MADISON - Theresa M. Payne, age 89, of Madison, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024, at SSM Health - St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born on July 12, 1935, in Waunakee, Wis., the daughter of Frank and Margaret Hellenbrand.

Theresa grew up on a farm, graduated from Waunakee High School then lived most of her life in Madison.

There were many things Theresa enjoyed doing centered around farm life and school. She was a Baton Majorette in high school and loved showing her kids how she used to twirl, throw and catch her baton. Sundays, we would all venture to the farm for a big family gathering and meal where afterward we would play several games of Euchre at the kitchen table or watch football in the living room. She was also a fan of the accordion and enjoyed playing a hymn, waltz or polka. She never had to look at the music but seemed to know every note and chord.

One of the things we were all especially proud of was her dedication, as a single parent, to return to school and earn a certificate as an Operating Room Technician. She was always happy to share the terminology of her studies with her family - anatomy, instruments and procedures.

Theresa is survived by five of her six children, Laurie, Carol, Alan, Karen and Tom (Randi); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her brother, Frankie; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Larry; brothers, Robert and Bernard; and sisters, Dorothy, Irene, Janet and Margie.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, with the Rev. Peter Erickson presiding. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Memorial Contributions may be made to your favorite charity in Theresa’s memory.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Theresa M. Payne

July 12, 1935 - November 08, 2024

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