Virginia J. Byrne, 93

Virginia J. Byrne of Parkville, Maryland, died on April 16, 2016, surrounded by her family. She was 93.
Born at home on Nov. 1, 1922, in Dracut, Mass., and raised in Lowell, she was the second of six children of John and Alice (McDonald) Patrick.
Virginia worked in Boston during WWII where she met Thomas Byrne. They married and, after the war, moved to Baltimore, later settling in Parkville, where they raised six children together. Although she left Massachusetts to reside close to her husband’s family, she always considered herself a New Englander.
Virginia was a loving gardener, an accomplished artist, dedicated volunteer, and a fan of the Orioles. A life-long learner and avid reader, she enjoyed biographies and reading the Baltimore Sun. She was a member of St. Ursula Church for 66 years. A woman of unwavering faith, especially in the 1977 death of her husband and through several serious illnesses, she lived an adventurous life full of love for her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children at their homes across the country.
She is survived by her children Tom (Donna Rock) Byrne, Michael Byrne, Jack (Pam) Byrne, Kathy (Bill) Lucas, Kevin (Darlene Howell) Byrne and Kristen (Eric) Byers; grandchildren Christopher (Julia Ko) Rock, Christina (Robb) Breeden, Jonathan Byrne, Megan Byrne, Ben (Nikki) Lucas, Jenny Lucas, Kevin (Lori) Byrne, Steven Byrne, Patrick (Sarah Kalogeros) Byers and Jack Byers; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters Arlene (Daniel) Aunchman and Dorothy Webster; brother Gerald (Jean) Patrick; sister in law Doris Gross and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by brothers John and Leo Patrick.
Her family is forever grateful for the love given to her in the last 19 years by her caregivers and friends at Oak Crest.
At Virginia’s request, and in keeping with her generous spirit, her body will be donated for medical research and the advancement of science. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, at Oak Crest Village Chapel, 8820 Walther Blvd., Parkville. Memorial donations may be made to St. Ursula School, 8900 Harford Road, Parkville, Maryland 21234.