Margaret (Peggy) Byrne (nee Welsh) passed on July 13, 2024 the way she entered Sept. 22, 1933, surrounded by the love of family.
Margaret Byrne, 90, passed away July 13. Her funeral will be on July 19, with a reception to follow.
Born to Josephine and John Welsh in Hoboken, NJ she grew up in a close-knit Catholic family; taking to heart the principles of compassion, kindness, and unwavering faith in God that guided her throughout her life.
A College of Saint Elizabeth graduate, Peggy worked at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey for a few years before marrying Thomas E. Byrne Jr. Their 60-year union included establishing homes in New Jersey; Pittsford, New York; and New Canaan. They were blessed with children: Thomas (Arden), Edward, John and Maureen.
She was an active homemaker — sewing clothes, costumes, and home furnishings; knitting afghans, hats and mittens; creating signature culinary delights: “Big Pot” soup, homemade applesauce, and what became affectionately known as Mimi’s mac & cheese by her grandchildren.
She delved into being a den mother, Girl Scout leader, softball coach, BASH coordinator as well as a volunteer in parish activities at St Louis (Pittsford), McQuaid Jesuit High School, (in Rochester, New York) St. Thomas More Church in Darien and St Aloysius Church in New Canaan.
Her interest in Catholicism and faith deepened with her roles in the Mass as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and lector; additionally, instructing and leading the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
Peggy enjoyed bridge, travel, hosting family gatherings, gardening/landscaping (Oh, those rocks in the Connecticut soil!), and golfing (especially when she could best her children).
She delighted in her role as Mimi, grandmother to Ella, Brigit, Corinne, Patrick, and Liam by sharing her interests with them and being a supporter of their education and activities.
Peggy is survived by her sister, Maureen Welsh, a sister in the Society of the Holy Child Jesus; as well as her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all of whom she cared for deeply.
With gratitude, Peggy acknowledged the blessings of faithful friends, family, and experiences that enriched her life over the decades. She was at peace and left a legacy of faith, hope and love. We will miss her.
A memorial Mass will be at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan at 10 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Society of the Holy Child Jesus, 1341 Montgomery Ave, Rosemont, PA 19010 or Thomas More Center, 27781 Leef Rd, Webster, WI 54893.
— an obituary from Lawrence Funeral Home, where online condolences may be left