Tammie Erika Payne, 55, of East Hampton, CT, beloved wife of Franklin J. Payne for 23 years, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Hartford Hospital with her family and close friends by her side. She was born at Hartford Hospital, August 22, 1961 and raised in Meriden, CT. She was the daughter of the late Douglas O. and Marrianne H. (Mueller) Greaves and daughter in law of the late Fredrick H. “Trouble” and Margaret M. (Jones) Payne. She married the love of her life, Franklin Payne, on September 2, 1993, and together they settled in Cobalt, CT, where they lived a full, happy life together. She loved life and her smile would brighten any room. “The sun had always envied the way she would light up a room.”Besides her husband, Tammie leaves behind one very special sister and best friend, Heidi and her husband John Long of Wallingford, CT. A very special niece whom she was exceptionally close, Amy and her husband Timothy Wisniewski of Portland, CT. A brother in law, Fredrick and wife Maria Payne of New Britain, CT. Several nieces and a nephew, Marrianne Parks, Melissa Greaves, Vicky Payne, and Michael Payne.  Also, predeceased by a brother, Michael Greaves and brother in law, Stephen Payne. Tammie was a graduate of Maloney High School, class of 1979, in Meriden, CT. She was employed by Apple Rehab for 35 years as a Regional Dietary Manager Consultant. Tammie’s family would like to send a very special thanks to her best friends that stayed by her side until the end-Tricia, Kelly, Jessy, and Laura.  There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private in St. Maarteen-as this was Tammie and Frank’s favorite happy place and Tammie’s wish. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Tammie’s life, Wednesday, March 29th, 2017, 4-7pm, Violi’s Restaurant, 688 Westfield Rd., Meriden, CT 06450. Please come share your fondest memories of Tammie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Tammie Payne to: Protectors of Animals, 144 Main St, East Hartford, CT 06118-as Tammie was a lover of rescued pets, especially her rescued beagle, Tulip. Or UCSF, Institute for Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases, Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339-as Tammie battled a rare neurological disease the last 5 years. “You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she’d want: SMILE, open your eyes, LOVE and go on.” To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.

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