Ruth C. Byrne

1936 - 2026

Ruth C. Byrne, 89, of Manchester, NH, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.

Born in Manchester on December 18, 1936, she was the daughter of William and Nora (Early) Lydon. A lifelong resident of the Queen City, Ruth graduated from St. Joseph High School for Girls, Class of 1954.

Ruth dedicated many years of her professional life to the New England Telephone Company, later Verizon, where she was known for her knowledge, commitment, and strong work ethic. She was also a proud member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Her Catholic faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was a longtime communicant of St. Joseph Cathedral.

Above all, Ruth was devoted to her family. As the matriarch, she was a steady and loving presence whose warmth and wisdom touched generations. She took great joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, treasuring every moment spent together. Ruth had a gift for connection, her kind, gentle, and outgoing nature made it easy for her to strike up a conversation with anyone she met. She enjoyed her monthly lunches with dear friends. Known for her quick wit and playful sense of humor, she brought light and laughter to those around her. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of forty-six years, John P. Byrne, who died October 29, 2003; her son, John W. Byrne; her granddaughter, Margaret “Maggie” Philbrook; and her siblings, William Lydon, Mary Lydon, Agnes Lydon, John Lydon, Patricia Zorawowicz, and Anna Lydon.

She is survived by her four daughters, Colleen Byrne Lang and her husband, Broderick, of Manchester, Lisa Bodell and her husband, Barry, of Concord, Kathleen Blanchette and her husband, Gary, of Manchester, and Moira Byrne-Philbrook and her husband, Stefan, of Manchester; a daughter-in-law, Cecilia Byrne, fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 4 to 7 PM at Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester, NH.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 10 AM in St. Joseph Cathedral, corner of Pine and Lowell Street, Manchester, NH. 

Committal prayers will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to David’s House of Dartmouth-Hitchcock, 461 Mt. Support Road, Lebanon, NH 03766, or by visiting https://davids-house.org/donate-now/.

For more information, please visit www.connorhealy.com.