TOPSHAM — Frances S. Payne, 93, died at home surrounded by her family on Sept. 13.

Payne was a wife, mother and homemaker to her husband, Charles, and two children. In addition to taking care of her family, Payne and her husband were among the founding parents of what is now the Independence Association, originally known as the Youth Development Center for Retarded Children. The Paynes and other parents helped raise money for the YDC by holding rummage sales, auctions and raffles.

Payne loved children and became a Bluebird leader, organizing crafts and service projects with the group at weekly meetings. She also collected donations for the American Cancer Society and was always glad to cook for the church bake sale. During World War II, she volunteered at the local United Service Organization. 

Payne enjoyed reading and solving crossword puzzles and sudokus. She liked music and listened to The Irish Rovers program. Of Irish and German descent, she was interested in her family history.

She also loved to sew, and belonged to a local group called the Kaleidoscope Quilters. She was a wonderful cook and family picnics were always better with her tasty treats. She enjoyed caring for children and did piecework at home for Jay Brush for several years.

An active member of the Berean Baptist Church, Payne practiced her faith later as a member of the United Baptist Church, Topsham. She enjoyed summer theater, vacationing in Maine and Nova Scotia, and traveling with her husband to Florida and Virginia for Navy reunions. Caring for parents and in-laws, Payne was generous and family-oriented. She loved her grandson as well as her many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Bernard E. and Vivian G. Schreiter, and a sister, Arlene Norton.

She is survived by her husband, Charles N. Payne Jr., of Topsham; son Charles N. Payne III, of Brunswick; daughter Kathleen Scholfield, of Topsham; brother Roland and wife Carolyn Schreiter; sister Jeannette and her husband, Fred Rogers; and grandson Alexander James.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, in Rogers Cemetery, Cathance Road, Topsham, with the Rev. Ron McLaughling officiating. 

Sidebar Elements

---

Payne