Joan Byrne

Beloved wife of Desmond Byrne, was born in Ottawa December 3, 1929 to Ernie and Genevieve Lynch. Joan was the second oldest amongst 6 kids - 5 sisters and a brother, Bernie (the late Maureen) who is the youngest. When their father passed away at an early age, Joan stepped up to help with household duties and family responsibilities. Her sisters are the late Kay (the late Jim Bonner), the late Ginty (the late Jim Arden), Ruth (George Tompkins) and Anne (Paul Pinnington). Joan worked until the big 24th day in September of 1960 when she and Des were married at St Pat’s in Ottawa. The kids came in the 1960’s, in order Phil (Ruth), Pat (Julie), Kevin (Karen) and Kate (Ron). The grandkids (7 in total) started appearing in 1989 – Jake, Allie, Scott, Ryan, Amanda, Claire and John. Mom and Dad provided an amazing environment for us and grandkids to grow, learn and explore life in our own ways. Up until just a few months ago, Mom would always have a meal ready, sometimes at ridiculous hours of the night, for any kid or grandchild or even an acquaintance who happened to come by. Mom was strong, smart, read voraciously and never needed to impose her opinion on the many other loud personalities of the house or larger family. We will miss Mom (of course!) but take consolation in the fact we had a chance to say goodbye and thank her for being there for us all of these years. Mom passed away peacefully May 18, 2016 holding Dad’s hand. The family will receive friends at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road,(at Albion Road) on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Basilica (220 Kent at Nepean St.) on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Special thanks to the staff at Colonel By, who made her final weeks comfortable and happy.