Mary (Sohner) Payne passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 92, holding the hand of her beloved husband. Born on November 4, 1933, Mary lived a long and fulfilling life before passing on August 8, 2026.

When asked what the meaning of love is, Mary Payne comes to mind. A woman, mother, wife, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she set the standard for what it meant to be loved by someone so essential to your life. She created memories that define a lifetime, a marriage, and a childhood. Mary will be remembered for her warmth of spirit, her deep love for her family and friends, and her devotion to God and the Catholic Church.

Born in Moline, IL, Mary soon moved to Milwaukee, WI, at the young age of 7, where she left an impression on those she crossed paths with. She grew up, graduated from Pius XI High School in 1952, sang her heart out in her favorite class—choir—and fell deeply in love with Benjamin Payne, quickly marrying him, knowing that he was all she’d ever need. Each person in her life remembers her for the goodness she brought. Be it her siblings, her husband, her children, or her grandchildren, her family is forever grateful for the memories she cultivated and gifted.

Her siblings remember her as brave, bold, and determined to get what she wanted. She protected them to the best of her ability, treating them with the respect, adoration, and love that only a sister can give. She made sure her siblings felt safe in a world that could, at times, be a very scary place. Mary always loved children, and her siblings were no exception. They were the original recipients of her love and kindness, experiencing first what it meant to be loved by Mary. Her brother Harold, being the oldest, saw the adoration and attention she gave to her youngest siblings—Tom, Sharon, and Steve. As all little siblings do, these three were no exception to causing frustration and embarrassment for their big sister. This didn’t stop her from loving them unconditionally, with little Stevie being the recipient of her kindest moments as a big sister. She’d happily take him, in the stroller, to the train station to wave to his heart's content at the train engineer. She took care of her siblings with the kind of dedication, devotion, and determination that leaves a lasting impact.

Her husband remembers her as the supportive woman and partner who helped build his adulthood into something one could only dream of. Their courtship was short, but one of destiny and intervention from God. As a young girl, Mary always prayed that the man she’d love, marry, and cultivate the life she always wanted would have a connection to St. Joseph. Through happenstance, on her very first date with the man that would become her husband, Benjamin Payne let it be known he belonged to a St. Joseph’s Parish. It was then and there that Mary’s heart knew that this was the man she’d spend the rest of her life with. On his next leave from the Navy, Mary and Ben said their “I do’s,” with their whole lives in front of them, lives that soon were joined by their three children—Joe, Dave, and Cathi. Faith became a cornerstone to her marriage. Alongside her husband, they helped polish up the reception for the refurbished St. Sebastian’s Church. She thrived as a room and den mother. She assisted Girl Scouts and Thursday collation, knowing it was all to thank God for the wonderful life she had been gifted. For seventy years, Mary and Ben were each other’s better halves, both establishing an example of marriage and partnership for generations to come. Mary effortlessly made her family and her husband feel safe because, for those she loved, she herself was home.

Her children remember her as the mother who worried perhaps a little too much, but they would not have wanted it any other way. They remember how lucky they were to have a mother who gave them a childhood, shaped them into the young adults they became, and encouraged them to be the best versions of themselves throughout adulthood. They were the light of her life and her greatest accomplishment. She’d spend hours talking on the phone with her adult daughter, never letting her forget that a mother’s love is everlasting. Every birthday was made special by her presence, a birthday meal chosen by each of her children, and a reminder of the love and affection she held for each of her three babies.

Her grandchildren remember her as the unconditional support they needed, enveloping them in her warmth throughout their childhoods, with a hug always at the ready. She was the grandmother who sent a card for every birthday, every holiday, and every life event, always with a dollar and a stick of gum included. She proudly displayed pictures of all six grandchildren throughout her hallways, never leaving a single one out. She spoiled them in the best ways she knew how: with popsicles prepped in the freezer, homemade meals, songs from classic 1950s lullabies, and toy airplanes from Cracker Barrel. Not a Christmas went by without an individualized specialty ornament being picked out for each grandbaby, regardless of their age. The joy she brought to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the quintessential definition of love—one that can never and will never be forgotten.

Mary Payne was many things to many people, but to all who knew her, she was the epitome of love. To be loved by Mary was truly an honor and a privilege, and the many people fortunate enough to have experienced that love will carry it with them always. She lived a life that was full and abundant, measured not by what she had, but by the love she gave and the lives she touched. She cared deeply about those around her, including them in her prayers, hoping for their safe passage through life. Most importantly, Mary was not one to say goodbye, as there is always a next time. Under the grace of God, we shall all see her once again, never having to say goodbye.

She is survived by her husband, Benjamin; her sons, Joseph and David; her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; her sister and brothers; and her son-and daughter-in-law. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Catherine Payne Paprocki, and her parents.

Visitation for Mary will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Sass & Sons Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4747 S. 60th St., Greenfield, WI 53220, beginning at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m..

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church, 5400 W. Washington Blvd., Milwaukee, WI, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:45 a.m.