BYRNE, MARIE

Passed away on December 6, 2016 at Curtis Memorial Hospital at the age of 93 years. It is with great sadness that the family of Marie Byrne announces her passing. Marie was born to Michael and Rose Flynn on Jan 4, 1923. She grew up on the later resettled Grey Islands. She moved to St. John’s during World War 2 to work on the American Base and returned a few years later when her mother became ill to care for the family. A short while later she moved to Conche to work as a servant girl for the Fitzgerald family. There she met Leo Byrne, who she married on June 10, 1947- and settled in Conche to raise a family. Marie was a hardworking, strong, and independent woman who devoted her life to her family. Times were not always easy but she persevered. Though she worked hard, Marie always took time to enjoy life, she was a wonderful accordion player and loved to tell stories (along with her sister Nell) about life on the Grey Islands. They loved to reminisce about the good old days. Marie loved the social gatherings with family and friends in her home on the hill. Everyone was welcomed. There was lots of music, dancing, fun, and laughter. As well, she loved reading, watching hockey games, game shows on television, and playing cards with her friends. She had a great sense of humor and was “as sharp as a tack.” Her motto in life that she often repeated was: “main thing is not to worry.” Marie lived a good, healthy life until sickness struck her four years ago. She recovered from two major surgeries and spent a few more years in her own home. Sadly her health deteriorated and she moved to Roddickton House Seniors Complex in March 2016. In October she became ill and was admitted to Curtis Memorial Hospital, St. Anthony where she passed peacefully away on December 6, 2016. She leaves to mourn her Sons Roland (Maude) Flynn, Cecil (Linda) Byrne, Stephen Byrne, Ronald Byrne, Eugene Byrne, Cyril Byrne, Gerard (Ethel) Byrne; Daughters Corrine (Maxwell) Sexton, Anita Byrne Roberts, Irene (Stan) Norman; Sisters Ellen Byrne (Conche), Anita Flynn, and Eileen Lidster; 20 grandchildren, 29 greatgrandchildren, and three great-greatgrandchildren, as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was predeceased by husband Leo Byrne, parents Michael and Rose Flynn, Brothers Cyril, Ronald, and Sister Elsie Buchanan. Visitation was held at Sacred Heart Church, Conche from where the funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 9th, 2016 with Fr. Lourdhu officiating. Interment followed in the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Conche. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre’s Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Lee Nippard Funeral Director.