Mrs. Rose Marie Winters Byrne

Rose Marie Winters Byrne was a loving daughter and sister, devoted wife and mother, caring aunt, doting grandmother and great grandmother, and a loyal and trusted friend to many! She touched many lives during her 83 years on this earth. She was an inspiration of faith to all who knew her. She took her Catholic faith very seriously and lived her life following the laws of the church.

Rose Marie Winters was born on May 28, 1931, the youngest of six children, to Edward Cyril and Marie Ann Cunningham Winters.

Edward (1897-1955) and Marie (1896-1978) were both raised in an orphanage. Marie’s mother died when she was only eight years old leaving her father to raise their children. Since he had to work, he put all the children in an orphanage to be raised. Marie left the orphanage at age sixteen and went to work for a priest in his Rectory for the next several years. During that time she met Edward through her brothers as they had known him in the orphanage.

Marie and Edward married in 1920 and started their family – Margaret (1921-2008), John (1923-1968), Ann (1925-1937), Bill (1927-1980), Harry (1929-2009) and Rose (1931-2014). Her family lived in Cincinnati, Ohio during the early part of her life.

When Rose was in high school her father, who worked for Kroger Stores, was promoted and they moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. They were poor. Everywhere they lived, Harry and Rose shared a bedroom or in some cases they all shared the same room. They often lived in one-room efficiency apartments. Sometimes they would go for days without much to eat.

Rose's mother, Marie, was very religious and usually followed the teachings of the Church to the letter of the law, which certainly was an influence on Rose. They had skipped a few meals, but on a Friday during Lent, when Edward got his first check, they went to Frankie’s Cafeteria in downtown Little Rock to eat, and Marie told them to eat whatever they wanted. Rose said, “We can’t eat meat today.” Marie responded, “You can today; I think God will forgive me for giving my permission for you and Harry to eat meat today.”

Rose lost her father in late 1955. She was unable to attend his funeral, because her parents had moved back to Cincinnati by then and she had just had her second son, Steven, who was born prematurely.

After losing her husband, Marie spent time with each of her children part of the year. She finally settled with Rose and Bobby, and Rose took care of her mother for the rest of her mother's life. Marie died in October of 1978.

Her oldest sister, Margaret Mary, married and lived her life in Chicago, Illinois, where she and her husband, Bob Chalifoux, had eight children. Marg died in January of 2008 - just a couple of days after Rose lost Bobby to lung cancer. Because Marg died so soon after Rose lost Bobby, she and her brother, Harry, were unable to attend Marg's funeral in Chicago.

Her brother, John, called Jack by his family and friends, lived in Cincinnati. He died suddenly of a stroke in 1968 at the age of 45. He left behind his wife, Marg, and one son, Johnny. Bill’s wife, Jane, tells the story of the flight from Little Rock to Cincinnati for Jack’s funeral. Rose had to fly, even though she was terrified of flying. This was her first and only flight. On the flights to and from Cincinnati, Rose sat next to Jane, who still says, “To this day, I remember how my arm hurt from Rose holding onto it so tightly”.

Rose’s other sister, Ann, died at the age of 12, after contracting pneumonia. Ann is remembered as being a very devout young Catholic girl who attended mass every day. Rose was only eight years old when her sister died.

Rose's brother, Bill, was the only one of her siblings to remain in Little Rock. He died in 1980 leaving behind his wife, Jane, but no children. Bill and Jane are best known for their love of Independence Day and putting on quite a fireworks display for all their nieces and nephews every year. It became an even bigger celebration when Marg and her family visited at that time with even more fireworks and more children!

Bill and Jane lived near War Memorial Park and Stadium, where Rose’s beloved Razorbacks played football several times each season. Rose passed that love on to her children and those who attended those games would always park at Bill and Jane’s house and walk from there to the stadium. After the game, everyone would walk back to their cars and visit with Bill and Jane while waiting for some of the traffic to clear out. If Rose and Bobby did not attend the game, they would stay at Bill and Jane’s, and either listen to game on the radio or watch it on television with them. Rose was an avid Razorback fan and passed that passion for the Hogs on to all of her children! Rose was a football fan! She would watch lots of college and professional games every weekend during football season. She was also a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and could be heard yelling and cheering for them all through the house!

Brother Harry was the last of Rose's siblings to die - in December of 2009, and his wife, Joan, followed just a few months later. Harry and his wife, Joan, were also great friends with Rose and Bobby. Even though Harry and Joan lived in Cincinnati, the four of them saw each other as often as possible, especially after all their children were grown. Harry and Joan flew in from Cincinnati to be with Mom when Bobby died in 2008. Even though their older sister, Marg, died and was buried just a few days after Bobby, Harry would not leave Rose. He hated that he was not able to be there for the final farewell to Marg, but Harry knew that Rose really needed him to be there. Being the closest in age, they had always been very close.

Harry and Joan had six sons and one daughter – their oldest son, Jimmy, died of Cystic Fibrosis at the age of five in the 1950’s. They had five more sons and finally had their daughter, Julie, who sadly, also had Cystic Fibrosis. By the time she was born there had been enough medical progress that she survived her childhood and lived a fairly normal life into her thirties. Two of her brothers even donated a portion of each of their lungs for a lung transplant for her. Unfortunately, Julie’s body did not accept the transplant and she died a short time later.

Rose attended Mount Saint Mary Academy in Little Rock, graduating from there in 1949. Since she was ahead of the freshmen class when she moved to Little Rock, she was allowed to skip a grade and started MSM as a sophomore. Her sophomore yearbook was filled with notes from girls in all the classes; obviously, she was well liked and accepted by many.

She met her future husband through her brother, Harry. According to Harry, one Sunday he slipped out of mass early and ran into his friend, Bobby Byrne, in McArthur Park. Bobby said he was waiting, because he wanted to see and meet this girl that he saw every Sunday. He said that she wore the same dress every Sunday, but she was beautiful! As she came out of church that day, Bobby pointed her out, and Harry said, “That’s my sister.”

Robert Leo Byrne, Bobby, as he was called by his friends, was a good-looking young man a few years older than Rose. She was a beautiful young woman with a personality to match. They fell in love and were married on September 2, 1950 at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Little Rock.

