Sister Cecilia Byrns

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!

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!

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...

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!

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.

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...