Oct. 29, 1911 – Jan. 28, 2014

Merah Payne Carvelo passed away peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 28, 2014. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry James Smith and Laurie Albon Smith, her husbands Carl V. Payne Sr. and William Carvelo, brother Harry William Smith, step-son Carl Vance Payne Jr., and niece Dale Smith Christensen (Steve). She was the devoted mother of Suzanne Merah Payne Mathieson (Jack), the cherished grandmother of John Carl (J.C.) Mathieson (Jill), Julie Corrine Mathieson Bauer. Step grandmother to Gretchen Lynn Payne Nees, Stacy Payne, and Jeff Minzer. She was a great-grandmother to Ava Michele, Jack Raymond and Connor John Mathieson. She was the loving sister-in law to Elinor (Dede) Smith.

She was a loving aunt to Keith (Anne), Barry (Julie), and Garth (Robin) Smith, a great aunt to their children and grandchildren. Merah was a native of San Francisco, attended schools in San Mateo and graduated from San Mateo High School. She loved sports, sewing and knitting. She participated in tennis, golf and swimming all her life. She worked as a bookkeeper for Victor Equipment Company of San Francisco until the birth of her daughter. She remained a stay-at-home mom and participated in Children’s Home Society, Robin Hood and Alameda PTA’s. She returned to work and was a school secretary in the Oakland Unified School District working at Franklin, Garfield and Toler Heights Elementary schools.

After retiring from the Oakland Public Schools she enjoyed playing golf and doing water aerobics with the Alameda Wets into her mid-90s. Merah will be remembered most for her love of sports, positive attitude, sense of humor, great physical strength, creative talents and her love for family. She lived a long, healthy and happy life and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Charitable donations can be made to East Bay Division Scholarship Foundation, Inc. c/o Jim McVay, 260 Willamette Ave., Kensington, CA 94706, Alameda Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 2534, Alameda, CA 94501, or the charity of your choice.