Katrina "Cheenie" Marie Papineau

Katrina Marie Papineau, affectionately known to all as Cheenie, passed away peacefully at the age of 50 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at her home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Cheenie was born in Sussex, England, to her loving parents, Barry and Daphne Austin. At the age of three, she moved with her family to Lakenheath village, where she grew up, attended school, and developed a deep and lifelong love of music. It was during these early years that her vibrant personality began to shine, alongside a natural talent and passion for performance.

She began her professional life in medical administration, bringing with her warmth and a natural ability to connect with people. In June 2004, she married her beloved husband, David Papineau, beginning a devoted partnership that would take them across the United States in support of David’s Air Force career. Over the years, Fort Walton Beach always remained “home,” and it was there they eventually settled following David’s retirement.

Music was always at the very heart of Cheenie’s life. A gifted musician, she played cornet in a number of respected bands across the east of England, including the Lakenheath Silver Band, Forest Heath District Band, and March Brass 2000. After moving to the United States, her musical journey continued with equal passion. She became a valued member of the Emerald Coast Community Band and was an original member of the Hashtag Swing Orchestra. Cheenie also embraced a wide range of musical styles, performing with groups such as Bella Nova, Redstone, and Sailors & Sirens, where she not only played trumpet but also regularly sang and performed percussion. Furthermore, despite the distance, she travelled back to England every year to perform Last Post and Reveille at Remembrance Day services.

Beyond her musical talents, Cheenie will be remembered most for her extraordinary spirit. She had a wicked sense of humor and a laugh that could (and did) light up any room. Her genuinely loving warmth, kindness, and ability to bring joy to those around her left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Cheenie is survived by her devoted husband, David Papineau; her loving parents, Barry and Daphne Austin; her brothers, John and Peter; and her much-loved and adored dogs, Ollie and Speedy, who were constant companions and a source of great comfort and happiness.

A funeral service and reception to celebrate Cheenie’s life will be held at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547 beginning at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026. All who knew and loved Cheenie are warmly invited to attend. In keeping with Cheenie’s vibrant personality, guests are encouraged to wear something colorful, as she would have wished.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those who have offered love, support, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.