Bobby’s brother, Raymond, was his Best Man and Rose’s older brother Bill was a groomsman. Bobby’s other brother, Richard, and Rose’s brother, Harry, were ushers. Rose’s Maid of Honor was her best friend, Frances Ford. Mary Lou Brock was a bridesmaid and Mary Ann Dramer was a junior bridesmaid. After the ceremony, Bobby's parents, Leo J. and Zita Marie DeClerk Byrne hosted a breakfast and reception for them at their home on 900 Rock Street in Little Rock.

Being good Catholics, Rose and Bobby, had their first child just 13 months later. Robert Leo, Jr. was born on October 6, 1951. He was followed by a sister, Beverly Ann, on November 12, 1953; a brother, Steven William, on October 9, 1955; another sister, Angela Marie, on September 9, 1956; another sister, Virginia Rose, on July 23, 1958; and another sister, Barbara Jean, on November 22, 1963 - a memorable day in history. Rose went into delivery hearing that “The President has been shot in Dallas, Texas.” After delivering Barbara she learned that he had died. That was a very sad time for our country, and even more so for the Catholic population as that was the day that the beloved Catholic President, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated.

Rose and Bobby thought their family was complete - six beautiful, healthy children in thirteen years of marriage. However, God had other plans, and eight years later, on January 26, 1971, Rose delivered her seventh and last child - daughter Brenda Kay! Brenda was her last, because having her at the age of 40 really took its toll on Rose, and her doctors insisted she should not become pregnant again. Rose was hesitant to follow their advice, because of her strong religious beliefs. But, after consulting her confessor and good friend, Monsignor McDevitt, who told her that he believed that God surely would approve since she had seven children who needed her to be there for them, Rose heeded his counsel and used birth control to prevent future pregnancies.

Rose and Bobby were busy young parents, Bobby, working with his father in the family printing business, Paragon Printing and Stationery Company, and Rose, taking care of their seven children, and doing some bookkeeping on the side. They may not have been rich in terms of dollars, but were wealthy beyond comparison with their children, family and friends.

Rose was a devoted wife and mother, always having lunch ready for Bobby, when he would come home at noon each day for food and a quick nap. Dinner was always on the table when he got home at 5:15 every evening as well. She kept a neat and clean house, well- disciplined children and a freezer full of delicious food for her family. She never wanted her children to miss a meal. Rose was never one to complain and is remembered for always humming or singing as she took care of her children and her home. She enjoyed cooking and cleaning for her family. Several of the children picked up many of her traits over the years through the example she set for them. They take pride in taking care of the things they have.

Rose made sure that all her children were dressed and ready for mass every Sunday. Though there was not a lot of money to spend on clothing, her children were always the best-dressed and well-groomed children in the room.

During the time her children were all in school, Rose was very busy getting them all ready for school and to their various activities. In the summer time she had more free time and was able to get to the ballpark to watch her sons play in their Little League baseball games.

She was always available to her children and later her grandchildren to help them out in any way she could. She was a very intelligent woman and had an outstanding memory her entire life. When any of the children or grandchildren needed help with schoolwork or projects, she was the one that helped.

Rose loved the Christmas season of the church and so enjoyed the carols and her Christmas tree. Even though money was tight, she always made sure her children had a memorable Christmas. They never wanted for anything that they really wanted. With seven children, their tree would be completely surrounded with gifts for them all.

Rose had quite a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and loved the story of the birth of Christ. As her children started getting married, she made sure each couple had their own Nativity Set. Surely, every Christmas when those Nativity sets are brought out and set up all her children will always think of Rose and what a wonderful mother she was to them all.

Rose was the parent the children always went to first, because they knew that “Mom would always know what to do and would handle most situations herself, rather than cause Dad more anxiety and worry”. She would let Bobby know once things had “settled down” and everything was already worked out.

Rose was very devoted to her children – very understanding, protective and generous to them. She always accepted each one of them for who they were, encouraging them to always “just do your best”. She never compared her children to each other and loved them all unconditionally. She was always there for them whether they needed someone to confide in, to counsel them, to support them in their decisions, or to help them out financially. Later in life she admitted that when she kept getting pregnant and having children, she asked God many times why He was giving her so many children to take care of and raise. As she and Bobby aged and started having health issues, she said she finally got her answer. God knew she would need each and every one of her children to take care of her and Bobby in the later years of their lives. All of her children and their children were always available to help them in any way they could.

Rose did take time out of her busy life to do other things, as well. Once her children started school at St. Edward's Catholic grade school, she was a volunteer in the cafeteria. In addition to that, she spent every Wednesday evening helping to coordinate and run the bingo fund raisers at St. Andrew's Cathedral. She became good friends with Monsignor B.F. McDevitt who was the pastor at St. Andrew's and sought his counsel when she needed spiritual advice.

Though they were busy with their jobs and raising the family, Rose and Bobby both loved going to Oaklawn Park to the horse races. Every Saturday of the Oaklawn meet would find them at their favorite table in the bar area surrounded by family and friends who always came by to visit them and get Bobby’s tips. He came to be known as the “Ole Handicapper”. Like most bettors, Bobby usually had too much bet on his losers and not enough on his winners, but win or lose, he and Rose had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed that time together and with their family and friends. Honestly, he never really knew how much he had bet, because Rose placed all his bets, or had one of the children or a friend place the bet – with her instructions! If she thought Bobby was being overly optimistic about a horse she would bet less than he said, and sometimes she probably agreed with his choice and put down a little more. She was also the one who collected the winnings, so only she knew how they were really doing! Mom always had enough money set aside each week so they could have a good time and share that fun with anyone who stopped to visit, buying many drinks for friends throughout the day. Though Rose stopped going to the track later in her life, Bobby continued to go and would meet his brother, Raymond, to enjoy time together.

Rose and Bobby and their children lived the first part of their lives on the East Side of Little Rock, first at 1210 Barber Street, then at 1411 College Street, both just blocks from St. Edward's School and Bobby's family's business, Paragon Printing Company. As their children started leaving home, and the neighborhood became more and more run down, they decided to move to the west side of Little Rock into Colony West Subdivision. They made that move in 1975 and both lived in that home until the day they died.

Rose loved their new home – especially her downstairs den with the fireplace. She was always the first in the neighborhood to have a fire when the cool weather came in and probably was the last to have one in the spring when the weather warmed up. As she aged and it was difficult to bring in the wood, her grandson-in-law, Eric, and his two daughters, Hannah and Abigail, always made sure she had plenty of wood easily accessible to her.

