Dr. Patricia Ann Payne, DVM, of Anchorage, AK died after a 13 year battle against cancer on July 12, 2012. She is survived by her mother, Alida Frances Payne and her brother, Richard Allwyn Payne, both living in Pike Road, Alabama. Her father, Horace Allwyn Payne, preceded her dying of cancer on April 3, 2011.

Patty was born in Bethesda, MD on December 6, 1964 but did not remain in Maryland for long. She moved to Texas in 1965 when her dad retired from the Navy and settled in Spring, Texas. Patty grew up there, graduating from Woodland High School located in The Woodlands, Texas and then attended Texas A&M University starting in 1983. After a couple of false starts in computer science, accounting and business, she finally followed her heart and became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduating and getting her license in 1991. She initially practiced at various clinics in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Patty was invited to Alaska in 1997 by her friend and fellow vet Dr. Lea McWilliams of the Alaska Veterinary Clinic. She fell in love with the state and after a few more visits Patty and Lea struck a deal. Patty arrived in Anchorage on May 10, 2006 and started working for Lea the next week. She quickly settled into the routine of being "Dr. Patty" to many new furry friends and in the process met many wonderful people. During her short six years in Alaska she explored Homer, her favorite place to visit, took up painting, ceramics, photography, fiddle playing, quilting - just to name a few.

Patty loved life and fought her cancer to the end. Her family would like to thank all those who did so much for her when she needed help while we were so far away.

In place of a memorial service her family and friends are celebrating her life with "Patty Payne's Memorial Celebration Picnic" on Saturday, August 25, 1:30-3:30 p.m., at the Alaska Zoo, Gateway Event Hall, 4731 O'Malley Road. Potluck dish and stories are welcome.

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/adn/obituary.aspx?n=patricia-payne&pid=159383484