Of Lakeland, Florida, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at home surrounded by family.     She was born in Buffalo, NY, on September 6, 1926, the daughter of John Glynn and Gladys [Watson] Markle. 

Mrs. Payne was a graduate of Holy Angels Academy. She attended D'Youville College and Trocaire College, graduating as a registered nurse. She was employed at Mt. Saint Mary's Hospital in Lewiston NY in the Surgical Department before becoming Director of Infection Control and Central Service until her retirement in 1994.   Mrs. Payne was honored as employee of the year in 1981 and received a Neuro Surgical award in 1982.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and her dog Scooter.   Mrs. Payne lived in Lakeland for the past 18 years. 

She is predeceased by her husband of over 60 years, Warren S. Payne, Sr.   Grace was the mother of 11 children: Suzanne P. (late Walter) Gorbach of Cambria, Michele M. (Joseph) Agnello of Grand Island, Tricia A. Mezhir of Lewiston, John Glynn (Joann) Payne of Ransomville, James Timothy (Christina) Payne, Christine Melissa (Edward) McHugh of Hamburg, Laurie E. (Roger) Clark of Ransomville, Michael M. 
Payne of Youngstown, and Caroline M. (Steve) Thompson of Edmonton, AB. She is also survived by a sister Patricia Guisto of Niagara Falls,  32 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and her dog Scooter.   She was the sister of the late John Glynn Markle, and Edna Fries. 

Her family will be present on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street, LEWISTON, NY, where funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:30 AM, followed  by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM at St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY, with the Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating.

Flowers are gratefully declined, but memorials may be made in her name to:  VITAS® Healthcare Hospice, 6850 New Tampa Highway, Ste. 600Lakeland, FL 33815 

Interment in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.
 

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