Elvira Ann "Vera" Payette

a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family. Vera was born on December 11, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island.

She completed her education at Mount Pleasant High School. She was actively involved in planning reunions, showcasing her dedication to maintaining cherished connections with her classmates.

Vera was married to the late Donald E. Payette, with whom she shared a life filled with love and adventure. Together, they created lasting memories while traveling and enjoying beach vacations, a favorite pastime of hers. Vera was also a longtime member of the Bonnet Shores Beach Club, where her love for the beach flourished.

Vera was the only woman in a house full of boys, and she ruled it with warmth, patience, and the unmistakable delicious smells of home cooking drifting through every room on Sunday mornings. That smell meant one thing: gravy was simmering, and soon the whole family would be gathered around the table. Cooking wasn’t just something Vera did it was how she loved. Every stir of the pot was a promise of comfort, every meal a way of holding her family together.

She was a stay-at-home mother who devoted her life to her three sons and her loving husband. Their home was busy, loud, and often chaotic, but it was always safe. Whether she was sewing torn clothes, packing lunches, or calming fears, Vera was always there, steady and strong.

Raising three boys meant scraped knees, broken bones, and more than a few frantic trips to the emergency room. Vera became all too familiar with hospital hallways, but she never complained. She held hands, whispered reassurance, and stayed strong even when she was scared. To her, being a mother meant showing up every time.

Before the phrase even existed, Vera was a soccer mom. She stood on sidelines in all kinds of weather, cheering, clapping, and calling out encouragement. Her boys always knew where to look when they needed confidence she was right there, beaming with pride.

But Vera wasn’t just a mother; she was an adventurer. She soared above the Napa Valley in hot air balloons, gazing down at vineyards and rolling hills, proving that curiosity and wonder never fade with age.

She was also incredibly tough. Even when her knee desperately needed replacement, she hiked mountains in the Sierra Nevada with her sons, refusing to let pain stop her from sharing life with them. Every step was an act of love and determination.

And when that knee was finally replaced, Vera didn’t slow down. At 80 years old, just six months after surgery, she was back on the tennis court, swinging her racket with the same spirit she’d always had—strong, fearless, and full of life.

Vera lived the way she loved: fully, fiercely, and always for her family. Her story isn’t just one of motherhood or strength—it’s one of devotion, courage, and a heart that never stopped giving.

Vera is survived by her three devoted sons, Donald Payette (Barbara), David Payette (Jennifer), and Douglas Payette (Skye). She was a proud grandmother to her grandchildren, Danika, Derik, Austin, and Jackson, who will remember her warmth and kindness fondly.

She also leaves behind her siblings, brother Robert Tutalo and sister Donna Tutalo. Vera was the daughter of the late Joseph and Maria Theresa (Minicucci) Tutalo; and sister of the late John Tutalo, Joseph Tutalo and Norma D'Amico.

Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories of Vera's vibrant spirit and the love she shared with all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but warmly remembered.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11am in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston. Entombment in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Home, 1 St. Elizabeth Way, East Greenwich, RI 02818.