Another thing that Rose truly enjoyed about their new home was the huge back yard where all the family could gather whenever the weather was nice. That back yard saw many Easter egg hunts, Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations, Derby parties and more. In addition, it backed up to the neighborhood recreational area and park. Those children still living at home, Ginny, Barbara, and Brenda, and Angela, who moved back home for about ten years, could walk to the park to swim, play tennis, shoot hoops and just hang out with their friends, and Rose could sit on her deck or just open her sliding door and hear them and keep an eye on them!

The youngest child, Brenda, lived most of her life in this new home. Unlike the other six children who always had a built in playmate with their siblings, Brenda did not . She and Rose spent almost all their time together before Brenda started school. As Brenda got older and involved in various activities Rose now had the time to take her to swim meets at local pools, tennis lessons and tournaments in Burns Park, and to many basketball and soccer games.

Eventually, all the children moved out leaving Bobby and Rose living alone in the house. However, since most of the children and their families lived in the Little Rock area, there was always a lot going on at their house – they hosted many Kentucky Derby and football watch parties and holiday gatherings. Eventually, the parties moved to the homes of the children so that Bobby and Rose could retreat home to peace and quiet as the celebrations came to an end.

Despite suffering from a stroke and dealing with COPD, Rose continued to be the rock of the family. When Bobby started having health issues late in his life – colon cancer, prostate cancer and eventually the lung cancer that took his life – Rose was always there keeping the family together and reminding them of the power of prayer and having faith – even when things were tough.

After Bobby’s death in 2008, Rose’s health started slowly declining. By early 2014 she started talking about how tired she was and how she missed her family and friends who had gone on before her. Not one to complain, she never dwelt on her own ailments or discomforts and continued to support and encourage her seven children, eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She prayed daily for them all and made sure to say extra prayers whenever any of them were traveling or dealing with a specific issue or problem.

When Rose realized her time to die was approaching, she talked to all of her children telling them she did not want them to be sad or cry, because she was prepared and ready to go and knew, because of her devout faith, that she would be in Heaven with her family and friends and always looking over them all. She also told them that when she asked for her priest, they should summon him right away.

On Sunday, July 27, 2014, Rose asked her children to please call her priest, Father Warren Harvey, of Good Counsel Catholic Church. He came right over and spent time talking to Rose and administering the sacrament of “Anointing of the Sick”. Rose, who was known for her sharp intelligence and wit, told Father Harvey that she wanted “a good funeral” and had him promise to make sure that happened.

After her visit with the priest, Rose asked the children to call Hospice. The Hospice nurse explained the options of going to a hospital or hospice center or staying at home, and as expected, Rose chose to spend her last days at home.

Over the next twelve days, Rose always had loved ones near her. Her children and even a few grandchildren and great grandchildren who could be there, helped to take care of her. During that time she had some very good days when family thought she would be with them much longer, but by Tuesday, August 5th, Rose’s body started to shut down. She no longer wanted to eat and though she would open her eyes and respond when spoken to, she was communicating less and less. On Thursday, August 7th, the family contacted Father Harvey again, who offered to come over to pray with Rose again. He arrived at the house about 6:30 p.m. and stayed until 8:00 p.m. sitting next to Rose’s bed, praying and singing. All the children and several other family members were there as well. As he was leaving, Father Harvey, who had been a nurse before becoming a priest, told the family that he believed she would not last much longer. After his visit the family seemed to have a sense of peace and acceptance they had not all previously had. Rose passed peacefully from this world to the next just after midnight, Friday, August 8, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.

True to his word, Father Harvey, did have a wonderful funeral for Rose. The Rosary Service and visitation were held at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home in Little Rock on Sunday evening, August 10th. Though there were very few of Rose’s contemporaries still living to attend, many people, especially friends of her children, who had known her over the years, came to pay their respects and express their condolences to the family. Rose was loved and admired by so many.

The funeral service was held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Little Rock on Monday, August 11, 2014. Most of her grandchildren participated in the service as pallbearers, readers, gift bearers and two of her great granddaughters were altar servers. Father Harvey gave a wonderful homily, accented by his singing during parts of it. Her first-born, Rob, gave the Eulogy for her, just as he had for his father in 2008. Again, the service was very well attended with some attendees traveling from as far as Texas and Utah.

After the funeral service at the church, the family and some close friends, made their way to Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock for the burial. After another beautiful service by Father Harvey, Rose was laid to rest next to Bobby.

Family and friends were then invited back to the church where the Hospitality Committee provided lunch and time for all to gather one last time in Rose’s honor and memory.

Rose Marie Winters Byrne was indeed a loving daughter and sister, devoted wife and mother, caring aunt, doting grandmother and great grandmother and a loyal and trusted friend to many. More important than any of these roles was her role as a faithful follower of Christ, an inspiration to all of how to live life and die peacefully with grace and dignity.

She will be missed…….and will most certainly be remembered for generations to come.

FAMILY MEMORIES:

Brenda Byrne (1/26/1971)

Mom was always involved in my sports. She said she knew exactly where I was during the summer because all she had to do was open the sliding door and she would hear the pounding of the tennis ball on the backboard. She would come to the pool and watch me swim and take me to swim meets to local pools. I remember the day she sat by the pool during one of my swim meets. It was a cloudy day and Mom didn't realize she was getting a sunburn, but by the time we left she looked like a lobster. Mom also took me to tennis lessons in Burns Park and many tennis tournaments, basketball and soccer games.

I also remember her taking me to a skating party and since I had never put skates on my feet, when I put them on and tried to move, I almost fell. She looked at me, my eyes were wide open, and she said “You can’t skate, can you?” I shook my head no. Mom then said that we had to leave the party, because I was not feeling good (wink). She took me straight to Sears and bought a pair of skates. We went home and she held my hand and walked me around and around the garage until I knew how to skate!

We always loved to go out to eat!!! I remember one time we went to Black Angus when I was 14. I had gotten the steak dinner and it came with French bread…. It was a little hard and I was messing around pulling it side to side and all of a sudden it flew out of my hand and went flying down the aisle. I was so embarrassed. We just laughed! Which leads me to this - I find Mediums interesting, especially John Edwards. Mom and I would joke that if I was ever at one of his events and he says, “This might sound weird, but I’m seeing a piece of bread flying in the air down the aisle of a restaurant… does that mean anything to anyone?” It would be her way of communicating with me!

