Margaret Payne

Margaret Caswell "Marge" Payne (née VanHorn), age 78, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, in Oxford, Michigan. Born on January 9, 1947, in Pontiac, Michigan, Margaret lived a life filled with music, love, and creativity that touched generations of students, friends, and family.

From an early age, Margaret's life was steeped in the arts. She began dance classes at age three, roller skating lessons at nine, and piano at eleven. By fifteen, she was already teaching piano lessons, competing in skating competitions, and performing in a folk-rock group that toured colleges across the tri-state area. Her passion for music would become the cornerstone of her life's work.

Margaret attended Oakland University off and on across three decades-the 60s, 70s, and 80s-often joking that she had been there longer than some of her professors. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Education in 1983 through Oakland University and then returned to earn her Master's degree in Music Education with a minor in Vocal Pedagogy in 1993, adding a fourth decade to her time there. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to continue taking courses at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Central Michigan University throughout the following decade.

In 1968, Margaret experienced profound loss when her first husband, Robert Caswell-NancyAnn's father-was killed in action during the Vietnam War. In response to this tragedy, she paused her education and founded the Pontiac Greater Area Gold Star Wives to support others facing similar grief. In 1973, she found love again and married George Payne. Together they built a life rooted in family and music, raising two children-NancyAnn and Matt-and eventually settling in Oxford.

Margaret's professional legacy is most deeply felt through her decades-long career as a music educator. She began by teaching grades 1-3 and 7 along with the beginning high school choir before moving on to lead the middle school and high school choirs. She also served as Theatre Director for the Performing Arts Center at Oxford High School. Her dedication to her students extended beyond the classroom; she was an active member of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA), starting as a volunteer and eventually serving as a judge for solo/ensemble and choral festivals. She especially cherished working with students in sight-reading rooms.

Margaret was honored by MSVMA as Vocal Teacher of the Year-a recognition that celebrated not only her musical expertise but also her joyful spirit and deep connection with students. In a biography she wrote for that occasion, she fondly recalled moments like being covered in whipped cream and thrown into a lake by the Varsity Choir during their annual picnic; missing a ferry to Mackinaw Island because she was busy photographing her choir; spontaneous performances from younger siblings during concerts; "C" lunch antics; marching choirs; and countless musicals. Yet what meant most to her was witnessing the moment when students realized they were creating something beautiful together-a look she described as priceless.

After retiring from teaching, Margaret explored another creative passion: watercolor painting. She lovingly hand-painted birthday and Christmas cards for friends and family and adorned both her home and northern Michigan cabin with her artwork. In recent years, she shared this hobby with her younger sister, NancySue, creating treasured memories through their time spent painting together.

Margaret's final days were marked by the same love and joy that defined her life. Just one week before her passing, former students and colleagues gathered outside her home to perform an impromptu concert of four songs-a tribute that reflected back the light she had given so freely to others throughout her life.

Margaret is survived by her devoted husband of over five decades, George Payne; her daughter NancyAnn Payne-Butkis and son-in-law Matthew Butkis; five grandchildren-Stefan, Margaret, Christian, Teddy, and Sean-and one great-granddaughter, Skylar. She was preceded in death by her first husband Robert Caswell and by her beloved son Matt, who passed away at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Margaret's legacy lives on through every note sung by those she taught and every brushstroke left behind in her paintings. Her life was a symphony of resilience, creativity, laughter, and love-a melody that will echo for years to come.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and inspiration to all who carry forward the music she so dearly loved. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 4, 2025, from 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Margaret's Home 968 Beckley Street. Margaret is being cremated and will be placed into a bio urn so that she can be placed with an oak tree near the willow tree that is her son, Matt. She has asked that this Celebration of Life be a true celebration with music, stories, and laughter! Food will be provided..come prepared with your favorite memories!