Margaret Mary Payne

Margaret Mary Payne, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away Wednesday September the 28th. She was a woman of strength and grace who will be missed by her family, friends, and community. She touched the lives of all who knew her and embodied the ideals of her faith.

Peggy was born to Irish immigrant parents, Michael and Margaret Cahill on September 29, 1926 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Since her father died when Peggy was only two weeks old, she and her older brother Jack were raised solely by their mother. During summers, Peggy and Jack enjoyed playing at Rockaway Beach while their mother ran a restaurant and boarding house. Peggy graduated as valedictorian from Julia Richman High School in New York City. After completing a business course, Peggy began work as a secretary and continued in office work as her career. Peggy met Len Schulwitz, her first husband, at a roller skating rink. They married in 1947 and moved to California in 1952 to raise their family.

Peggy will be remembered for her kind, quiet nature. She loved reading books and romance novels, often at a rate of one a day. Her book collection was quite impressive. Peggy enjoyed solving crossword puzzles daily; they were her forte.

Peggy showed tremendous love for her family—nothing was more important to her. She welcomed everyone with open arms. Peggy was passionate in her faith and in her pursuit of life-long learning—exploring oil painting, piano and computers after she retired. Generous toward her community, Peggy volunteered at the San Pedro Chamber Auxiliary and was Past Chair of the San Pedro Emblem Club.

When Peggy was but a wee five-year old, she visited Ireland with her mother and brother. She returned to Ireland with her son Len in 2001 to visit the local schoolhouse she attended and the County Sligo farms of her ancestors. Peggy delighted in her yearly trips to Las Vegas with her daughter Barbara and step-daughter Terry. Spending Sunday mornings over a cup of coffee with her son Richard was a cherished, long-standing tradition.

Peggy leaves behind her three loving children, Barbara Bohl of Torrance, Len Schulwitz, Sr. of Portland, Oregon, and Richard Schulwitz of San Pedro; two step-daughters, Terry Watson and Leslie Berg; eight grandchildren, Michelle Green, Len Schulwitz, Jr., Ashleigh Young, Matthew Schulwitz, Christopher Schulwitz, Brad Berg, David Hite, and Lisa Hite. Peggy married Ken Payne, her husband of nearly 30 years in 1969. He preceded her in death. Peggy and Ken enjoyed traveling, painting, and collecting art.

Today we honor Peggy and celebrate her life that so richly blessed us. We will always remember her sparkling eyes and smiling face.


To My Other Mother, Peggy

Don't be sad on this day
That you don't see my face
Please know I am in
A much better place

My life wasn't perfect
There was sorrow and pain
But remember the good times
Please let these remain

Remember my laughter
And remember my smile
And remember we're parted
But for a brief while

God blessed me in life
With His greatest of gifts
He gave me a heart
To see love such as His

In all things give thanks
From the largest to small
I had no fear of death
And at last He did call

So rejoice on this day
That my life was complete
To my loved ones and friends
Till again we do meet

Terry Watson, 9/27/2011




Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275