A beautiful shinning light, JENNIFER SUZANNE PAYNE, age 44, quietly left this world on Sunday, May 25, 2014 at her mother's home near East Bay in Traverse City, Michigan. Born in Detroit, Michigan on June 11, 1969, Jenny moved to Traverse City with her family in 1973 when she was four years old. She attended St. Francis Grade School, Pathfinder School and transferred to Traverse City High School graduating with honors in 1988 and was the recipient of a scholarship to Wake Forest University. An excellent student and athlete, Jenny was a member of the Traverse City High School Track Team and set the record for the 3200 meter in 1988. She attended Wake Forest University and then moved to Los Angeles and then to Seattle where she became a massage therapist. She then studied at the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine (SIOM) where she obtained a masters degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She moved back to Traverse City in 2005 to be closer to her family and established her own business, Pathways Acupuncture.
Jennifer had great compassion and love for her family, extended family and countless friends, and acquaintances. She especially loved children and animals. She rescued her constant companion, "Pearl", a puppy she found with her dad in East Glacier National Park in 2005. An amazing friend and healer, Jenny always had time to listen with compassion, non-judgment and love. She wanted to help those in need and found her love for acupuncture and alternative medicine very fulfilling. Her inner beauty and inspiring presence touched all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Jenny was an incredible blessing and gift. She was bright, courageous, hard working and determined. She was also fun-loving and always up for an adventure. She possessed a depth and awareness that few people ever attain. The void she leaves in our lives and in our hearts can never be filled, but her beautiful smile and loving spirit, and the many wonderful memories she has given us will live forever in our hearts.
Jennifer is survived by her loving parents: Priscilla McIntyre Payne, and Jay and Holly Payne of Traverse City; her sister, Christine Payne Mattern, and children Madeline and Edward Jay Vander Velde and Lillian Mattern of Williamsburg; her brothers, Gregory J. Payne (Amy) and children, Emma and Elliot Payne of Longmont, Colorado; and Jonathan M. Payne of Cedar. She is also survived by her step-sisters, Amy Bonini (Vasco) and sons, Stewart and Simon of Florida; and Wendy Schaub (Adam) and daughter, Scarlett of Traverse City. Also surviving are her uncles and aunts Thomas G. McIntyre (Sheila) of Traverse City; William D. McIntyre (Susan) of Monroe, Michigan; and David Fix of Royal Oak. She has many wonderful and loving cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Johanne Marie Payne; her maternal grandparents, Wm. D. and Prudence McIntyre; her fraternal grandparents, Marvin Payne and Winifred Payne Kurtz; and aunts, Jan McIntyre Linsenmeyer, Sharon McIntyre Malone and Jan Payne Fix.
Friends are welcome to visit with Jennifer's family on Monday, June 9, 2014 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City. A private family service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial donations to Munson Medical Center – Center 1. Jennifer's family would like to thank all those who were such a help and support to her throughout her journey. You have given much and we are deeply grateful. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Jennifer's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.