Also, for as long as I can remember I would take her out to eat on my birthday. I would pay for the lunch/dinner and she would fuss. I said this is my treat because having you as my mom is my gift

Mom was my best friend. There is an emptiness in my heart that I will fill with memories. I miss her a million times a day. I wish I could pick up the phone to tell her about my day, tell her something amazing Savannah has done, or just to check on her and say “Hi”.

I hope I am able to honor your memory by being a fraction of the woman you were, Mom. I love you and will miss you until we are one day reunited.

Kym Palmer Byrne – Brenda’s Spouse

I have known Rose for the last 17 years and have seen what a strong woman she was to her family. She continues to be the strong bond that binds the Byrne family together. She was the yardstick from which everyone measured themselves. I will always remember how she was always concerned about everyone’s well-being and prayed for everyone indiscriminately. I know she continues to pray for everyone’s well-being now. In death as in life her children never want to disappoint Rose and everyone wants to make her happy. I pray her life will continue to guide the family in a positive direction. I appreciate her welcoming spirit and opened arms in inviting me into the Byrne family as her daughter in-law. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Savannah Palmer Byrne – Brenda and Kym’s daughter (8/9/2005)

Dear Grandma, I remember that every Thursday after school we used to go to Frankie's’s Cafeteria together. I will miss our Thanksgiving and Christmas together. I will always remember taking you to Olive Garden every birthday; we always got extra butter for our bread sticks though my mom did not want me to. We love our butter! I remember when every time I went to your house you would give me a bag of chocolate covered raisins, and I will never forget what you always said to me – “Hello Sweetie” and “Good bye Sweetie” with a warm good bye hug and kiss. LOVE YOU, GRANDMA.

Barbara Byrne Courtney (11/22/1963)

There are two things I do want to share about our Mom. She loved each one of us unconditionally. When I always tried my best and it wasn't good enough for me, Mom would tell me "Barbara, just do your best" and that is what I have ALWAYS done in EVERY aspect of my life. The other thing I talked to Mom about was how she never complained, BUT enjoyed cooking and cleaning for her family. She hummed or sang while doing ALL her chores.......she was remarkable. To this day I love cooking for family and friends and would do nothing other than have a clean house, yard, car AND an empty laundry basket. I thank Mom for instilling this in me.

Other thoughts: Mom (by herself) would have all of us ready for mass EVERY Sunday. On Holidays (even though we had very little money) we were ALWAYS the best dressed/groomed children in the room. Mom loved Christmas (THE SPIRITUAL SEASON) and again on a budget NONE of us ever wanted for anything.

Mom loved her Christmas tree and would leave it up all year if we would let her.....OMG and we can't forget the fire in the fireplace. She would be the person in the neighborhood to have the first and last for the cool/warm weather….love her!!!!!

LOL....I could keep going on but it would take weeks if not months to say HOW AWESOME OUR MOTHER WAS AND IS!!!!!!

Brittany Crain Jenkins – Barbara and Clay’s daughter (9/6/1983)

When I was a young kid, Grandma would let me stand beside her at the kitchen table and let me play with the soft skin behind her left arm and her elbow while she worked. She would play “This Little Piggy” with me for hours while I sat on the couch with my feet up in the air. I always loved going to the pool and seeing Grandma and Granddad sitting on the back porch. I would tell every stranger I met that those were my grandparents.

The day that my mom married Buddy, Grandma and Granddad drove my friend, Kristen, and me home. We laughed so hard at them all the way home, because Granddad was driving and Grandma was telling him how!

When Braydon and I were going to church with Grandma, we would go to IHOP afterward for breakfast. Uncle Stevie would join us, and Grandma would buy breakfast for us all. She would give Braydon the little creamer cups, “little milks” as he called them for him to drink and then she would tell me to “give that baby syrup on his pancakes”.

I loved our lunch dates at Frankie’s. She would pull up in her car, which we called her “boat” and honk the horn. Mom and I would just giggle. I would order ham and Grandma would order pot roast with an extra side of “little milks” for Braydon. Grandma would tell me stories about the outings she and Angela would take and the road rage, how she would “run over” people in her motorized shopping cart, she wanting to go one way and Angela the other. I would be “cracking up” – laughing so hard thinking, “Man, they have a special bond!!”

I will forever regret that I did not take Brody around her as much, but I am extremely grateful that she got to hold all of my babies!

Grandma was an exceptional woman….she raised seven kids to be amazing parents, aunts and uncles! And last, but not least, she gave me my mom, who made me, me!

Brandon Crain – Barbara and Clay’s son (7/26/1989)

To accurately depict Grandma Byrne’s countless honorable characteristics and personality traits on paper would be an impossible feat for even the most notable writers, but I have attempted to communicate a few that stuck out to me personally above the rest.

The first would be Grandma’s devotion to Catholicism - admirable, to say the least. There was a period (not long enough I’ll be the first to admit) that I would meet Grandma and Uncle Stevie at Church on Sunday mornings at Good Council. To see the spark in her eye and the modest smile as I slid into the pew by her side as service was starting is something I will never forget; I could tell she really enjoyed the company. I almost felt selfish as the feeling of seeing that look provided me with such pleasure - so much so that I often questioned at times if I was there to see that smile or to strengthen my relationship with the Lord. Now after the dust has settled, I reassure myself that every time I keep holy the Sabbath she is watching ever so closely with that same exact smile, and dare I say, a sense of pride while watching her grandson kneel before the Lord.

Of course, after Mass was celebrated the only logical choice was to head to iHop where I heard fascinating and vividly detailed stories about many of our family members who will be reading this, which brings me to my next characteristic shortly. It would nearly be a chargeable offense if I did not make at least some reference to the running jokes every Sunday…. Uncle Stevie would often cut out of Mass just a couple minutes early to “ avoid long lines,” and get a table with Grandma’s favorite iHop waitress, but before leaving he was sure to jokingly advise me to meet them at Waffle House - LOL. His second favorite was to remind me not order too much at iHop because I was digging too deeply into his inheritance.

Previously, I alluded to Grandma’s detailed stories about all of our family members which directs me to the second of many traits I will always remember. As we settled in at the breakfast table the stories would inevitably begin pouring out of her head creating vivid paintings like an artist on their canvas. I routinely sat in amazement as I often wondered how she could possibly remember events as accurately as she could, while laughing at the humor ingrained in each one. Braydon would be with us on occasion so I am sure I was most likely sneaking him extra “mini milks” (creamers) under the table to ensure he would be nice and… animated for Brittany while enjoying Grandma’s stories. Fittingly, some of Grandma’s last words to me encompassed both of these traits – she reiterated that I should never let my relationship with the Lord waiver, and after meeting my girlfriend she humorously reminded me that there should be no sleepovers until marriage (after further review she probably was not joking)!

