BYRNE THIRLWALL LILLIAN

LILLIAN BYRNE (THIRLWALL, MUSGRAVE) (1897 ­ 2003) Died peacefully, Saturday evening March 22, 2003 in her 106th year. We say goodbye to an extraordinary woman who could only be described in superlatives. Born to Charlotte Thirlwall and Robert Musgrave in Newton-le Willows, Lancashire, England. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis Joseph Byrne and mother of Anthony Byrne and Helen Wielhorski. In her youth, she first blossomed as a child of the arts, often performing in local pantomimes and being celebrated as Rose Queen in 1914. She loved poetry and literature and could quote from the works of William Shakespeare, which she perceived to reflect many of life's complexities. Grandma or Aunt Lillian, as her wide circle of family and friends knew her, was a devout convert to the Roman Catholic Church in which she carried her love of St. Anthony. Her prayers were credited for most of the blessings that were bestowed on all her loving family members and close friends. Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother she was adored by all who knew her for her wit, beauty and flair for fashion. She cheered everyone with her power of positive thinking and optimism. Lillian embraced the change of the times from Victorian England to modern day with her very forward thinking. She accepted the challenges of a career when it was unfashionable to do so by succeeding as an accountant in the printing business and volunteering her services at the local health unit. Upon retirement in 1969, Lillian and Frank immigrated to Canada to be with their children and grandchildren. After Frank's passing she lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Toronto and was the focal point of many, many family celebrations. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock at Blessed Sacrament Church, 24 Cheritan Avenue (Yonge, south of Lawrence). Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. A special thanks to the staff of Thompson House for their genuine care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thompson House.