Obituary of Mary Joan Byrne

Mary Joan Byrne passed away at home under the care of Hospice on July 30, 2019. Born on March 12, 1924 in Lockport, she was the daughter of Walter F. and Blanche I. (White) Byrne.  

Joan was a 1942 graduate of Lockport High School and earned a Bachelors degree in English from D’Youville College in 1950. She served in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946 being awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the American Theatre Medal. Joan worked at Harrison Radiator Division of GM for 37 years where she was an executive secretary retiring in 1987.

She was an active member of All Saints Parish (St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church) where she belonged to the Altar Guild, the choir and the Altar and Rosary Society. In addition, for many years she participated in various bowling and golf leagues.  Upon retirement, Joan volunteered at Odd Fellows & Rebekah Health Care Facility being awarded the “Volunteer of the Year” in 1995. She also assisted with her class reunions and especially enjoyed traveling with her family.

Joan was predeceased by her siblings J. Thomas Byrne, T. Anne O’Byrne, and her niece Kathleen Byrne Gramet.  She is survived by her nieces and nephews:  Patricia (Lawrence) Pereira, Molly O’Byrne, Shawna Byrne, Michaeleen (Steve) Triantafillou, Paul O’Byrne, Kevin Byrne, Kerry (Dan) Bremer, Matthew (Phyllis) O’Byrne, Megan (Bryan) Kennedy, John (Sandy) Byrne and Joanie (Cary) Frieden.  In addition, she has thirty-eight great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call Monday, August 5th from 3-7PM at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, August 6th at 10AM at All Saints Parish, 76 Church St., Lockport. Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Niagara Hospice or to Meals-On-Wheels would be appreciated. Visit pruddenandkandt.com