As noted above, remembering all of Grandma Byrne’s amazing traits would be a tall task for anyone to document in one sitting, but we’ll all be able to reminisce reminding each other of her profound presence for many holidays to come.

Virginia (Ginny) Byrne Carlin (7/23/1958)

There are so many things to share about Mom. We all shared an amazing mother and the best friend we could have ever asked for in the world. No matter what time of day or night 12 noon or 12 midnight, if we called and needed to talk she was always willing to listen and give the best advice she could for whatever the problem was. She always teased me about how I would call her every morning at 9am as she did with Grandma Winters. It is funny to me how I got her traits of not liking to fly, worrying… and yes, I must say I did it much more to extremes then she did. There were all the times that she would tell me I could tell her anything and she would stand by me, be there for me and love me no matter what. She showed me that it is okay to be a parent as well as a best friend to your children. Mom taught me to have the strength to get through things, that at times, I did not think I would. I admired her so much and hoped that someday I would be just half the woman and mother she always was. I love and miss her dearly and look forward to being with her, Dad and all our family again someday.

Kristie Carlin Brockette – Ginny and Tony’s daughter (10/10/1982)

One thing that sticks out to me from my childhood is that Grandma would check me out of school for my orthodontist appoints, ‎and we would then go eat at "our favorite Mexican restaurant" Mexico Chiquita!! I know she did other things like this with her other grandchildren as well. I also remember countless calls to her to help with homework...she always had the answers!! I can honestly say she was and will always be one of the most influential persons in my life!!

Abigail Brockette – Kristie and Eric’s Daughter (8/16/2005)

I remember every time I went with my dad to take grandma fire wood, she would always give me a bag of chocolate raisins. I still listen to the book she recorded for me too! Love and miss you grandma!

Hannah Brockette – Kristie and Eric’s Daughter (7/20/2000)

I could write paragraphs and paragraphs about grandma but there are a few things that I will always remember. Of course one that sticks out for a lot of us is her weekly trips to Frankie’s Cafeteria, even in her last days she still wanted some meatloaf from Frankie’s!

Back in May 2014, I remember it was a Thursday, the day she always got her hair done, and I was at the hair dresser getting my hair done for graduation and Grandma was also there getting hers done. She told me how beautiful I looked and how proud of me she was.

I helped care for grandma in many of her last days. I helped her with whatever she needed which sometime included lifting her up so she could sit. I lifted her so much, that my watch now permanently smells like her. Sometimes I’ll just be doing something, my wrist will pass my face and I will smell the distinct smell of her. She always smelled so good.

Grandma had such a great impact on my life, but also on my spiritual life. She prayed the rosary almost every day, went to church every Sunday and near the end you would a lot of times find her holding her rosary, even in her sleep or praying. I hope my faith will be as strong as hers as I get older because she was such a strong woman who trusted her faith even in her hardest days. I think about her every day and always will. I love and miss you grandma.

Jennifer Carlin Jones - Ginny and Tony’s daughter (2/27/1990)

Grandma was an amazing woman. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. I cannot think of another person who had as much faith in the Lord and loved as strong as she did. She was truly a wonderful woman. I hope to be half the woman she was one day. Her smile and sense of humor could light up the dimmest room. I always enjoyed her stories and jokes - I remember she always made me laugh. Boy, did she love Wade. From the minute she met him she told me if I did not marry him she would. She told everyone Wade was her boyfriend. Even when she found out she and Wade both saw Dr. Eisenach, she had to tell him that was her boyfriend and how much she loved him. She always had to have Reese peanut butter cups for Eric and Wade on Halloween. I will not forget the impact she made on my life and lives of others she touched. The short time Graceyn had to spend with her, she already affected her life. Graceyn is very aware of who grandma is and gets so excited when she sees pictures of her. It puts the biggest smile on my face. I loved going to Grandma’s on Christmas Day. I enjoyed telling her all the gifts I had received, and spending time with her and the family. Although I was not thrilled about eating chop suey, I grew to love that meal and I will always think of her when I eat it. During the time I helped take care of her at the end, when she was so weak, she still never lost her sense of humor. For example, Kristie was telling her she went to church that day and told Grandma to guess who else went with her. When Kristie said Eric, we were all shocked when Grandma said, “He is such a good man he doesn't have to go to church.” Then she looked at Wade and said, “You too.” I will never ever forget her smell...she always wore White Diamonds. I love her so much and miss her deeply. She always knew what to say and had all the right answers.

Rest in peace Grandma we love you. Wade, Jennifer and Graceyn

Angela Byrne Stacy (9/9/1956)

Mom was a very understanding, protective and generous person. Some of us, definitely not all of us, have needed her financial assistance at times and without hesitation she would help if she could. I know I have needed her help numerous times. She would always said, “You do not need to mention this to anyone because it is nobody’s business what I do with my money.”

Dear Mom,

I miss you so much, Mom. I think about you daily. I miss our morning coffee together, our talks, our laughs, watching movies together, your advice, and many,many, more things. You were more than a mother to me. You were my friend, my teacher, and my spiritual adviser. You were “my everything.” Please do not forget me. I need you as my angel, always be by my side. Even though I cannot see you, I feel that you are near. You will always be in my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers. I love you.

Your Everything, Angela

Jay Stacy – Angela and Jackie’s son (5/31/1995)

Grandma was the best. I will never forget she had so many prayer books. She had a prayer for everything. She found a prayer she read daily for me while I attended Catholic High because I struggled with taking tests. She had my Mom give me a copy of that prayer and she would say, “Now Jay, I say this prayer for you each day and I want you to also say it each day.” I have faith that she continues to pray for me.

I will never forget the bond between Grandma and my mom. Soon after Granddad’s death, my mom started spending every Friday night with Grandma (movie night), then it turned into Friday and Saturday nights. Finally, two years before her death, Mom moved in with her. My mom is so grateful she was able to spend this time with Grandma. Grandma would always tell me how much she loved having my Mom with her. She would say, “I hope you take care of your Mom when the time comes and she needs you, like she takes care of me.” My mom would always say how much Grandma and her were alike and in so many ways, they were.

