Obituary of Janet Empie-Payne

JANET EMPIE-PAYNE Latham- Janet May Lewis Empie-Payne, 86, peacefully passed away in her Latham home, surrounded by family on March 8, 2016. Born in Schenectady on October 18, 1929, Janet was the daughter of the late Frank and Lydia (Roeck) Lewis. She was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and attended the New York State College for Teachers (Albany) with an interest in science. She was employed by Knolls Atomic Power Lab, and later assisted her first husband, Bob, in running Empie Mfg. She volunteered at the Regional Food Bank, the pre-school program at Sunnyside Ctr., and the Schenectady City Mission. Janet was a mentor for Kid's Hope, and a performer and supporter of Schenectady Light Opera. Music was Janet's enduring passion. She was an accomplished pianist, taught by her sister, the late Helen (Lewis) Korn. Janet also had a beautiful singing voice and was the Choir Director for Lisha's Kill Reformed Church for over 3 decades. As a lifelong member of LKRC, she also served as Elder, Deacon and on countless committees. Janet also played on the church softball team. Janet was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed skiing, golfing, boating, waterskiing, and loved SilverSneakers classes. She was a joy-filled Christian woman, a true friend to many, who remained curiously fascinated by the world and everything in it, and loved travel as a way to explore it. She is survived by her loving children: Karen Empie of Delmar, Kristen Empie of Fairfield, CT., Andrew Empie of Niskayuna, Robert (Laura) Empie of Delmar, Nancy Payne of Berne, and Linda (Wes) Schrom of Raleigh, NC, and her grandchildren: Michael Empie, Robert Empie, Jeffrey Empie, Megan Empie, Jack Empie and Stacey Schrom. Janet was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Arthur Empie, in 1973 and her second husband, Jack R. Payne, in 2008. She was also predeceased by her siblings Helen (Rudi) Korn, Elizabeth (Walter) Rainville, Norman (Marion) Lewis, Richard (Grace) Lewis, Russell (Lorraine) Lewis. Visitation will be on March 11, 2016 from 4:00– 7:00 pm at Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. Funeral services will be held on March 12, 2016 at 9:30 am at Lisha's Kill Reformed Church, 2131 Central Ave, Schenectady with Pastor Lisa Vander Wal officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens, Albany. Memorial donations may be made to: Lisha's Kill Church, 2131 Central Ave, Schenectady, NY 12304, or City Mission of Schd'y, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, NY 12305, or Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Community Hospice staff. For directions, information, to light a memory candle or order flowers for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.