Margaret Byrne

Margaret E. Byrne, 98, passed away on December 22, 2024 at her home in Devon, PA. She enjoyed a long life filled with purpose, creativity, and devotion to her family and friends.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Stephen J. Byrne; her parents, George and Margaret (Taggart) Poh; her brother, George Poh; and her sister-in-law, Peg Poh.

Margaret was born on February 6, 1926, in Irvington, NJ. She graduated from Columbia High School in South Orange, NJ, and from Brown University in Providence, RI, where she majored in history.

A quick wit and a passion for learning animated her life. After college, she worked in communications for the Newark Evening News and for Babcock & Wilcox, where she met her future husband.

She married Stephen J. Byrne in 1952, and they remained happy and devoted life partners until his death in 1990. They had two sons, Stephen Jr. (Robin) and Timothy, who survive her, along with two grandchildren, Geoffrey (Esther) Byrne and Julia Byrne; two great-granddaughters, Gwendolyn and Francesca Byrne; plus several nieces, a nephew, and many dear friends.

Margaret embraced the creative arts her entire life. She was a gifted and prolific oil painter, and her decoupage skills transformed many ordinary items into imaginative works of art. She braided beautiful wool rugs, sewed her own clothes, maintained graceful home gardens, and delighted family and friends with her expertise in cooking and baking.

Her home welcomed many rescued dogs and cats over the years, and she took great delight in spoiling four-legged visitors. She truly enjoyed life and shared that exuberance with everyone who knew her.

Services will be private. Contributions may be made in Margaret's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to Habitat for Humanity.