Catherine Byrne

Catherine Elizabeth Byrne (nee Gallagher), 89, passed away on January 6, 2014 in Greenwich, CT. “Kay” was born on August 23rd 1924 in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Patrick Francis and Elizabeth Gallagher (nee McCormack), both from County Derry, Ireland. She is survived by her five children; Peter Jr., Patricia, Karen, Michael and Thomas, her three grandsons Gabriel, Evan, and Ryan, as well as an extended network of family, dear friends—and a motley group of granddogs.

Kay was known for her wicked sense of humor and for being a wonderful mother. Even if she occasionally mixed up the names of her children, she was adept at counting noses, and loved spending time with them at Tod’s Point. She insisted that they not go out in the water “over their heads” alone, and would stand waist-deep, holding their hands as they bobbed the depths—a true act of courage for someone with a deathly, and well disguised, fear of water.

Kay actively participated in numerous local volunteer efforts, notably Greenwich Hospital and for heroically coordinating the local Annual Girl Scout Cookie Drive. Aside from raising her children, her great passion and inspiration was with local theater. Kay was never more alive than when she was stage-managing as she did for numerous productions for Connecticut Playmakers, her second home and second family for two decades. Despite her love of singing, she rarely ventured onstage, preferring to express her talents and organizational skills backstage.

In her later years Kay resided at The Mews in Greenwich. Her children are deeply indebted to the loving and generous care she received from the dedicated staff and caregivers at The Mews, and will be endlessly grateful to a small group of extended family and friends who tirelessly showered her with unconditional love and care. At Kay’s request, there will not be a viewing, rather a celebration of her life to be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Connecticut Playmakers at http://www.ctplaymakers.org. Kay will be lovingly remembered for her laughter and her final outgoing message on her answering machine: “All is well with me, I hope all is well with you.”