Mary Ann (Nance) Byrne, 88, passed away August 31, 2021, at her home in Jacksonville, Oregon.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, to Gladys and Frederick Nance, she was the youngest of four children, joining her two older sisters and one brother. She had many fond memories of her childhood saying, “Our family was fortunate to have a wonderful piano and loads of books and it was an easy walk to the library.”
Her college years were spent at William Jewel College in Liberty, MO, a small liberal arts college. She graduated with a duel degree in English and American History. It was here that she met her future husband, Richard Byrne. Soon after college, they were married and their rich full life was beginning. In 1965 they adopted twin girls, Megan and Heather, learning a few years later of the special needs challenges.
As Richard became world-renowned in communication and cutting-edge technology in the computer field, they moved from the universities of Iowa, Wisconsin, Texas, and finally to USC in Los Angeles. Sadly, Richard passed away in 1988 at the young age of 53.
In 1993 Mary Ann made the move to Jacksonville after making several trips with college students to the Shakespeare Festival plays. Mary Ann quickly became involved with the Garden Club, Boosters Club, Rogue Valley Genealogy Society, Rogue Valley Chorale, Rogue Art Gallery, Community Concert Assoc., the Cultural Commission, just to mention a few, and she has always been an active member of Jacksonville Presbyterian Church.
Her daughter, Heather, passed away in 2016 and Megan continues to thrive with her caregivers in California.
Mary Ann and Richard were able to enjoy a good deal of travel mainly to Asia and Europe. Mary Ann had continued to enjoy traveling to Argentina, Morocco, Tibet, Italy, England, Wales, Africa, and India.
We mourn her death but hold dear to our hearts her joyful, positive attitude—her graciousness, articulate expressions, and an amazing knowledge and memory. What a consistent light for Christ she has been in our lives.
Survivors include her daughter, Megan, Milpitas, CA; sister-in law Jean Barrett, Independence, MO; niece Carol (Dick) Bath, Central Point, OR; niece Melinda (Jim) Hartford, Wayland, MA; nephew Patrick (Wendy) Nance, Tiburon, CA; Jeffrey (Luann) Rowat, Des Moines, IA; Clifford (JoAnn) Castle, Healdsburg, CA; Kevin Castle, Independence, MO; friend Jennifer (Bill) Plants, Campbell, CA.; and several great-nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 11:00am at Jacksonville Presbyterian Church. Contributions may be made to Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville Public Library, and Jacksonville Woodlands Assoc., PO Box 1210, Jacksonville, OR.