Loretta Marie Collins Byrne
Loretta Marie (Collins) Byrne, 93, of Charlottesville, Va., (formerly of Millbrook, N.Y.) passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Center on August 14, 2023.
Born January 28, 1930, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Loretta was the daughter of Denis and Jane (Hanley) Collins. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 44 years, Tom; her parents; sisters Mary and Jean; and brother, George.
Loretta attended Bishop McDonald High School and held an administrative position at Fireman’s Fund insurance company where she met her future husband, Thomas E. Byrne. On November 26, 1955, they married at St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. They moved to Millbrook, N.Y., in 1963 where they raised their five children. Loretta and Tom were devout Catholics and long-time parishioners of St. Joseph Church in Millbrook. They made many treasured friendships in Millbrook and enjoyed the close-knit community. Loretta and Tom traveled extensively around the world, but their favorite travel was to family gatherings.
Loretta enjoyed playing bridge with a close group of friends for over 20 years. She volunteered with Uncle Al’s Thrift Shop and appreciated her friendships with fellow volunteers. Loretta enjoyed crafting: sewing clothes, crocheting throws, painting, and ceramics. She initiated the family tradition of making annual family photo calendars. Loretta was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She remained primary caregiver for her son, Tommy, into her eighties. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and checking on how everyone was doing. Loretta’s kind, caring, generous soul will be deeply missed. Her family will remember her forever.
Loretta is survived by her sons Thomas of Charlottesville, Va., Daniel (Loretta) of Perry Hall, Md., William (Elizabeth) of Owosso, Mich., and James (Keri-Ann) of Charlottesville, Va.; and her daughter Karen (Paul) of Charlottesville, Va.; grandchildren Michael, Virginia, Bass, Kate, Kristen, Jack, Kevin, Thomas, Meghan, Andrea, Caroline, Derek, Nicholas and Alex; and great-grandchildren, Killian, Mayra, Bennett, Georgia, Josiah, Hannah, Lily, Aria and Kiera Grace.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Center, Linden House and Medi Home Hospice for their care and loving support for Loretta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Church of the Incarnation, 1465 Incarnation Drive, Charlottesville, with reception immediately following at the church. Rev. Msgr. Timothy Keeney will officiate. A private burial service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Millbrook, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, those who are so inclined may make contributions to Innisfree Village, a life sharing community for adults with intellectual disabilities, 5505 Walnut Level Road, Crozet, VA 22932, https://www.innisfreevillage.org/give/.
Condolences may be left for the family on the Tribute Wall.
