Mary A. Byrne

Mary Agnes Byrne, 87, a lifelong resident of Salem, died on January 29, 2018. She was born in Salem, MA on January 21, 1931 to James J. and Mary A. (Brennan) Byrne. Mary was a graduate of St. James High School and Salem State Teachers’ College.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her five siblings, James, Joseph and Edward Byrne, Anne (Byrne) Walker and Katharine (Byrne) McDonald and by her dear friend Edward Walker.

Mary served as a Carmelite Nun in the Monastery in Roxbury and later Danvers before leaving the Order in the early 1960’s, after which she taught elementary school and reading in the Salem School District for many years until her retirement.

A selfless, loving person, Mary was unstintingly generous with her resources and her time to all she thought were in need. A highly gifted knitter, she would spend the year creating beautiful mittens, hats and scarfs to sell at the St. James Church Christmas bazaar every year. She delighted in sewing lovely outfits for her many nieces when they were little and was skilled at embroidery and needlework. She was a talented pianist; a devoted member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society; and an active, lifelong member of St. James Church.

She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will sorely miss her kind, loving spirit.

There are no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend Mary’s Funeral Mass at 10 AM on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish at St. James Church, 152 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970 (Please meet at the church). Burial will follow the Mass in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Salem. Donations are requested to: In-lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Boston, 18 Canton Street, Stoughton, MA 02072 www.svdpboston.com .