Jonie Paye

October 19, 1946
-
April 26, 2023

Jonie Paye, of Oneida Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 26, 2023, at the age of 76.

Jonie was born on October 19, 1946, in Madison, WI to Doris (Weittenhiller) and Arthur J. O’Neill.  Jonie grew up in Platteville, WI where her parents owned O’Neill Shoe’s and graduated from Platteville High School.  Jonie attended the University of Wisconsin Madison where she graduated earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech therapy.  She worked for a short time as a speech therapist for the State of Wisconsin before staying home to raise her daughter Jennifer.

Jonie married the love of her life, Dr. Lyle Paye on August 18, 1979, at their home in Sobieski, WI.   Lyle and Jonie traveled the world together and shared many adventures.   Jonie spent most of her working career, 26 years, at WBAY Television as National Sale Manager.

Jonie was incredibly passionate on serving her community and was an advocate for expanding opportunities for women and children. Jonie served on numerous boards including the Women’s Fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation from 2006-2012, Encompass Child Care where she was President of the foundation Board 2019-2020 and served as Director of the Green Bay Botanical Gardens for 9 years.  Jonie was an intentional friend and a woman of action.   Her family, faith, and friendships were the cornerstones of her life.  Jonie looked for moments of joy each and every day and loved to cook for her friends and family, work in her garden, cheer on her grandsons in all their endeavors, and most importantly inspire others with her kindness.

Jonie is survived by her husband, Lyle Paye; daughter, Jennifer and son-in-law, Matt Cambio (La Crosse, Wi); and her three grandsons, Joseph, Nicholas, and William Cambio.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Doris O’Neill.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 140 S. Monroe Ave., from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.  Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church with Rev. Brian Belongia officiating.  Burial will take place in the Allouez Catholic Cemetery.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.

In leu of flowers Memorials may be made in Jonie’s name to Women’s Fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Encompass Child Care, or Green Bay Botanical Gardens.

Visitation
May 4, 2023
9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral [map]
Funeral Mass
May 4, 2023
11:00 a.m.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral [map]

Alex Bahrke is serving the family.