Michelle Theresa Payne

Michelle Theresa Payne became one with the Force on June 25, 2023. Although she fought courageously to live, she was worn down and eventually bested by the villain we know as cancer. She was unfairly taken far too soon. And, while she would have preferred to stay, she left with no fear of what lay beyond, only a regret that she would miss out on the memories still unmade.

Michelle was born to Pamela Payne and Richard Payne on August 10, 1981 in Orange, California. She was born two and a half months premature, and five minutes ahead of her fraternal twin, Nicole. And both were safeguarded by their fiercely protective older brother, Brian.

When their mother succumbed to a cancer of her own, Michelle was just six years old. Her aunts, Sharon Waters and Susan Waters, stepped up to assist with the children. Losing her mother at such a young age imbued Michelle with a deep understanding of the fragility of life. It became important to her to relish her own relationships, and to show her friends and family their importance, which she did loudly and often.

Her stepmother Nancy Payne came into her life and made her feel loved and raised as if she was her own daughter. Sadly, she passed away the week before Michelle’s final moment.

Michelle also adapted a somewhat fearless independence. She was unafraid to try new things, to seek out new friends, and to climb upward, both in work and in life. And once she deemed someone worthy, her friendship was loyal and true.

Michelle had her own inimitable flair, and she stood out in most crowds. Perhaps one might notice her style first: a little bit gothic Harry Potter, a little bit rock and roll. Or perhaps it would be her striking blue eyes that drew someone’s attention, vivid against black eyeliner. Or maybe her dyed hair, usually red or pink or streaky blonde. Or the well placed and carefully chosen tattoos; whether Jack Skellington, or the matching tattoo she got with her dear friend Omar, or the flower in the memory of her mother. Or her infectious and mischievous smile, one that lit up any room. Or the way she pouted when she wasn’t getting her way. Or perhaps someone would hear her infectious laugh before they’d even see her at all.

She could be soft spoken, almost shy in spite of her colorful appearance, and when she spoke, her words were carefully chosen. And when she listened, she was present in the moment, and really engaged. She was welcoming of others, and nonjudgmental. She valued character. And she was good at picking the people she wanted in her life. She was adventurous. Honest. And she had a delicious sense of humor.

Michelle loved hugs. She also loved Halloween, horror nights at amusement parks, dancing at nightclubs, and concerts. She enjoyed losing herself in her favorite music, such as Oingo Boingo, IAMX, and theStart, just to name a few. Some of her best days were spent eating Mickey Waffles at Disneyland or drinking a Butterbeer at Universal Studios, on even cuddling up on the couch and watching Harry Potter, Star Wars, Disney, or The Nightmare Before Christmas. She appreciated collectibles and building LEGO. She relished swimming and being around water. She adored bats and hippos and axolotls and dragons. And she loved her pet companions, especially her dream pug, Lillian.

She also adored being a sister, an aunt, and the best friend she could be.

The list of those who considered Michelle their very good friend is far too long for this short write up. But all those who knew and loved her would attest that she was fun, and kind, and loving. And that she invested her whole heart in everything she did. In her interests, and her pets, and her family, and the ones she loved.

And she loved hard.

Michelle leaves behind her immediate family: her father, Richard Payne; her sister, Nicole Cacek; her brother, Brian Payne; her aunts, Sharon Waters, Susan Waters, and Toni Payne; and her uncles, Mitch Waters and Gary Payne. Michelle relished her role as an Aunty; she leaves behind Hunter Payne, Colton Cacek, Liam Cacek, Tomas and Brittany Perez, Gabrielle Ramos, and Samantha Ramos. She also will be fondly remembered by her loving sister-in-law Jeannette Payne, her brother-in-law Chris Cacek, and her step siblings Dave and Emily Costello. She also leaves her beloved pets, Penny, Bellatrix, and Lillian, in the capable care of others.

No flowers please.

If you’d like to make a contribution in Michelle’s name, you can contribute American Cancer Society or MD Anderson Cancer Center, but perhaps the best thing you can do to honor her memory is to make new memories of your own. She would want that. Call someone you haven’t talked to. Take the trip you want to take. Surround yourself with authentic, supporting people and laugh and smile and love, and do it hard, just as she would have. Take pictures. Put them up.

And remember her, as well, and share those memories of her often. Remember her genuine care for others. Remember her deep friendship. Remember her smile. Remember her bravery. Remember her magic. Because that’s where she lives now and forever. In all the fantastic memories we have of her and her wonderful self and her beautiful life that ended far too soon.

Details about her celebration of life will be forthcoming.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Payne family.