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Cecilia Byrns Obituary
Sister Cecilia Byrns, age 93, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, died Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc.
The former Dorothy Byrns was born on March 28, 1922 in Rhinelander, WI, daughter of the late Lester M. and Agnes (Malz) Byrns. She entered the Convent in 1936 and professed her vows in 1940. Sister Cecilia earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music Education from Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a Master of Music Education from De Paul University in Chicago, Illinois. Sister Cecilia taught music at St. Ann, Menominee, St. John, Marquette, Michigan; St. Willibrord, Chicago, Illinois; St. Paul, Wrightstown, St. John, Antigo, Roncalli High School and 47 years at Holy Family Conservatory, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Since 2009, she had been a resident of St. Rita Health Center at the Motherhouse.
Survivors include the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity; one sister and brother-in-law: Rosemary and Gerald Herman; one niece: Michelle Herman; three nephews: Jerry Paul (Miki) Herman, Jon (Pam) Herman and Marty (Kristie) Herman. Other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents: Lester and Agnes (Malz) Byrns; and one nephew: Michael Herman.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2015 at Holy Family Convent Chapel, Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Finian Zaucha, OFM with burial at Holy Family Convent Cemetery, Manitowoc.
The family will greet relatives and friends at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2015 and Friday morning from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Holy Family Convent Chapel.
The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cecilia Byrns
Joan Geraldson
September 17, 2021
Joan Geraldson
September 17, 2021
Joan Geraldson
September 17, 2021
Joan Geraldson
September 17, 2021
Sister Cecilia made a difference in so many children´s lives! I was thinking about her today when I was reminded of her passing six years ago, so I decided to share some photos of my daughter, Sarah, from many years ago! Sarah is now 31, but she still remembers Sister as a teacher with a huge heart! She cared so much about all of her students!
Shelly Mantel
September 20, 2015
The angelic musicians just added an amazing woman to their group. She, as so many have indicated, accompanied me for years during my days as a flute player and vocalist at Roncalli. There are very few souls that possess her dedication and love of music, her Lord and her students. She will be missed, but I celebrate her union with our loving Lord. Peace dear friend!
Ben Hoffmann
September 20, 2015
I was a student of Sister Cecilia's for 13 years from the age of 5. No one has had a greater impact on my musical growth. Aside from music, she made me a better person. One lesson I remember the most: countless times Sister would point out something I hadn't done correctly after playing her a passage of a piece. I would say "but I didn't do that!" Sister would kindly correct my words and say "Sister, I don't think I did that." Truly a life-long teacher of all things and I am lucky to have known her like I did. I am glad I was able to see her during the holidays last winter for the first time in a few years. Rest in peace Sister, I know you are smiling down on all of us.
Dennis Naidl
September 19, 2015
Sister,
The Cowboy Medley, conservatory concerts, the Young Men's Choir, lectoring, the eighth grade orchestra book, the piano and organ- the list goes on ... You influenced my life in countless ways. You saw something in me. You made such an impact and shaped my teaching . Thank you Sister Cecelia. God rest!
Louise Mann
September 19, 2015
As I was teaching piano this week, I was holding a student's arm, helping to shape their hand, and I thought -- "I learned to do this from Sr Cecilia." I didn't study with her, but watched and learned from her as a colleague. Her students all seemed to love her AND win awards all over the place! A great example to follow as a teacher. Sr Cecilia lives on in many of us as we share music with the next generations.
Lydia Fogeltanz
September 18, 2015
Oh...this saddens my heart. Sister was my accompanist, friend and for countless years when I played violin in school. Also my piano teacher briefly. I was going to look into trying to visit her at the mother house infirmary since I had just heard she was failing. Such a truly wonderful and inspirational woman. Will be so dearly remembered and treasured in my heart and a world of others. i actually was confirmed thru the catholic RCIA program as an adult and took on Cecelia as my confirmation name in her honor. Gosh this is very sad...Such a wonderful person. Bless you sister for being so wonderful to so many.
Lydia Fogeltanz- Francis creek,wi
John Steinbrecker
September 17, 2015
Sister Cecilia, my teacher and friend, thank you. You were responsible for encouraging me, instilling confidence and in helping me conquer the fear of public presentations all when I was only 9 years old. You taught me how to enjoy music and the beauty of music in life. You live on in me every time I sit down at the piano or organ and I truly thank you. You played a large part in any successes I have had in life and business as you taught me at the Conservatory and had me play the organ at Mass.
On Saturday, September 12 I envisioned heaven opening the doors and Jesus and Saint Cecilia there to welcome you. What a GREAT party it must be and the music will be the BEST ever! Sister Cecilia thank you for being YOU to all of us. God love you and please pray for us until the day we can all be in heaven with you.
Fritz Dramm
September 17, 2015
Thank you Sister, for your kind but firm teaching, your personal commitment, private conversations, and for sharing you love of music with my daughters and so many others. Your inspiration is an invaluable gift to the world. AND, you taught so many students (and parents) how to bow. "Look at my pretty new shoes." Works every time.
Gary & Linda Koch
September 17, 2015
With great appreciation for all the joy her gifts have brought us, a donation in the name of Sister Cecilia Byrns is being made to The Kalamazoo Concert Band, a non-profit organization providing 4 free symphonic band concerts to the surrounding community and sponsoring youth soloist scholarship competition to local high school students annually.