I love and miss her so much and look forward to a family reunion someday.

Steven William Byrne (10/9/1955)

One memory of Mom that I always enjoyed was having Mom go to the American Legion golf tournaments that I played in the 1980’s. Mom would ride in the golf cart and I would walk the course. I am so glad she was there the first time I played in the tournament, because our team won and Mom was so proud.

After the tournament, Mom would join Ernestine and me at the American Legion club for the celebration dinner and dance. Mom loved to dance and always had a good time.

I also have fond memories of going to the Cathedral to play bingo with Mom. She loved to play and enjoyed having me there too. Sometimes Ginny and Angela would come, too. During those days she only played on Wednesday nights, but later, after the Cathedral stopped having bingo, Mom would go to different places to play several nights a week. She loved the game, but she also loved all the people and friends she made.

Several times I went with Mom and Dad on their trips to Cincinnati to help with the driving. Mom would sit in the back seat and said she loved having me, “driving Miss Daisy”. I drove them to New Orleans in 2006 when their granddaughter, Melissa, got married and after Rob and Linda bought their farm in Folsom, I drove Mom and Angela down there to see their new home.

Mom really knew how to throw a party! For many years, she had parties to watch the Razorback football games. She was a huge fan 100% of the time and she loved having her family and friends there to cheer for them with her. At one party she even tried on the Razorback jersey and pads that our son, Steven, brought to the party. Mom was the life of the party!

She and Dad also had a big party to watch the Kentucky Derby every year for many years. Again, lots of family and friends would join her to enjoy the day. The most exciting Derby we all watched was in 2011 when Animal Kingdom won! My brother, Rob, owned a small percentage of AK and he and his family were at Churchill Downs making history that day!

A tradition that was always special to me was Christmas morning breakfast at Mom and Dad’s. For many years, Mom would cook a big breakfast and invite all the kids and their families to come over to eat and open presents. When it got to be too much for her, Ernestine and I took over the tradition. Mom and Dad came every year, but they would come in separate cars because after breakfast at my house, Mom would drive to all the other kids’ houses to see their decorated trees and the gifts the grandchildren got from Santa.

After spending half the day visiting everyone Mom would go back to the house and start working on Christmas dinner for all the family. She would cook the Byrne Family traditional meal of chop suey and klumpus.

I miss Mom the most on Sunday mornings. For the last several years I would meet her for early morning mass and then the two of us would have breakfast together. That was our special time together. I am still going to Mass every Sunday, but it’s not the same without Mom there.

Mom, I love you and miss you.

Steven Daniel Byrne – Steve and Ernestine’s son (1/24/1974)

My best memory about Grandma has to do with our Sunday morning drives from church to breakfast. My dad and I would meet Grandma at mass then I would ride with Grandma to breakfast and Dad would come in his car. On the way to breakfast Grandma would listen to one of my cassette tapes in the car. She did not care what tape I chose she would listen. Then when we got to the restaurant, we would sit in the car and talk about the music. Sometimes we would listen to one of her tapes and talk about it. She was never critical or judgmental about my music.

Grandma also always told me not to pop my knuckles, especially during church. She told me I would regret it one day because my knuckles would get really big. When I was grown, I remember going to tell her that she was right – my knuckles are big. Now I tell my children not to pop their knuckles!

When I was a junior in high school, I moved out of my mom and dad’s house. Grandma was the one who brought my mom to get me and take me back home.

When the family was cleaning out Grandma’s house after she died, I went over and chose two things that I wanted to keep. One was a lamp that Granddad had on his desk in the garage and the other was this “spinning drum” instrument like the one that was in the Karate Kid II movie. When I was little I loved both of those things, but was never allowed to touch either. They are now on a shelf in my house, and I still will not touch them or allow my children to touch them, but having them helps me keep the memory of Granddad and Grandma alive for me.

Beverly Byrne Chidester (11/12/1953)

Dear Mom ~

You were the most giving of mothers. You always made sure we were taken care of physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You would sacrifice for us in any way necessary. You would listen whenever needed. Your guidance was so important to us, and was always done in such a kind way. I can not say I always wanted to abide by it, but I knew you were only directing me on the right path. I truly always wanted to make you proud, so I did “attempt” to follow as much as I possibly could.

I remember from even a very young age how you would always encourage us and stand by us, no matter what the circumstance. And, you “protected” Dad from things going on in our lives, just to not cause more anxiety, etc. Then…when the situation had settled down, you would let him know “as much as you thought he needed to know” and all was well. Even when things were not so “happy”, you made all things good.

Your faith was so important to you and I want to “thank you” so much for that. Because of you, I have so much faith and trust in God and our church that I do not believe I would have otherwise. The “Good Morning Prayer ~ from God” that you gave to many of us…well, I have also shared it with others. I start each morning off praying it. It brings so much comfort. And the rosary….I loved your devotion to the Blessed Mother. I have said the rosary so many times when I did not know what to do ~ because I would ask myself, “What would mom do?” I even had it recorded on my laptop so I could just play it in the middle of the night when I could not sleep or in the mornings getting ready for work. And, I listen to it often. Now, I even listen at times when I am not worried or sad or scared…just because of you!

You apparently had more trust in me than I realized, in that you left me in charge of my siblings many Saturdays when you and dad went to Hot Springs for the races (and other times when you just needed a break). I can not say I was always happy about it, but I know now that all the “baby sitting” made me closer to my siblings and made me realize how much I truly LOVE them! Also, I would like to “Thank you” for them and thank them also. I truly love and cherish my nieces and nephews (and their spouses) & my great-nieces and great-nephews, who would not be in my life without them. I can’t even imagine NOT being “Aunt Bev”. You always commented about how I love my “babies” (even though some are obviously ~ no longer babies). You loved my love for them and told me many times. How could I not?

I want to especially “Thank You” for supporting me in my decision regarding adoption and for loving my children as your biological grandchildren. You always knew what it meant to me to be a “mom”. I could not imagine my life without them. God knew they were meant for me…and I chose them! I would have not been the same person and I thank God for them. Thank you for always being there for me!

You would call to remind us to “turn our clocks” either forward or backwards for Daylight Savings Time, that tomorrow was a Holy Day, that it was “someone’s” birthday, that a certain movie was on that we would love to see (if we had not), to see if we were home when the weather was getting bad, that one of Rob and Linda’s horses was racing that day, just to check in and visit, and the list goes on... I truly miss those calls!! It’s hard when I want to just pick up the phone to check on you, tell you about a certain “play” on a football game, ask about a recipe, give you some good news, etc.~ then I realize you “have the best seat in the house” and I can just look up to heaven and smile… realizing you already know!

