Colleen A. Payne

GROTON - Colleen A. (Duggan) Payne passed away on Thursday April 7, 2016 surrounded by her loving family after a 10-month battle with cancer. She was 54 and, for nearly 25 years, the beloved wife of David J. Payne. Born on April 19, 1961 in Lowell and raised in the Graniteville section of Westford, MA, Colleen was a daughter of the late James and Florence (Labbe) Duggan. Educated in the Westford public schools, she was a 1979 graduate of Westford Academy. Prior to her illness, she was a special education student bus driver with the Town of Westford School System and, for several years, a pre-school teacher and parent volunteer at the Westford Pre-School. Among her many interests, Colleen enjoyed crafts, music, gardening and her pets. Above all, she loved gatherings with her family on holidays, birthdays, game night, and other special occasions.She will be remembered not only for her great sense of humor, infectious laugh, andbeautiful smile, but also for being a genuine friend to others. She had a gift for making people feel valued. Besides her husband, David,she is survived by her three daughters: Tara Rose Payne of Westford, Courtney Allison Payne and Justine Olivia Payne, both of Groton;her siblings, Donna Gleason and her husband, Mike of Alfred, ME; Jim Duggan and his wife, Cheryl of Lunenburg, MA; and Mark Duggan of Manchester, NH. In addition, several aunts, many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends survive her. She was the sister of the late William "Billy" Duggan who passed away in 2009. ARRANGEMENTS - At her request, there will be no visiting hours and a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday May 22, from 1-6 PM, at the Franco-American Club, 55 W. Prescott St., Westford, MA 01886. For those who wish, please make a donation in Colleen’s honor to the Cancer Center at Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854 or online at http://www.lowellgeneral.org/donate. Arrangements are in thecare of theJ. A. HEALY SONS FUNERAL HOME, 57 N. Main St., WESTFORD. To share your thoughts and memories of Colleen, pleaseclick the sign guestbook link.