Marie McKown Payes

Marie McKown Payes passed away peacefully September 5, 2024 at her home in Barrington surrounded by family and friends. She was born May 8,1938 in Chicago to Arthur and Alberta McKown. Marie is survived by her children, Pamela Payes Chandor and Todd Payes; and her grandchildren, Stebbins Chandor III, Brooke Chandor, and McKenna, Greyson, Kreitler, and Sutter Payes. She was preceded in death by her son, William “Jay” Payes IV; parents; and brothers, Arthur Jr, Duncan, and James McKown.  

After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1959 with her bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Marie prioritized raising her three children before returning to school, earning her Master of Social Work from Concordia University in 1984. She spent most of her adult life in service to older adults, a calling prompted by her own mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her career at the Lutheran Home culminated as Administrator and Vice President of Residential Services. Marie played an integral role in creating one of the first Assisted Living communities in the Northwest Suburbs, and she was a leading advocate in research and counseling for Alzheimer's patients and families. After retirement, Marie joined Lutheran Church Charities in Ministry Development where she was instrumental in launching several impactful programs including the Comfort Dog Ministry, Ministry for the Deaf, K-9 Comfort Dogs, and many others in service to the community. It was her remarkable creativity, inspiring passion, and steadfast compassion that were the hallmarks of her life-long work.

Marie led a full life, loved many, and was loved by many.  

Visitation will be 9:30 am until the service at 11:30 am Friday, September 20 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main St. (Lake Cook Road), Barrington. Burial will be held privately.

 Memorials in Marie’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org