Mary Elizabeth Payne

Mary Elizabeth (Cannon) Payne, 61, was welcomed home into the arms of God on February 19, 2026.

Mary was born on January 20, 1965, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to James M. Cannon and Patricia Taylor Cannon. She graduated from Terre Haute South High School and later earned her nursing degree from Indiana State University. Mary devoted her entire nursing career to caring for others at Terre Haute Regional Hospital, where her compassion and dedication touched countless lives. She was a lifetime member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, where her faith remained a steady foundation throughout her life.

On December 27, 1986, she married the love of her life, Kenneth B. Payne. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with four children.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Ken; her children, Kenneth Payne (Amber), Jon Payne (Harlei), Elizabeth Lowery (Forrest), and Nicholas Payne (Hailey); and her five beloved grandchildren, Charlotte and Cannon Payne, Madilyn Payne, Zoe and Zander Tracy, and a baby boy Lowery on the way. She is also survived by her mother, Patricia; her brothers, James Cannon (Emily) and Thomas Cannon (Shannon); her aunt, Debbie Taylor Wolfley (James); her sisters-in-law, Janet Payne (Elliot Korr) and Kay Hanley (John); her brother-in-law, James Payne (Margot); and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Cannon; her father- and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Doris Payne; her sister-in-law, Margaret Isaacs; and her cousin, Joseph Wolfley.

Mary loved life deeply. She cherished sunshine and trips to the beach. Nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her family—especially her grandchildren—and her many dear friends. She had a heart of pure gold and loved with her whole being. She will forever be remembered for her contagious, notorious laugh and a smile that could light up any room.

For six and a half years, Mary courageously battled breast cancer. She fought with strength, grace, and unwavering faith, smiling all the way to the end. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to Horizon Health Hospital for the exceptional and personalized care she received, and especially to Dr. Darren Brucken, Dr. Ruemu Birhiray, and Dr. Thomas Schmitz for giving her the opportunity to fight the battle she so bravely chose to face.

Visitation will be held at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23, with a Rosary service taking place at 7:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:05 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, with Father Martin Day, OFM, presiding. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to PINK of Terre Haute or to the St. Benedict Catholic Church Building Fund.