We had so many fun lunches! I loved going with you to the Faded Rose and having the Rose Kabob! Of course, we went to many restaurants; we loved going out to lunch. And, you were always insistent on paying!

I just want to say “Thank You” for being the best mom I could have ever asked for. You were SELFLESS. I love you, miss you, and think about you so many times throughout each day. I can feel your presence, and that gives me comfort and makes me smile! Please keep praying for all of us!

Please tell all my relatives I love and miss them all. But especially, tell my Dad I love and miss him dearly, and think about him each day. And give a special “I love and miss you" to Grandma!

Love, Bev

P.S. Remember those two promises I made to you during your last days here on earth? I am working so hard on them and I will not disappoint you (or me).

J.D. Toney – Bev and John’s son – 8/8/1983

One of the things I miss and remember about Grandma was the way she and I connected in our likes of music. We would sit together at times to listen to Frank, Dino & Sammy, and later on we would listen to Andrea Bocelli and sing together. She was such an amazing role model as well.

Heaven got the “best angel” in the house.

I love you, Grandma.

Katherine Toney – Bev and John’s daughter (2/28/1989)

I’ll always remember Grandma being so kind and picking me up from school because I used to always have such terrible headaches. We would always get caught up on soap operas and she would always try to slip an aspirin in my ice cream! Grandma is the “sweetest”. We shared a similar taste in music and a similar taste and love for movies! She’d ask me often if I’d seen a certain movie. If I had not, she would assure me I would love it and offer to let me borrow hers. Actually, I still have Moulin Rouge (sorry Grandma, I forgot to return).

I will forever love and miss my sweet Grandma!

Robert L. Byrne, Jr. (10/6/1951)

Dear Mom,

Ever since I was a little boy I always tried my best to “obey” you. But I must confess, your last requests to me were “to not be sad and do not cry” and I have not been able to fully obey those directives, because I miss you.

You were the most caring of mothers. I will always remember seeing your full devotion to my well-being and that of my brother and sisters from the moment we were born until the day you died.

You were always a woman of a strong Catholic faith, and seeing that in you set the foundation in my life for a love of God. That blessing, of a strong faith which you passed on to me, is one of my most cherished possessions.

While times in our lives were not always so “rosy”, you always brought cheerfulness into all the lives you were in contact with. You were a rock for Dad and for us.

I never heard anyone ever utter an unkind word about your character, your trustworthiness or your integrity. I am so proud to be your son.

I wish I could have repaid, in some way, all the treasured love you gave to me, but that would be impossible, for what child can ever do that for their Mom or Dad?

You were so special here on earth and now in Heaven, I am sure you are special there as well. I have faith (thank you, again) that you have been reunited with all your departed family members and friends. Give Dad another hug for me, a kiss to all my grandparents, a pat on the back to all “our” friends and tell my aunts and uncles thanks, one more time, for all they did for me as a child and in my later years.

Please continue to pray for me, Linda, Melissa and Carter, and Robert and Barbara every day – you know how much we all depend on those prayers, especially whenever we travel!

Until we see each other again, remember this – I love you very much.

Love, Robbie

Linda Grady Byrne – Rob's wife

Dear Mom,

This is a letter of thanks and appreciation.

Thank you for raising your son, Rob, to be the wonderful man that he is. I know that you taught him so many of the wonderful traits that he has brought into our marriage and family. You were his first and most influential role model.

He has always been the most respectful, loving, and supportive partner I could ever have had. He is truly the best husband for me and has been for over 41 years now. I truly thank God every day for bringing us together and pray that He will give us many more years of loving marriage. I thank you, too, Mom, because I know that he learned to be the person he is from you.

I also thank you for not moving to Tulsa with him after his college graduation – even though he asked you to! Since you would not leave the rest of your family to go to take care of him, he asked me to marry him!

Rob is the best father our children could ever have had. From the moment of conception he has unconditionally loved and protected them to the best of his ability. He always made time for them as they were growing up, even though he was busy working to provide for us. He continues to be a great father to them even in their adult life (encouraging, advising and listening) – an example you set as you were a great mother to all of your children for your entire life.

As you know, Rob was also a wonderful son to you and Dad. I believe that the life he has lived has been one that you and Dad were proud of. He has always tried to be there for you even though for more than half of his life, we have lived out of state. Making the decision to move to Louisiana was the hardest decision he had ever made. At the time that he was offered the position with Flanagan Instruments he really needed and wanted to change jobs, but moving away from his immediate family was hard for him. After many weeks of discussing with me and praying for God’s guidance, he finally decided that the move was the right thing for his young family. He never regretted making that move, but he always missed having more time with you and Dad and the rest of the family. Thank you for being so supportive and understanding of his decision.

Though he may not always have the patience with his brother and sisters that you always seemed to have, he has truly loved them all and tried to be a good brother for them as well. Per your request in your last days, he is trying very hard to take care of them and handle as much as he can.

Just like you and Dad, Rob has many lifelong friends who he values and who value his friendship. He is always the first to buy a drink, offer a kindness and be there if they need a listening ear. He shares your traits of honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and loyalty.

Since you left this world, he has been saying that he hopes that when it is his time to leave this world for the next that he will have one-tenth of the faith you have had throughout your life. The fact is - he does have a very strong faith. You instilled the importance of faith into his mind and heart from the very beginning, and he has kept that faith even during tough times – especially during those times.

Mom, I want to thank you, too, for being the most wonderful mother-in-law that I could have ever prayed for. You were always there for us when we needed you, but you never meddled or interfered in our lives. I have always told all our friends how very lucky I was to have you as my mother-in-law. Over the years, especially after I lost my own mother in 1990, you embraced me as one of your own daughters. I always knew that I could call you at any time if I needed your words of wisdom. I will continue to call on you to watch over our family and pray for us – especially that we will all grow in faith to be more like you.

Thank you for bequeathing to me the beautiful and unique emerald ring, our common birthstone. As you know, Angela did find the ring. I know how adamant you were that they find it so you could give it to me. I am sorry they were not able to find it while you were still here. I will forever treasure it and, of course, feel very close to you every time I wear it.

