, Bud Payette. They met and went out on a blind date. It was a pow wow. They went on to enjoy 67 years of a loving marriage.

Vonnie Rae was a woman of strong faith. Along with Bud, they were parishioners at Presentation of Mary Church in Maplewood over the past 6 decades. Vonnie Rae volunteered for Meals on Wheals with Bud for many years, she also baked cookies for Dorothy Day Center.

Vonnie Rae was the best Mom anyone could ever ask for! She was very dedicated to each of her children. She was very loving, even when someone needed to be disciplined. She was compassionate and very forgiving. Her family was very important to her and was her top priority. Over the years Vonnie Rae was very involved with each one of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The great grandchildren had a special name for her. It was GG. There were scouting, camping trips, fishing trips, grand children’s sports, concerts etc.

Mom loved her brothers and sisters! She zoomed every Wednesday evening with Sue, Kitty, Sandy and Iris, and her cousin Marsha. This kept them very connected. They traveled together, had sleepovers, and played games at Sheila & Dave’s house. They took knitting classes together. They prayed the Rosary together. A special thank you to everyone that came and visited and prayed and said the Rosary with Vonnie Rae in the Transitional Care Unit and the hospital. We know she really loved that!

Our family is extremely grateful for all the excellent care Vonnie Rae received from Harmony Gardens Assisted Living, the medical team at St. John’s Hospital, and the Transitional Care Unit at Harmony Gardens. We are very grateful for the love, prayers and support of all her larger extended family, friends and neighbors.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior to service, from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at Presentation of Mary Catholic Church. Located at 1725 Kennard St., Maplewood, MN. A luncheon will immediately follow mass at the church. Internment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Mn. at 2:00 pm, with a 1:45 pm arrival time.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Vonnie Rae’s name to Presentation of Mary Catholic Church in Maplewood Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM with Visitation one hour prior to service, from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at Presentation of Mary Church, 1725 Kennard St., Maplewood, MN 55109. A luncheon will immediately follow mass at the church. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.