Kathleen Byrnes, heart and soul of family

Kathleen “Katy” Byrnes, 73, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024. She was born July 19, 1950, in New Rochelle, N.Y., to Edward and Kathryn (Tynan) McCaffrey. She was a graduate of St. Gabriel High School, where she was a standout student, cheerleader and friend to many before continuing her education as a medical assistant. She married Stephen J. Byrnes May 23, 1971, at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Together, they raised their five children in Mahopac, N.Y., and retired in 2011 to Lewes.

Katy had a diverse professional career and was proud to help support her family by running her own dance school with her sister Mary, and working as a nursery school teacher and finally as office manager for the local pediatrician. At each stage of her career, people remarked how much of an impact she had on their lives because of her warmth and caring nature.

Throughout her life, Katy’s greatest joy was her family. She showered her children with love and was so proud to clap the loudest at every game, recital and play. And when her grandchildren came along, she showered them with even more love, presents and desserts. She made every day special with imagination and magic, and continued to clap the loudest at every event.

Her family will remember her love of the ocean, the joy she found in singing and dancing with her family, the fun she had playing games and doing jigsaw puzzles, her famous breakfast and snack spreads, the way she made every holiday magical – especially Christmas – but most of all they will remember how much she filled their lives with love. She was the heart and soul of the family, and she will be missed every day.

She was welcomed into heaven by her father and mother, Ed and Kay, and her sister Debbie. She leaves behind her husband Steve; her children Kerry (Anthony), Megyn (Danielle), Katy, Steve, and Jamie (Patrick); and her sugar-filled grandchildren whom she loved to spoil, Ryan, Logan, Ella and Cooper. She is also survived by siblings Ed McCaffrey (Linda), Mary Flynn, and Dennis McCaffrey (Eve); as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of life will be held for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Katy’s memory to Sussex Strong, sussexstrong.org.

Visit Kathleen's Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.