Mom, I also want you to know how much I appreciate the effort you made to be a part of Melissa and Robert’s lives even though we lived away. They both loved you and Dad very much and so appreciated how you always remembered their birthdays, graduations, wedding anniversaries and other special occasions. They lovingly remember your calls on their birthdays – even as busy as you were on Christmas day! Since my mother died when they were only 11 and 8 years old, you were their only grandmother for most of their lives. You always made them feel special and loved.

We think of you every day, knowing that you will always be with us in spirit.

Love, Linda

Melissa Byrne Ayers - Rob and Linda’s daughter (6/3/1979)

I will never forget Thanksgiving at Grandma and Granddad's house. No matter how crazy things got she always kept everything together and just went with the flow allowing us grand kids to be kids, but keeping us in line if we stepped out. I remember watching the Dallas Cowboys football games with her and our conversations about football all throughout my life. She and my Dad are the reason I am an avid football fan to this day. I will never forget calling her after getting back from all my trips overseas with Carter and her sigh of relief and always... "Thank you God! I can quit praying the rosary now...I love you both so much!" I was not able to visit there as much as I would have liked, but I never doubted her tremendous love for me and Carter, once he became a part of our family. It meant so much to us that Grandma and Granddad came to our wedding in New Orleans. Love and miss you, Grandma and Granddad!

Robert L. Byrne, III – Rob and Linda’s son (12/25/1982)

As I did not grow up in Little Rock, I did not have the privilege of spending a lot of time with Grandma. After reading the stories told by my other cousins, as well as Grandma's children, it has become even more apparent that she was an amazing woman who was very dedicated to her family.

Despite our distance, I already knew that, but these recollections just gave me even more insight into what a special person Grandma really and truly was.

There are memories that I do have of Grandma that I will never forget. The first that sticks out is that she would bring the entire Little Rock family together every Christmas and call me just to sing "Happy Birthday." Being born on such an important holiday, my birthday was often overlooked by even my closest friends (understandably so), but I knew I could always count on that phone call every year. The older I get, the more and more I realize how touching that truly was.

As a young adult, I also know that Grandma genuinely cared about where I was in my life. And even though she couldn't be at my wedding physically, I know she was there in spirit. Ever since she first met my wife, Barbara, she always asked about her and would want me to send Barbara her love. I recently heard that after our wedding Grandma watched our wedding video in its entirety (I never even had the patience for that), and she commented on how much fun it was to watch Barbara and me dancing throughout the reception. She also stated that she thought we looked pretty good on that dance floor. I have always known this about my wife, but from what I have been told, Grandma was a pretty good dancer in her time. So having her pay me such a compliment is something I will cherish forever.

I loved Grandma very much and wish I had gotten a chance to spend more time with her. I miss her but know that she will live on through my memories as well as those of everyone who was lucky enough to be a part of her life.

ROSE MARIE WINTERS BYRNE

Eulogy given by her son, Robert L. Byrne, Jr.

Everyone in this church has had a saint in his or her life – in fact as I look out into the pews, I see some of these saints – they are called MOTHERS.

I know some of you are thinking, “My mother was no saint” or as a mother you might be saying, ”I’m no saint,” but when you look at saints they were not perfect people either.

Think of Saint Paul – Saul – who persecuted the Christians before his conversion, Saint Peter who denied Christ three times and went on to be the rock upon which Christ built his church or Mary Magdalene whose tears of repentance washed the feet of Jesus. They were certainly not perfect – but saints none the less.

All mothers have this in common – they chose to have children. Mothers nurture their children, and are their teachers of unconditional love, sharing and caring. Mothers are the first to teach their children about God. In many cases they are the disciplinarians.

Our mother was all those things to us, as even in her dying days she reinforced how special and rewarding our Catholic faith is.

Since Dad’s death in 2008 Mom had shared with me on many occasions how as a young “saintly” mother, she often questioned her parish priest as to why God was giving her so many children. You see, Mom knew the demands on her that each child would require during their lifetime. But over the last few years she realized God’s reason for all those children – as she saw how each of her seven children had used their different talents and strengths to take care of her and how blessed she was to have all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mom was always very proud of EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US.

My brother, sisters and I know that throughout our lives, at one time or another, because of our actions, we pierced our mother’s heart, but in each and every case – we found a way to mend that heart again.

For everyone in this church honoring our Mom today – if you ever asked Mom to pray for you or a friend – or even if she heard you needed prayer – she was eager to respond.

Mom had such a devotion to the Blessed Mother that she said countless rosaries in petition for so many of our needs. I am sure that the Blessed Mother carried all those prayers directly to her Son on our behalf. And now, today, I am fully confident that “Saint” Rose is in the throne room of God and she will continue on for eternity to bring our petitions and those of our descendants to God directly. I’m so confident of this that I can almost hear God say, “Rose, I have always known you and heard your prayers and now you are here wearing me out face to face but I love you very much, as well as your family and all their friends.”

We Love you Mom, may the perpetual light shine upon you.

Before she called Fr. Harvey to come give her the "Last Rites" - now known as the "Anointing of the Sick", she talked to her children and told them that she did not want them to be sad or to cry because she was ready to go and it was time. Youngest daughter, Brenda, found the following poem that conveyed those sentiments. This poem was printed on the programs for the Rosary Service.

Don't cry for me, now I have died

For I'm still here, I'm by your side.

My body's gone, but my soul is still here.

Please don't shed another tear.

I am still here, I'm all around.

Only my body lies in the ground.

I am the snowflake that kisses your nose.

I am the frost that nips at your toes.

I am the sun, bringing you light.

I am the star, shining so bright.

I am the rain, refreshing the earth.

I am the laughter.

I am the mirth.

I am the bird up in the sky.

I am the cloud that's drifting by.

I am the thoughts inside your head

While I'm still there I can't be dead.

Thank you, Mom, for your love, devotion, loyalty and trust throughout your life. You were truly a wonderful woman - a loving daughter and sister, devoted wife and mother, caring aunt, doting grandmother and great grandmother, a loyal and trusted friend to so many, and an inspiration of faith to all who knew you. You will never be forgotten, and your memory will be shared with generations to come. We will all think of you often in our daily lives, remembering the love and wisdom you shared. May you rest in peace knowing that you accomplished so much while on this earth. Please continue to watch over us all and continue the prayers you so consistently prayed for all during your life time, so that we may follow your example and be able to say, when our lives come to an end, that "we are ready and it is time."

We love you!

Your loving family