Northborough – In the early hours of Thursday, August 8, 2024 Donna M. Payne, 83, peacefully transitioned from this life after a valiant battle against cancer. At the time of her passing, Donna was surrounded by the love of her family, in the beloved home that had raised 3 generations.
Donna was born in Detroit Michigan and raised in Worcester Massachusetts, a daughter to the late Donald and Blanche Brown. She attended Commerce High School in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Donna had an artistic culinary skill which she applied to her catering and cake decorating business. Later, she owned and operated her own cleaning business before retiring.
Donna focused much of her time as a homemaker, which she considered her most important job. With a loving heart, she made a beautiful home for her family. She brought people together, and never missed an opportunity to host a get-together for her loved ones, complete with a delicious home cooked meal which was prepared for hours with unconditional love.
Donna enjoyed being at the ocean, leaf peeping in the fall, taking trips to Cape Cod and Vermont, spending time with her family, holiday dinners in her home, decorating for Christmas and sitting in her lit-up living room. Her family will always cherish her home-baked Christmas treats which were to be shared with everyone, including the homeowners of the homes she use to clean. She loved watching sports with her son Jeffrey. Donna lived a full life, and tried to enjoy each day and no matter what life threw at her, she took it on, strong and brave.
Surviving Donna are her three children, Jeffrey R. Payne of Northborough, James Griffin of Northborough, Theresa Bielby of Nashua NH; six grandchildren, Angelica and Althea Payne, Lindsey and Emily Bielby, Tyler and Kylie Griffin; three great-grandchildren, Mia, Eli, Silas, all whom she loved dearly. Donna also leaves her siblings and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Robert A. Payne.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Tuesday, August 13th at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough. Burial will follow in Saint John’s Cemetery in Worcester. There are no public calling hours.
Donna’s family respectfully request memorial donations be directed to https://gofund.me/78c3aa86.
Arrangements are under the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532.
To leave a condolence or kind word of support for her family please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