Patti & Richard Hoffmann
September 17, 2015
Sister Cecilia was a wonderful teacher and mentor to my son Ben for 13 years. I credit her with instilling in him discipline, excellence, commitment, patience, enthusiasm, etc. He is now living his dream as a practicing musician and music teacher. She will be dearly missed as a caring and compassionate friend. Now she can sing, play and teach to her heart's content.
Gary Koch
September 16, 2015
My teacher for 10 years, our family friend for 60. A devoted lover of music. We were lucky to know her.
Kim Scammell
September 16, 2015
Where do you begin to do justice in reflecting on a person like Sister? She was certainly a great music teacher, but she was so much more. I had the GREATEST privilege to travel with her, and another friend of ours, also a violet enthusiast, on two separate occasions to the Annual National Violet Show. The 3 of us drove to Chicago one year and Omaha, Nebraska another. I will never forget the time we spent together during our travels. She was a warm and caring friend with good counsel, and an encourager to many. I will always think of her with the fondest of memories.
Mark Boeder
September 16, 2015
Sister Cecelia instilled in me a love for music. Heck, I didn't even know I COULD sing until Sister Cecelia got ahold of me while I went to school at St. Boniface. Music class, choir and then Young Men's Choir turned me into a music lover, particularly a vocal music lover. Rest in Peace, Sister.
laura wergin comeau
September 15, 2015
Dear sister Cecilia, you taught me in third grade and you accompanied my daughter many times - the music just got a little better in heaven.
Teri Stoeger
September 15, 2015
Thank you for your special friendship. RIP Sister Cecilia.
Kathy Sturm
September 15, 2015
Sister Cecilia touched so many lives, not only with her music, but her kind heart and warm smile!! She will be missed!
Beverly Maigatter
September 15, 2015
Sister Cecilia was a very kind and patient person, always encouraging our son, Manuel. We will always remember you as you were an important part of our son's life as well as ours. Rest in peace, Sister.
Beverly Maigatter
September 15, 2015
Sister Cecilia was a very kind and patient person, always encouraging our son, Manuel. We will always remember you as you were an important part of our son's life as well as ours. Rest in peace, Sister.
manuel maigatter
September 15, 2015
Rest in peace. You taught me as much as you could in piano but im sure youll hear me play more now when your up in heaven. Thanks for everything youve shared with me.
September 15, 2015
Thank-you sister,you will be missed.
Gene Duggan
September 15, 2015
A great lady to be sure. To know her, was to love her.
James Bohn
September 15, 2015
Sister Cecilia was a great teacher. When it was clear that I was not practicing sufficiently, she changed the focus of our lessons to sight reading and music theory. Because of her, I had a great head start with music theory when I went to college, and for the last 15 years or so I've taught music theory at the college level. Thank you Sister Cecilia!
September 15, 2015
I must have been Sister's worst student otherwise how would she remember me after all those years? She was very patient with a reluctant young boy and always a pleasure to see. I used to frustrate her by answering the phone on the first ring instead of calling back. My condolences.
John Torke
Gretchen Huletz
September 15, 2015
I don't remember a time in my life when Sister Ceclia wasn't a part of it. She taught my mom, aunts, uncle, cousins, siblings, & myself. Later she became family to us. What an amazing gift she was to all of us & to this world. Rest peacefully, sister. Thank you for leaving this world a much better place!!!
Wendy (Lewellen) Qualls
September 14, 2015
Sister was a huge influence in my life - and was the main reason I went on to major in music composition at college. I'm sad to hear she's passed on but she's done such a remarkable amount of good for so many people . . . she will be dearly missed.
Phil Kinzel
September 14, 2015
What a beautiful person was Sr. Celilia even at 9:00 PM when she would call to have us bring our children in for a last minute late night lesson before a piano competition. We loved her dearly.
September 14, 2015
Sister Cecilia was my piano teacher when I was in 4th grade, I don't remember the year but I am 68 now. Later she became a family member, attending and playing music at weddings. My husband Jim passed away in 1987 and she played and sang at his funeral here in Sheboygan. I thought of her very often, this is a very sad day for me, what a loss, but there is a special star in the skies. I am MaryAnn {Kumbalek}Hoitink
Kathy Novak
September 13, 2015
When I went back to study music as an adult, it was Sister Cecelia that taught me to teach. She very generously shared her knowledge with me. She also became a very dear friend and mentor. God has certainly gained a wonderful angel.
Jane H.
September 13, 2015
My children still appreciate and love music and play piano as adults. We always thanked Sister for her patience and guidance. She surely will be missed by all of her students and their parents.
Judy Krause
September 13, 2015
Our community has lost a very special person...She was a blessing to all that knew her and had the pleasure of having her as a music teacher. She will be missed ..God bless her...
Gregory Sauer
September 13, 2015
Sr Cecelia brought music into my life, a gift I'll treasure forever. Now she sings with a heavenly choir of angels. Thank you Sister for sharing your talents with me.
Carolyn Schermetzler
September 13, 2015
Sr. Cecilia you will be missed. Thank you for all the beautiful music you gave us at St. Boniface for all those years. Gods choir is getting a beautiful voice. God Bless You
Jennie Smith
September 13, 2015
Dear Sister Cecilia Hope the Angels need a wonderful instructor in Heaven I was one of your students and really loved your teaching. God Bless Jennie Taddy- Smith Class of 1973
September 13, 2015
God bless you Sister. Though you never had children of your own, you were like a mom to many. Thank you!
Dennis Wage
September 13, 2015
What a life she had. She will be fondly remembered always by many. She touched many a family.
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