Stephanie Sue Byrne

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephanie Sue Byrne, beloved wife, mother, Grammy, sister, daughter and cherished friend, who went home to be with the Lord on December 6th, 2024 after a courageous 15-year battle with breast cancer.

Born on June 12, 1958, to Bob and Nancy Gerber she spent her early years in Lester, Iowa. After graduating with an LPN degree, she eventually moved to Peoria where she worked in homecare settings. In 1988 she married Paul Byrne and together they raised a beautiful family of five children, and now eleven grandchildren who were the center of her world.

A woman of unwavering faith, Stephanie found great joy in serving the Lord and others. Stephanie was a devoted Christian and faithful member of Church 2:14 where she actively participated on the hosting team, and in children’s ministries. Outside of church, she loved helping with costumes for various local theater productions, sewing for others, and going on several mission trips to Malawi with Circle of Hope. Her love for Christ, her family, and others was evident in everything she did.

Her legacy of love, faith, and generosity will live on in the lives of her children: Katie (and Sean) Koors, Steve (and Kristine) Byrne, Riley (and Megan Beard) Byrne, Malerie (And Nathan) Stickling and Meredith Byrne and her eleven Grandchildren, Liam and Aine Koors; Lincoln and Aubrey Byrne; Brinn, Karrington, Eloise and Beckett Byrne; Ivy, Willa Jo, Magnolia Stickling, as well as her husband, Paul, mother, Nancy Gerber. Additionally, she is survived by her siblings: Dan (and Darcy) Gerber, Steve (and Dar) Gerber, Mark Gerber, and Jill (and Kevin) Erikson, and an incredible host of extended family and friends who loved her and were blessed to have known her. She was preceded in death by her father, Bob Gerber.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria on Saturday, December 14, at 2pm. Visitation will be Friday, December 13, 4-6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Circle of Hope International, a cause dear to Stephanie's heart. https://cohcommunity.org/donate

Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.

Though she is no longer with us, Stephanie’s love and faith will continue to guide and inspire those who loved her. As she rests in the arms of her Savior, we take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and at peace in the presence of the Lord.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23