Jeanne Chaffee Byrne

A strong spiritual light has departed from our world. Jeanne Chaffee Byrne of Oklahoma City was called home by our Lord on May 10. At age 62, she was struck by a sudden illness while on a cruise. Born in Brattleboro, Vermont, she was a world traveler and continually up for an adventure. Jeanne was always ready to put on her party shoes and celebrate good times with special friends. After leaving the Air Force in 1973, she earned a nursing degree and a doctorate in hypnotherapy. Jeanne had a true servant’s heart, sharing her love and nursing skills through the Red Cross to those affected by the 9/11 attacks in NYC, floods in Texas and hurricanes in Florida.

She leaves behind her beloved husband Bob and two stepsons: They are Bob Byrne, Jr. and his life mate Maggie of Alameda, California; and Mickey and Stephanie Byrne of Oklahoma City with their children, Kristie and Nicholas. She is survived by a nephew Martin Chaffee and special nieces, Debbie Shaw and Tonya Chaffee Barker. She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Charlotte Chaffee and her foster mother Polly Lovell, as well as her big brother Bill Chaffee.

A wake service will be held at Hahn Cook, 6600 Broadway Extension at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 20. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00a.m.on Friday, May 21 at St. Eugene’s Catholic Church, 2400 West Hefner Road, followed by a reception in the Byrne home. (If donations are preferred in lieu of flowers, these may be made to the to St. Eugene’s Capital Campaign for church building fund, P.O. Box 20930, Oklahoma City 73156-0930 or the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, 9300 North May Ave., Ste 400-281, Oklahoma City 73120.)

With a big smile and an even bigger heart, Jeanne Byrne had an impact on the lives of many. Again and again, she made herself available to care for others. Every aspect of her life, from her family and friends to her career choices, was hallmarked by her genuine willingness to help. In 1975, Jeanne became a loving stepmother to her husband’s Bob’s stepchildren, Bob Jr. and Mickey. She earned her nursing degree at Texas Women’s University, making many sacrifices to take on the special challenge of psychiatric nursing. She had a well-rounded education, earning a Masters in Human Relations at OU and a doctorate in hypnotherapy.

The Byrne home was an epitome of hospitality. Whether hosting a “Woodstock” party for her pals at Brighton Gardens or countless fellowship gatherings for their church, Jeanne always teamed up with Bob to provide a warm welcome and good times for all their friends.

GROWING UP:

Jeanne’s resilience and strength were probably developed early in her childhood. She lost her mother by age 3 and was cared for by a half-sister (Dora) until she went to live with a foster mother, Polly Lovell. At that time, she was separated from her hero when big brother Bill was sent to a military boarding school.

Jeanne was always seeking a spiritual path, experimenting with New Age and other perspectives before finding our Lord and Savior. She became a dedicated Catholic, actively involved in church activities and a small Bible study group. Her sincere desire was helping others to know Christ and reflecting His heart in her many loving actions.

THE LOVE STORY:

Bob met Jeanne while they were stationed at Travis AFB in California. He was immediately smitten by the buck sergeant with the beautiful red hair. They were married in July of 1973, when he was unexpectedly reassigned to Altus AFB. After that, they lived in a number of different places, from Dayton, Ohio and Christchurch, New Zealand. They enjoyed so many wonderful activities together, including a myriad of camping trips from Lake Altus where they both loved to water ski, to adventures in Arizona and California. Jeanne loved to travel and has been on every continent except Antarctica.

The couple shared a love for people and, spurred by Jeanne’s characteristic flair for entertaining, they were constantly welcoming pals into their home. Their favorite show was Dancing with the Stars and they were the Rock & Roll Champs of a Royal Caribbean cruise a few years ago. Recently, they enjoyed participating in The Spirit of ’76 Square Dance Club.

HER WORK:

The role of psych nurse for the Correctional Medical Facility in Vacaville, California required Jeanne’s characteristic patience and tolerance. In that facility, she was responsible for the care of convicted killer Charles Manson, who referred to Jeanne as his “red-haired wench.”

Among other interesting experiences, Jeanne studied unusual phenomenon with Richard Seifert. In 1987, she achieved her doctorate in hypnotherapy and opened a clinic in Dayton where she specialized in smoking cessation. From 1995 to 1999, she and husband Bob opened and operated the Harvest Home, an assisted living facility. When her dear brother Bill became extremely ill, the couple took care of him in this home until his passing.

Jeanne taught nursing for awhile at OCCC and Platt College. On March 18, Jeanne retired from Brighton Gardens where she served as the Health Care Coordinator. She had planned to spend the next phase of her life traveling with her sweetheart Bob in their RV.

THE MENAGERIE:

Bob Jr. recalls that the family always had “every member of the food chain living in the house – from fish to birds to dogs and cats.” At one point, young Bob impulsively bought a pygmy goat and brought it home. Not a huge risk because he knew that Jeanne loved all animals. In fact, when coyotes threatened their new pet, they quickly bought a large Samoyed (Majestic) to protect the goat. The dog and goat were constant companions and seemed to have Jeanne’s sense of adventure. Once, they took off together to explore the world. (You can only imagine the posters: “Lost goat and her dog.”)

You can appreciate Jeanne’s sense of humor combined with duty. When they brought the little goat indoors, Jeanne fashioned a diaper. And, to ensure that Mimi could fully participate in family activities, Jeanne even crafted a float for the little gal to enjoy the pool.

Just before her passing, Jeanne cared for four dogs (Chimaya, Dingo, Widget and Simba), plus a very talkative Quaker Parrot named Frasier.

A FASHION FOR FLAIR AND FRIENDSHIP:

Jeanne not only had a flair for the adventure of life, but for fashion, too. Her clothes were characteristically artistic and she loved to shop. Shoes and jewelry were two of her favorite finds.

Fellowship was at the top of Jeanne’s priority list. One of her dearest friends, Kevyn, recalled that their best times were spent sharing a meal and their thoughts with one another. The Dining Divas were also a part of Jeanne’s life and she enjoyed many celebrations with these fun-loving gal pals. She was also part of the Friendship Force and hosted couples from as far away as Washington, North Carolina and Brazil.

GOOD-BYE:

It is difficult to capture Jeanne’s expansive, eclectic life of beauty and adventure, as well as her magnanimous generosity of spirit. We will sorely miss our dear Jeanne. But, as Kathy N. poignantly put it, “Jeanne is in her Father's house and surrounded by love. Who could want more for anyone they loved?” Let us take comfort in the words of Christ whose arms now embrace Jeanne with loving kindness and mercy:

“In my Father’s house, there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2