Mona "Penny" Vance Payne

March 1, 1942 - October 6, 2015

Newhall, California

Mona was known to her family and friends as, "Penny". Penny passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, surrounded by her loved ones.

Penny was born, in Cleveland, Ohio. Penny loved singing, dancing, reading, word games, and laughing. True friends became a part of our family, without a doubt. She protected and stood up for her family and friends, and would give you her last pair of shoes, if you needed them.

In 1957, Penny moved to California, with her family. Penny loved her hometown of Cleveland, and was sad to leave her family and friends, yet excited about moving to sunny California. She continued a long distance relationship with her Cleveland family and friends, till the day she died.

Penny settled down and had three children. She divorced in 1973, and instantly took single motherhood head on and with the same determination she had for every single day of her life. Penny often worked two or more jobs to make ends meet, until she was eligible to work full time for Budweisér. She left Budweisér to care for her daughter's children. She retired and lived comfortably with her daughter, son In-law, and grandchildren, in Newhall, Ca. She loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed playing games on Pogo and made some good friends online. She also loved to play scrabble and was a champion at it.

Penny spent an entire lifetime as a caregiver for those in need. She saw beauty and laughter in everything and everyone. She loved and gave unconditionally. Penny's role as a grandmother and caregiver, was one of which she excelled at. She spent the last thirty years of her life with her grandchildren, taking care and raising them.

In 2007, Penny gave up alcohol and never looked back. In May of 2013, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Penny valiantly battled the cancer for over two years, until her body finally gave out. She always kept a good attitude during her battle with cancer, she was so amazingly brave. Penny never complained about her cancer, she faced it head on. With her family and friends; love, support, and prayers, she continued to fight. She was also, very fortunate to have the very best doctors. Penny remained her funny, lovable self through her very last hours.

She was a loving daughter to: Vincenza Mona Anzalone and John O'Carma, both deceased.

Penny was the eldest of 4 children, and loving sister to: Jaunita O'Carma Benck (deceased), brother Bobbie (deceased), and sister Bobbie Manista, residing in Vancouver, Washington.

Penny had 4 children, and was a loving Mother to: a son; Baby Dennis (Dest. Unknown), a daughter and son in-law; Bridget and Dave Hickok, residing in Newhall, Ca. a son and daughter in-law; Shaun Russum and Teri Ciancio, residing in Phelan, Ca, and a daughter; Ramona Russum. Penny also adopted her children's friends.

#jacquethummarchmysistertm

Penny had 7 Grandchildren and was a loving Grandmother to: Tonie Russum, residing in California., Johnny Hernandez, residing in California, Jeffrey Hickok and Chelsea Hickok (granddaughter in-law), residing in Salem, Oregon, Jessica Hickok, residing in Salem, Oregon, Shaun Russum, Jr., (not forgotten), Christopher Hickok, residing in San Francisco, Ca., and Elizabeth Hickok.

Penny had 3 Great Grandchildren and was a loving Great Grandmother to: Daniel Vincezo Mendez, Sophia Marie Hernandez, and Carrson Van Haut