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Jean Byrne

December 21, 1923 ~ June 3, 2016


Our Mum, Jean Byrne (nee Mair) was born in Pegswood in 1923 and joined the WRAF in 1940 where she became a high speed telegrapher and cipher clerk working for much of the time "within shouting distance of Churchill" whose office was 50ft away. It was in the WRAF that she met Jim, a pilot whom she was married to for 70 years until his passing in 2015. After the war they moved to Stockton where Jean became a telephone operator and eventually exchange supervisor in Middlesbrough. After retiring, Jean and Jim moved to Canada where they lived until their passing.


Mum was one of the kindest people you would ever meet. Vivacious, loving, always patient and with a great sense of humour. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her children Marilyn and Michael, their spouses Franco and Maureen, grandchildren Michelle, Matthew and Demis and her great-grandchildren Evan, Emma and Vanessa. Although her health faded in later years we have cherished memories- especially of days on the beach, and family gatherings at Christmas and New Year with her extended family in Northumberland. She will never be forgotten by her family and the many friends whose hearts she touched in Canada and England.


There will be a short Memorial Service at G.F. Oliver Funeral Chapel on Saturday June 11 at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimers Society would be appreciated.

Heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Crest View Care Village, Creston Valley Hospital and the hospice volunteers who made mum's last days comfortable.