Irmgard O'Byrne

July 28, 1935 - May 31, 2018

GENEVA - Irmgard “Irma” O’Byrne passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at home with her beloved husband and daughter by her side after a long illness. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral Service on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at 9:00 AM in the DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home, 181 N. Main St., Geneva, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stephen’s Church at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Irma’s name to the Ontario County Humane Society, 2976 County Rd #48, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Irma was born on July 28, 1935 in Berlin, Germany. She was the daughter of the late Heinrich and Emma Heister. She met the love of her life, U.S. Army Infantryman, John P. O’Byrne, and after a year’s engagement the two married in Berlin. The couple eventually moved back to John’s hometown of Geneva, NY where they enjoyed nearly 63 years of marriage. Together they raised two children. Besides her husband, John (Jack), Irma is survived by her daughter, Deborah (Duncan Oldham) O’Byrne; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bill and Mary O’Byrne and Peggy Nagle; cousin, Mamie Higgins; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Besides her parents, Irma was predeceased by her son Johnny, granddaughter Emma Rose, father-in-law and mother-in-law Joseph and Nancy O’Byrne, Aunt and Uncle Mollie and Joseph McDonough, sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kay and Neil Flynn and Paul Nagle, and niece Patti Flynn Seelbach. Irma will always be remembered for her love of life, her bright smile, and infectious laughter. She was always busy: in her younger years raising the children, then working at various retail and grocery stores until her retirement. She loved life, especially when she was on Seneca Lake in her boat, “The Irma O”. She was kind and compassionate and always had a positive outlook on life regardless of the obstacles in her path. Irma was an amazing wife, mother, and friend. Jack and Debbie are especially grateful to the special people in all of their lives: Mary and Scott Adams, Joanne and Robert Reed, Meg Cecere, Maree Walczak, and particularly, her caretaker Brenda Cardinale. There are no words to describe the loving and compassionate care you gave, not only to Mom but to all three of us over the past few months. Brenda, you are truly a gift from God!