Yvonne Joyce Sipe

Yvonne Joyce Sipe was born at home in Alexandria, MN to parents Frank Paul Fabro, Sr. and Joy Eve (Fugere) Fabro. She has 3 living brothers, Frank Paul Fabro Jr. (Ione), Quentin James Fabro (Mary Lynn), Terrence Lee Fabro and 2 deceased brothers, Dennis Henry and Robert Joseph Fabro.

Yvonne married Maurice Wayne Payne August 31, 1957, in Little Falls, MN at St. Mary’s Church. Maurice and Yvonne had 4 children, all of whom remain living: Gregory Scott Payne (Joanne), Tracie Lynne Payne (Mark Schmidt), Julia Ann Payne (Larry Maggio), and Thomas Neal Payne (Darla). In addition, to her children and siblings, she survived by 5 grandchildren: Amy Seese (Jen), Zachary Seese (Julie), Colten Sanger, Peyten Hurd (Peter) and Lily Grace Payne; and 2 great grandchildren: Westin and Carter Seese.

At the age of 50, Yvonne joined the Peace Corps, volunteering in Belize and Jamaica where she taught typing and clerical skills. Following the Peace Corps, in January 1992, she married Paul Clinton Sipe (deceased). She spent many years living in Iowa where she enjoyed church activities, outdoor hiking, cross country snow skiing, and the art of Swedish Weaving.

Her strong faith in Christ led her to acts of service including trips to Mexico to help build an orphanage and to Europe teaching English in Bible camps.

Yvonne’s 4 children accompanied her in the early 2000s to villages of living relatives in Italy. Her travels also took her to Quebec where she met French Canadian family members.

Throughout her life, Yvonne was an avid reader, card and domino player. Upbeat and outgoing, Yvonne was an enthusiastic friend, always willing to share a laugh and a smile.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held at First Baptist Church, 12404 LA-10, St. Francisville, LA. 70775 on Wednesday March 11th, 2026, at 9:45 AM. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until service time. Burial will follow at 11:00 AM in Louisiana National Cemetery, 303 W. Mt. Pleasant Rd., Zachary, LA 70791.

"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness." - William Arthur Ward