Marie Josèe Payne

1957 - 2018

Marie Josee Payne, age 61, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Palmer, Alaska, on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.
Born on April 2, 1957, in Luxemburg City, Luxemburg, Marie came to America with her mother and stepfather on the ship SS United States in 1962.
Marie came to Alaska from Tampa, Fla., in 1977. In addition to living for many years in Palmer, Marie also lived in Bethel and Anchorage, Alaska.
Marie had not worked for the past several years, while battling severe Spondyloarthritis. Prior to that, she had worked as a nurse at the Palmer Pioneer Home from 1997-2006; Hope Cottage 1989-1996; Triple R Nursing 1984-1989; and Nakoyia Health Care Center 1978-1994. She was in UAA Matanuska RN Program in 2006 at the top of her class, but due to health she had to stop. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse since 1978, and also held a bookkeeping degree.
Marie had an insatiable love of learning. She was always researching, asking questions and learning something new. She loved gardening, the outdoors and the Alaska subsistence lifestyle, watching and feeding the many birds that came to her home overlooking the spring creek wetlands, loved her dogs, enjoyed art therapy coloring books, scuba diving and swimming.
Marie's husband, Dan, writes: "Marie was a loving wife and best friend. She had a heart of gold, bigger than the universe. Marie was a compassionate person who would help anyone in need. As a nurse, she gave the best personal care anyone could receive. She was a witty conversationalist and well-loved."
Marie is survived by her husband, Daniel Payne of Palmer; her mother and stepfather, Kathy and Joe Garcia of New Mexico; her dogs, Lady and Moose; and many extended family and friends in Alaska, Florida, New Mexico and Arizona.
Marie's ashes will be scattered by drone over the beautiful property that she loved. No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Spondylitis Association of America, https://www.spondylitis.org/Ways-to-Give; the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, https://nafcclinics.networkforgood.com/projects/44399-nafc-donation-page; the Wildlife Conservation Network. https://donate.wildnet.org/; or to the favorite charity of your choice. Marie Josee was known on many occasions to purchase groceries at the market for people in need.