Dorothy "Jean" Payne

Dorothy "Jean" Payne, age 94 of St. Louis Park, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Sunday March 10th, 2024 at Orchards of Minnetonka under the wonderful care of North Memorial Hospice.

Jean was born in Webster Groves, Missouri, the daughter of Emmett and Ethel (Martin) Payne. She attended West High School in Minneapolis. Jean had a strong faith and was a member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Jean lived in Saint Louis Park with her mother, Ethel, who passed in 1987. Jean retired after a long and successful career at what is now AT&T.

Jean enjoyed traveling, especially with her mom and cousin, Lee Hersma. They visited various countries, to include Russia and Italy, as well as many parts of America. Jean loved animals and always had her dogs with her. She volunteered many years at The Animal Humane Society as well as the MSP Airport. Both hobbies allowed her to interact and serve others. She was always described as spunky, sassy and a little stubborn.  Jean loved to laugh.

Jean is survived by her best friend, Janet Mezzenga and Janet's entire family, who adopted Jean as one of their own. Jean is also survived by her cousins Jack Hersma and Jim Hersma, grand nieces and nephews Ken Benson, Scott Benson, Karin Ward, and Elena Collins.

Funeral services will be held at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Avenue N., on Sunday March 24th. Funeral service will commence at 2pm and visitation 1 hour prior. Jean will be laid to rest next to her parents at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Kirkwood, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Animal Humane Society, 845 Meadow Ln N, Golden Valley, MN 55422 or American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023