Obituary of Dorothy Marie Payne

Dorothy M. Payne; b. 11 Dec 1947; d. 30 Dec 2023

Dorothy was born on December 11th, 1947 in the Bronx, New York, the youngest of seven. She moved to Los Angeles at the age of ten and became a life-long resident of Los Angeles county. She graduated from La Reina High School in 1965, and eventually studied Art at Los Angeles City College. In the summer of 1985 she moved to the Glendale area to live with her sister Theresa, and together they moved several times, finally settling in North Hollywood. Under the care of her family she moved to Vista at Simi Valley in the Spring of 2022 where she resided until her passing in December of 2023 from advanced Altzheimers.

Dorothy is survived by her eldest sister Penny (Margaret), a long time resident of Newbury Park, her eldest brother John (aka Kevin), a lifetime resident of New York, and her sister Theresa, her life-long friend and roommate for several decades.

She will always be remembered as a lover of art, an expert in color, and able to name and care for virtually any flower or plant you might consider for your garden. She will also be remembered for the many blankets and baby outfits she crocheted for the children and grandchildren of her siblings.  Although she never had children of her own, it gave her great joy whenever a new member was born to her family, and with a limited income due to disability she spent countless hours with a crochet hook creating a warm and soft welcome for all of them.

It cannot be said her life was easy. Born with scoliosis, she stood all of 4'7, which was a great challenge in her life. Small in stature she developed a feisty nature, which she was well known for, and regardless of another's size or stature she refused to be intimidated. In her early 30s she became disabled and no longer able to work due to complications from an automobile accident. Some years later, while living in Burbank, she defied her disability by volunteering for the Burbank Tournament of Roses Association, and although in constant discomfort and pain it gave her great pride and purpose to use her love of art, color, and nature, in the creation of Burbank's parade float for many years.

Perhaps our contributions to the world as we pass through it can be measured by material achievements we leave behind, but it is impossible to measure how our actions and choices impact those around us, from our immediate family to a stranger in passing. And although Dorothy's life may seem somewhat small, like her physique, her impact was grand nonetheless, and will continue on through her family. Theresa's grandchildren also consider Dorothy their Grandparent, a figure of unconditional love always present at the holidays, birthdays, graduations, and concerts.  And so it is also true that she is survived by her honorary grandchildren; Theodore, Dillon, Alia, and Briggs, who will always remember and honor her as Grandma Dorothy.