Katherine FitzGerald Payton, known to family and friends as Katie, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born Katherine Dean FitzGerald on August 10, 1939, in Mankato, Minnesota, Katie lived a life devoted to learning, service, faith, and family. She spent part of her early adult life in California before moving to Texas in 1974.

Katie was first and foremost a Montessori teacher. She was among the pioneering educators who helped launch the pilot magnet school program in the Dallas Independent School District, beginning at Amelia Earhart Elementary Vanguard in 1976. She later taught at L.L. Hotchkiss Montessori, George Bannerman Dealey Montessori, and Harry Stone Montessori Academy. Katie inspired children through her patience, creativity, and belief in each child's potential. Following her retirement from classroom teaching, Katie continued to share her passion for Montessori education as a teacher trainer for many years, helping prepare and mentor future generations of educators.

A member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dallas, Katie's faith was an important part of her life and guided her commitment to service, education, and family.

Katie was formerly married to Tony Payton, who preceded her in death in 2002.

While her professional accomplishments were significant, Katie's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her brother, Norman Bradley "Brad" FitzGerald; her daughter, Kersti O'Farrell; her son, Peter Payton; her son in law, Joe O’Farrell; daughter-in-law, Ginger Wyatt; and her beloved grandchildren, Maggie, Bobby, Elizabeth, Rosie, and Maura O'Farrell; and Austin, Gabe, and Daniel Payton.

Later in life, Katie especially enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren, who brought her endless pride and happiness. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the performing arts and loved attending theater productions of all kinds, rarely missing a show in town and often sharing those experiences with close friends. She also had a special fondness for frogs and often reminded family and friends that FROG stood for "Fully Rely On God," a simple expression that reflected her enduring faith and optimistic spirit.

Katie will be remembered as teacher in the fullest sense of the word with an unwavering commitment to helping others learn and grow. Whether in the classroom, mentoring new teachers, participating in her church community, enjoying an evening at the theater, exploring new places, or spending time with family, she approached life with curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for every individual.

Her legacy lives on in the thousands of children whose lives she touched, the educators she mentored, and the family she loved so dearly. She will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered.

A funeral mass will be held at St Patrick Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 23. Rosary at 10: 00 AM, Funeral Mass at 10:30 and a reception to follow. Church address is 9643 Ferndale Rd, Dallas, TX 75238.