Barbara Joy Byrne

Barbara Byrne

Barbara Joy (Hofmeister) Byrne passed away on February 6, 2010 after battling stomach cancer since June, 2009. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be missed by all. Born on September 24, 1940 to Fred and Elsie (Wasser) Hofmeister in Schenectady, NY, Barbara was a proud 1958 graduate of Linton High School before pursuing her dream of becoming a lifelong educator. She earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY in 1962 and began her teaching career on Long Island. Barbara educated thousands of young minds over many decades--from Long Island, to Dade County and New Port Richey (Richey Fundamental Elementary) in Florida, culminating in the last ten years at Rose Mary Haggar Elementary in Plano, Texas.

Barbara married Kevin Michael Byrne on August 12, 1967 in Long Island, NY and spent the last 42 years enjoying his love and companionship while raising their family. Barbara and Kevin began their married life in Miami, Florida and after eight years there continued their journey together to New Port Richey, Florida for the next twelve. In 1987, Barbara joined Kevin in a West Texas adventure by moving to Monahans, Texas before finally settling down in Plano in 1995.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband Kevin, and their three childrenTracy Davis(wife of Charles Davis) of New Port Richey, Florida; Tricia Crimmins (wife of Lt Col Thomas Crimmins, USAF) of Alexandria, Virginia; and Timothy Byrne (husband of Kimberly Byrne ) of Largo, Floridaas well as by her brother Ronald Hofmeister of Bellevue, Washington. Barbara's five grandchildren brought the greatest joy to her full life and they miss their "Grammie" with all their heart: Jacob (17), Meghan (13), Lauren (10), Abraham (7), and Elijah (5).

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano, TX. 75023 with Father Jason Cargo, celebrant. A reception will follow in the Parrish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the following: American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org); Advance Hospice Care of America, Inc. (www.advancehospice.com); and in honor of her beloved "little friends," her ever-present dogs and cats which brought her so much comfort, Texas Animal Rescue and Adoption (www.pgaa.com/texas).