Shirley A. Byrnes

Shirley A. Byrnes (nee Gibbons) passed quietly and graciously into eternal life on Monday, February 18, 2019, with her daughter at her side, in Arizona after a brief illness.  The family would like to mention our appreciation to Irene Doyle, who accompanied Shirley and granddaughter Kate to Arizona and aided Shirley during her transition to the Grand Canyon State.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Claire and James Gibbons; husband, Richard; brother, James Gibbons (Johneanne); sister, Dora DeSomer (Kenneth); and nephews, Steven and Kenneth Gibbons.  Shirley is survived by daughter, Cynthia Hurla (Thomas “Bill”); granddaughter, Kathryn Bell (Timothy); great-grandson, James Richard (aka J.R.); nephew, Keith DeSomer; grand-nephew, Austin DeSomer; and niece, Kimberley Marren.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church in Westmont, IL on Saturday April 13, 2019 beginning at 9:30am.  A brunch will follow at a destination yet to be determined.

I thought I would be writing a brief synopsis of Shirley’s life when I began this, but I felt to do so only from my personal perspective would be selfish and not do her justice, as the typical points of her life were not what was remarkable, but the woman herself was.  So instead I thought of what I perceived as the main attributes of my mother, and felt that it would be more appropriate to highlight them, and allow each person to have your own moments to reminisce and relive in your thoughts one, many or all of the ones that had intertwined with your own lives.  I’m sure I overlooked a few more of her qualities, but these were the ones that came to mind when I asked myself “describe Shirley Byrnes”.

1. Strong and unwavering Faith
2. Fantastic, Nurturing, Supportive, Compassionate and Loving Daughter, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend and Co-worker.
3. Her honesty and integrity and her expectations in regards to these principles.
4. Her common sense
5. Her compulsive orderliness
6. Her quick wit and sense of humor
7. Her passion for fashion (especially when on sale)
8. Her claim to be “always right, even when I’m not”
9. A good dancer and food critic
10. And of course – Princess.

Shirley will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.  And carry in your hearts that Shirley loved and was thankful for each of you being in her life.

In lieu of flowers, please open your hearts to your favorite charity.