Mary Alice Holthaus Byrnes

Mary Alice Holthaus Byrnes, a woman of deep faith, radiant love, and enduring grace, breathed her last and entered into eternal life on May 18, 2025, at the age of 97. She was the beloved wife of the late Frederick C. Byrnes, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Their story began at the Custom House in Baltimore, where a young and beautiful Mary Alice met Frederick, a former Navy seaman and Baltimore City firefighter—beginning a marriage full of joy, devotion, and faith.

Born on November 10, 1927, the first child of Mary Beatrice Ryan and Emmett Holthaus, Mary Alice lived a life rooted in her Catholic faith. A founding member of the parish of St. Jane Frances Church and a lay member of the Carmelite order, she attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary faithfully, and lived a life of prayer and service. She was a Eucharistic Minister to the sick and a devoted CCD teacher, sharing her deep love of Christ and His Mother with all who crossed her path.

Mary Alice was the proud and loving mother of six children: Mary Elizabeth Harkins (Roger), the late Mary DeSales Byrnes, Mary Carmel Buckey (James), the late Francis Xavier Byrnes, Mary Eileen Lorenz, and Mary Bridget Quinn (Leo). Her nurturing presence and constant support were felt by all who knew her.

She was the cherished grandmother of Ryan Harkins (Rhonda), Douglas Harkins (Megan), Nicole Cawley (Clint), Rachael Buckey, Benjamin Buckey, Eric Harkins (April) (late wife Sarah), Nathan Buckey (Paige), Nicholas Thompson (Kenneth), Mary McKernan (Brendan), Olivia Reeves (Weston), Mary Megan Quinn, Leo V. “Chip” Quinn III, Max Lorenz, Mary Genevieve Quinn, and Lucy Lorenz. Her love extended deeply to her great-grandchildren: Kelly, Julie, Lily, Garrett, Madeline, Ethan, Michael, Liam, Analee, Jude, Faustina, Mary Catherine, Louis, Paul, John, Mary Alice, Nolan, Norah, Lyla, Donovan, Aubrey, Gavin, Mason, Owen, the expected Mary Alice , the late Cecelia and the late Ellie. Each of her many grandchildren believed they were her favorite—and she lovingly agreed.

She was a beloved sister to the late John Ryan (Jack) Holthaus, the late Francis (Rhody) Holthaus, the late Joseph Holthaus, the late James Holthaus (late wife Cynthia), the late Louis Holthaus, and the late Reverend Paul G. Holthaus. She was also a devoted aunt to many, many loving nieces and nephews.

Professionally, Mary Alice worked early in life at the Custom House, where she first met Frederick. Later, she served with grace and diligence at the Archdiocese of Baltimore in the Division of Schools, and later at the Department of Social Services in Annapolis.

Mary Alice had a special eye for beauty. She loved flowers, elegant fashion, and was always dressed to the nines with a warm smile and graceful presence. Her kindness, humor, and unwavering faith left a lasting mark on everyone she met.

She will be missed dearly, but her legacy of love, faith, and family will live on for generations.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, Maryland 21075 (Exit 6 South off Route 100) on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jane Frances De Chantal Catholic Church, 8499 Virginia Avenue, Riviera Beach, Maryland 21122 on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 am. Interment New Cathedral Cemetery.