Obituary for Hilda Kennedy Byrne
Hilda Kennedy Byrne (96), known to her Family as “Dids”, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2016, after a brief illness, in her home. Hilda was born on November 4, 1919 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, to Ada Sampson Kennedy and John J. Kennedy.
Hilda served overseas in the Medical Division of the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War Two, where she met and married Evan E. Roberts, who was serving in the United States Navy, as a Chief Petty Officer. She resided in New Hartford, New York from 1945 until 1964, where she had three sons.
In 1965, Hilda came to Connecticut, when her husband, William E. Byrne was appointed Librarian at Windham High School. She was extremely active in volunteer work for many years, all while being a devoted Mother and Wife. Hilda served on the Commission on Ageing for Windham and on the Board of Catholic Charities for Willimantic. She was a Red Cross Volunteer and one of two founding members for Saint Paul’s Covenant Soup Kitchen. She would provide weekly visits to the former Abby Manor and Canterbury Villa and volunteered at the Immaculata Retreat House for many years. She was also past president of the Saint Joseph’s Women’s Club.
Hilda was many things to a great number of people. She was an extremely kind soul, who was always there for someone in need. Whatever an individual needed, she was there. She continued to follow up on those who came to her and always remembered to pray for their souls. Hilda was a devout Christian, who instilled many positive attributes into her Sons during their upbringing. No matter what the task was, Hilda never took the easy route. Rather, she preferred to do something right the first time. In doing so, matters took an enormous toll on her physically, yet she rarely complained. Instead, she would offer up her pain to the Lord. She was a remarkable lady, who was loved by many and who deserved much more happiness than she ever received on Earth. She will be sorely missed.
Hilda is survived by one son, John J Roberts of Willimantic, Connecticut, a Granddaughter, Cydney Rogers of Troy, New York, three Grandsons Daniel, Morgan and Reece Roberts and one Great Granddaughter Bronwen Roberts and many Nieces and Nephews.
She is predeceased by her Husband, William E. Byrne and two sons, Michael Edward and Daniel Thurston Roberts.
Hilda is also survived by two dear friends, Daughter-in-Law, Bette Roberts of Manchester, Connecticut and Stephanie Iazzetta of Willimantic, Connecticut, who made her last years happy ones.
The Family wishes to thank Hartford Health Care Home Services for their compassion and professionalism during Hilda’s sickness and to the many friends and well-wishers for their prayers and sympathy.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect Street, Willimantic, Connecticut, with a Memorial Mass to be held on Saturday, July 30 at 11:00 AM at Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Jackson Street, Willimantic, Connecticut. A repast will be held directly after in the Church Hall.
Burial will be in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her Husband, William E. Byrne in Mount Olivet Cemetery, at a future date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the Family is requesting that donations be made to Saint Paul’s Covenant Soup Kitchen, the Haitian Ministry of the Diocese of Norwich or to the Hartford Health Care Home Services.
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Hilda served overseas in the Medical Division of the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War Two, where she met and married Evan E. Roberts, who was serving in the United States Navy, as a Chief Petty Officer. She resided in New Hartford, New York from 1945 until 1964, where she had three sons.
In 1965, Hilda came to Connecticut, when her husband, William E. Byrne was appointed Librarian at Windham High School. She was extremely active in volunteer work for many years, all while being a devoted Mother and Wife. Hilda served on the Commission on Ageing for Windham and on the Board of Catholic Charities for Willimantic. She was a Red Cross Volunteer and one of two founding members for Saint Paul’s Covenant Soup Kitchen. She would provide weekly visits to the former Abby Manor and Canterbury Villa and volunteered at the Immaculata Retreat House for many years. She was also past president of the Saint Joseph’s Women’s Club.
Hilda was many things to a great number of people. She was an extremely kind soul, who was always there for someone in need. Whatever an individual needed, she was there. She continued to follow up on those who came to her and always remembered to pray for their souls. Hilda was a devout Christian, who instilled many positive attributes into her Sons during their upbringing. No matter what the task was, Hilda never took the easy route. Rather, she preferred to do something right the first time. In doing so, matters took an enormous toll on her physically, yet she rarely complained. Instead, she would offer up her pain to the Lord. She was a remarkable lady, who was loved by many and who deserved much more happiness than she ever received on Earth. She will be sorely missed.
Hilda is survived by one son, John J Roberts of Willimantic, Connecticut, a Granddaughter, Cydney Rogers of Troy, New York, three Grandsons Daniel, Morgan and Reece Roberts and one Great Granddaughter Bronwen Roberts and many Nieces and Nephews.
She is predeceased by her Husband, William E. Byrne and two sons, Michael Edward and Daniel Thurston Roberts.
Hilda is also survived by two dear friends, Daughter-in-Law, Bette Roberts of Manchester, Connecticut and Stephanie Iazzetta of Willimantic, Connecticut, who made her last years happy ones.
The Family wishes to thank Hartford Health Care Home Services for their compassion and professionalism during Hilda’s sickness and to the many friends and well-wishers for their prayers and sympathy.
Arrangements are being handled by the Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect Street, Willimantic, Connecticut, with a Memorial Mass to be held on Saturday, July 30 at 11:00 AM at Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Jackson Street, Willimantic, Connecticut. A repast will be held directly after in the Church Hall.
Burial will be in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her Husband, William E. Byrne in Mount Olivet Cemetery, at a future date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the Family is requesting that donations be made to Saint Paul’s Covenant Soup Kitchen, the Haitian Ministry of the Diocese of Norwich or to the Hartford Health Care Home Services.
To plant a tree in memory of Hilda Kennedy Byrne, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Service
Saturday
23
Jul
11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
St. Joseph Church
Jackson St.
Willimantic, CT 06226
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