Frances was a wife, mother, and homemaker for her husband and two children. She made time to volunteer in her community as well. During WWII, Frances volunteered at the local USO. She collected donations for the Cancer Society and was always glad to cook for the church bake sale. She loved children and became a Bluebird leader, doing crafts and service projects with them at weekly meetings.
In addition to taking care of her family, Frances and her husband Charles were among the founding parents of what is now the Independence Association, originally known as the Youth Development Center for Retarded Children. Frances, along with other parents helped raise money for the Y.D.C. by making crafts, baking, holding rummage sales, auctions, and raffles.
Frances liked reading, doing 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. Frances loved to sew and belonged to a local group called the Kaleidescope Quilters. She was a wonderful cook and her family picnics were always better with her tasty treats.
For many years, Frances enjoyed caring for children in her home and did piecework for the Jay Brush at home for several years as well.
An active member of the Berean Baptist Church, Frances maintained her faith later as a member of the United Baptist
Church in Topsham.
Frances enjoyed summer theatre, taking vacations in Maine, Canada, and Nova Scotia, also going with her husband to Florida and Virginia for Navy reunions.
Caring for ailing parents and in-laws, Frances was generous and family-oriented, putting other people’s needs before her own. She loved her grandson as well as her many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Bernard E. Schreiter and Vivian G. (Hallett) Schreiter, and a sister, Arlene Norton.
She is survived by her husband, Charles N. Payne Jr. of Topsham, a son Charles N. “Chucky” Payne III of Brunswick, a daughter Kathleen Scholfield of Topsham, a brother Roland and his wife Carolyn Schreiter of Old Town, a sister Jeannette and her husband Fred Rogers of Miami, FL, and her grandson, Alexander James Scholfield of Topsham.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2103, in Rogers Cemetery, Cathance Road in Topsham with Reverend Ron McLaughling officiating. To leave a message of condolence or to share a fond memory with the Payne family, visit Frances’ tribute page at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
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