Edna O'Byrne

Edna Mable O'Byrne (1909 2007) It is with great sadness that the family of Edna (Betty) Mabel O'Byrne of Carrot River, Saskatchewan, announces her peaceful passing on May 1, 2007 at the age of 97. It is with joy that we remember a person who, by her own account on her 90th birthday, remarked, "I have had the most wonderful life; nothing bad has every happened to me. " Born on June 27, 1909 near Brandon, Manitoba she was the eldest daughter of Frank and Mabel Davis. Shortly after birth, her family relocated to Saskatchewan. She enjoyed a wonderful and memorable childhood in the communities of Glenside and Hawarden. After attending Normal School she accepted various teaching assignments at country schools in and around the communities between Outlook and Kenaston. She then moved to Arborfield, SK where she met and married her life mate, Ken O'Byrne. Her 45 years with Ken took her to Saskatoon and finally in 1961 moved to Carrot River where she resided until her passing. Left to cherish her memory are her three sons, Lyle, Allan (Lynn) and Ron (Debbie); seven grandchildren, Chris (Sherri) O'Byrne, Kari (Clark) Erb, Shannon (Bob) Normandeau, Allison O'Byrne (Travis Johnson), Michael O'Byrne, Corby O'Byrne, Jolene O'Byrne (Rod Sherven); and 12 great grandchildren; two sisters, Kay (Erle) Dolson, Marie (Lloyd) Jones; and one brother, Herb (Myrtle) Davis; five sisters-in-law, Lillian Fowlie, Pat Dixon, Rosemarie (Ed) Akeson, Joan Gessell and Louise (Bob) Haine; and one brother-in-law, Jim (Leone) O'Byrne. She was predeceased by her husband, Ken; and grandchildren, Lance, Spencer and Sarah O'Byrne; one brother, Roland Davis; and two sisters, Evelyn Johnson and Gladys Hart. Edna was a woman whose commitment was readily apparent to everyone. A person of uncompromising devotion and conviction, Edna spent over 40 years dedicated to teaching, a profession she considered to be the ultimate calling. She tracked the lives of the ones she touched right from her own grade one classroom through to their grade twelve graduation and beyond. Even in her latest years she was able to accurately and fondly recall the names, the birth dates, the marriage partners and the children of most of her former students. Her family and friends were the cornerstones of her life. Most memorable was her dedication and devotion to her family, particularly her husband, Ken and their three sons, their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her unwavering values were an inspiration for everyone. She was a woman with much dignity and pride, yet remained humble. She could never understand why people were so kind to her. Mass of Resurrection will be held at the Canadian Martyrs Roman Catholic Church, Carrot River, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2007. Internment will follow at the Carrot River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the Heart and Stroke Fund will be gratefully accepted. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Coventry Funeral Chapel of Nipawin, 862-4233