Obituary of Barbara Jane Byrne
BYRNE, Barbara Jane (nee: Thompson)
April 30, 1932 to January 22, 2024
Peacefully, surrounded by her daughters’ love, on January 22, 2024 in her 92nd year. Reunited with her beloved husband Robert “Bob” (2010), with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Cherished mother to her four daughters, Esther Coker (George), Martha Lawson (Doug), Angela Thoman-Koutros (Mike) and Laura Byrne. Proud Nana to her grandchildren, Grace and Sarah Coker, Kate and Daniel Lawson, James, Bradley (Jesse) and Bryan (Karen McIntyre) Thoman, Natalie (Matthew) Vriesen, Nicholas (Natalie) Koutros, and Victoria (Jordan) Bulloch. Proud great-grandmother “GG” to Madelyn, Bryson, Olivia, Norah, Charlie, Zara, Rhodes and Rowan. Loving “Big Barb” to cousins Nancy, Philip (2016) and “Little” Barb Allen. Life long family friend to John Buchan.
Born and raised in London, Mom was a graduate of Lorne Ave Public School and Sir Adam Beck Collegiate. She met and married Bob and raised her family in London while working fulltime as a dental assistant and later as a dental office manager.
Mom was a remarkable individual who was grateful for her many blessings and dedicated herself as a passionate volunteer who made a difference in her community. She embraced the ideals of the Girl Guides, fostering growth and empowerment among young girls. Her involvement with the St. Vincent de Paul Society reflected her commitment to supporting those in need, embodying the spirit of compassion and charity. Within the Catholic Women’s League, Mom contributed her time and talents in service to others. Her presence in the St. Joseph’s Hospital gift shop not only offered a welcoming smile to visitors but also contributed to the well-being of patients and their families.
Mom was a talented and meticulous knitter, seamstress, gardener, and Holiday magic maker. When traveling she embraced new experiences, created cherished memories with family and friends, and met new friends along the way. Her special touch turned ordinary moments, into treasured memories -- her famous hand knit socks; Molasses Chocolate Chip cookies; the Christmas shortbreads she rejected as too brown on the edges, but were secretly our favorite; pickled relish and chili sauce canning marathons; “6:00” dinners; the way she shared her love of reading with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; summer Girl Guide camps and end of year trips; the frenzy of making crafts and fudge trays for the annual church bazaar and gathering items for the silent auction table; and sharing laughs and banter around the kitchen table. If the kitchen table could only talk, what stories it would tell.
Mom was a beacon of strength, grace, and boundless love. Her sense of humor brought joy to those fortunate enough to share in her laughter. She was a safe haven to talk through all of life’s biggest challenges or to listen to our hopes and dreams. Through every trial and triumph, she approached life with tenacity, courage, resilience and poise.
In countless ways, big and small, she made a positive impact, creating a ripple effect of warmth and love that will be remembered and cherished by all who were touched by her presence. May we carry forward the strength, grace, and humour Mom so beautifully embodied. She will remain an eternal source of inspiration, forever etched in our hearts.
Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10am. Reception to follow. Interment at 2pm in St. Peter's Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers donations in memory of Barbara to Holy Family Parish London CLICK HERE (select Donation is for #8 Capital Fund), Holy Family Parish - Society of Saint Vincent de Paul London CLICK HERE (select Donation is for #15 - under comments add St. Vincent de Paul London) or London Health Sciences Foundation CLICK HERE would be appreciated by the family.
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