Mrs. Joan L. (Johnson) Payne

MARCY - Mrs. Joan L. (Johnson) Payne, age 78, passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on November 17, 1942, Joan was the daughter of the late Vincent Johnson and Margaret (Bowen) Johnson-Ford. She also knew the love of her step-father Michael J. Ford. She was raised and educated locally. On November 17, 1995 she married Ralph Payne with whom she shared 6 years prior to his untimely passing on August 28, 2002. At one time, Joan was employed with Oneida County as a Caregiver and Nurse’s Aide assisting disabled individuals, a position she held for 26 years. Currently, she was serving as Caregiver and Legal Guardian to disabled individuals who were residing in her home. Very physically fit and active, Joan preferred outdoor activities, and during her earlier years she enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycling, and camping at the St. Lawrence River. She was of the Episcopalian faith. Joan is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jo-Ann and Louis Velardi with whom she resided. She held close to her heart the memory of her daughter Tina Mae Riddell who passed away on November 28, 2002. She also leaves her son and daughter-in-law, Troy E. and Lori Riddell, and she was legal guardian of Travis Tulloch. She will be remembered by her grandchildren, Alexis Riddell, Caitlin Riddell, Madison Riddell, Noah Walker, Giovanni Luciano Calicchia, and remembering her grandson Nicholas Antonio Talerico who passed away on May 28, 2019 and will never be forgotten; great-grandchildren, Gianni Talerico, and Vincent Antonio Talerico; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce and Ralph Carman, and Justine and Luis Ramos; brother, John H. Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. She was predeceased by her sisters, Janet L. Johnson, Judith Johnson, and Jeanne A. Rosado; her brother-in-law, Luis A. Rolon, Sr.; and her nephew, Luis A. Rolon, Jr. The family will honor and commemorate Joan’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joan’s Celebration of Life and Graveside Service which will be held on Monday morning, August 2, 2021 at 10:00 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro.

Mrs. Joan L. (Johnson) Payne

November 17, 1942 - July 22, 2021