Viddy Payne

Vigdis “Viddy” Payne (Stefansdóttir), age 84, of Sunrise, Florida, died peacefully on November 8, 2025. Born on December 30, 1940, in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, to Stefán Þórhallur Stefánsson and Guðlaug Gísladóttir, Viddy grew up surrounded by music, laughter, and the natural beauty of Iceland. She was one of four siblings and she cherished her close-knit Icelandic family.

As a young woman, Viddy worked in a fish factory before studying cosmetology and becoming a hairdresser—a profession that became her lifelong passion. She later owned her own salons in both Georgia and Florida, including her first, proudly named “Saga One,” a nod to the Icelandic sagas she loved. Her warmth, humor, and impeccable style made every client feel special. She loved making people feel beautiful inside and out and often competed in hairdressing competitions, frequently taking home the top prize.

On March 2, 1963, Viddy married Hugh Ellsworth Brodie in Keflavík, Iceland. Their son Steven Þór Brodie was born there in 1965. At the age of 25, shortly after his birth, she began a life of adventure abroad—living first in Bermuda for three years, then in Madrid, Spain for three years, where her daughter María Elizabeth González (Brodie) was born, before finally settling in the United States. Viddy lived in Georgia and Florida, where her son Erik Óðin Brodie was born. She ultimately became a proud U.S. citizen but never forgot her Icelandic roots, which she lovingly passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Viddy was married five times and was widowed at the time of her passing. She is survived by her three children—Steven Þór Brodie, María Elizabeth González (Brodie), and Erik Óðin Brodie; her grandchildren Michael Benjamin González, Alex González, Ian Brodie, James Brodie, and Ava Brodie; and her siblings Skafti Stefánsson, Ásdís Stefánsdóttir, and Torfhildur Stefánsdóttir. She was preceded in death by her sister Ása Gíslína Stefánsdóttir, and former husbands Gary Payne, Joseph Ponce, and Rick Hall.

Viddy was known for her vivacious spirit, quick wit, and confident charm. She loved to host large family gatherings, especially during the holidays, filling her home with laughter, music, and home-cooked meals. She never forgot a birthday and always made sure her family felt deeply loved. She adored animals, always keeping dogs and cats as companions, and in her quieter moments enjoyed crocheting, redecorating her home, and reading romance novels.

Even in her later years, Viddy’s spark never dimmed. She was a spirited advocate for her fellow residents at her nursing home and was also famously known for being “caught” sneaking back in after hours with a mischievous grin. Her independence, humor, and sense of adventure remained with her to the end.

A service celebrating Viddy’s life will be held on November 20, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Babione Funeral Home in Boca Raton, Florida, with a reception immediately following at the same location. Guests are invited to write a note in her memory. Livestream details will be shared once available.

Her laughter, strength, and sparkle will stay with all who knew her.

“Þar sem þín er minnst er þú enn með oss.”

“Where you are remembered, you are still with us.” — Traditional Icelandic blessing