Diane Marjorie Payne

Diane Marjorie Payne age 87, of Libertyville, Illinois, passed away on October 18th, 2025. Diane was born on September 18th, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, the union of the late Clarence and Virginia Payne. She graduated from Niles Township Community High School in 1956, then attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with honors in 1960. Diane worked as a teacher in the Denver Public Schools following graduation and, after moving to Chicago, taught in the North Shore. She taught at Christian Heritage Academy from 1986 to 2000. She was the first teacher to retire from CHA, having served for 14 years.  

Diane is survived by her children, Lisa Heswall (Deane), Monty Payne (Kristen), and her grandchildren, Melissa, Morgan, Matthew, Anika, Tegan, Kaylee, and Jack. A brother the late Richard (Barbara) Payne as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  

Diane had a great love of the outdoors, including scuba diving, waterskiing, snow skiing, and swimming. She often said she was “born with chalk dust in her veins,” alluding to her lifelong devotion and love of teaching. Diane loved her family, the precious dogs she welcomed into her home over the years, and, above all else, the Lord. 

A memorial services will be held on Friday, November 14th, 2025, at 11:00 am at Christ Church Lake Forest, 100 N Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Diane’s name to North Star Classical Christian School and ASPCA. 

https://www.nsclassical.com/ 

https://www.aspca.org/

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