Obituary of Natalie Payne

Waterbury - Natalie J. Payne, 91, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Masonicare Health Center in Wallingford surrounded by family and friends.  She was the wife of the late Stanley R. Payne who passed away in 2013.

Mrs. Payne was born February 4, 1926 in Waterbury, the daughter of the late Arthur and Natalie (Smith) James. After graduating from Crosby High School in 1943, she went on to attend the prestigious Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City where she followed her dream of fashion art and design. Her talent in design and tailoring was reflected in the timeless styles of dresses and suits she made for herself.  She worked for decades in retail advertising and was a successful freelance commercial artist, yet the creations she left as her legacy were her stunning oil and watercolor paintings, as Natalie had a natural gift for turning the simplest objects into a work of art with just the stroke of a brush.  

Mrs. Payne was also very active in Waterbury politics and served for several years as an Alderman for the City of Waterbury.  Through the years she also  worked on many executive committees and served as a board member for the Waterbury Hospital and the YWCA.  Her dedication to public service was an important part of her life, as was her deep devotion to her husband and her family. 
She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Wendi Nelson of Southington, Steven Heitner of Middletown, Susan Frois of Wolcott, James Gaunt of Iowa, Sally Dasovich of Oklahoma, Mark Whitney of Arizona, Gary Payne of Hamden, Randy Hietner of Texas, and Glen Whitney of Florida along with several great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters Iola Gaunt and Susanne Heitner.

Arrangements- Funeral services will be held on Saturday October 28, 2017 with a period of visitation beginning at 8:30 am at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Waterbury 496 Chase Ave. and proceeding to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 16 Church St. in Waterbury for a funeral service at 10 am.  Burial will follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery.