On January 2, 2022 Kathleen (Kay) Byrnes (nee McGowen) of Melville, New York and Marco Island, FL passed away at the age of 90. Born Kathleen V. McGowen to loving parents Mary (nee Hammer) and William McGowen. Born and raised on Jarvis Avenue in Bronx, NY, Kathleen attended Villa Maria Academy. Upon graduation, Kathleen went to the New Rochelle School of Art where she earned a certificate to teach art in the Archdiocese of New York.

It was during this time Kathleen met the love of her life Michael V. (Mike) Byrnes. She married Mike, the boy across the street, at their parish Our Lady of Assumption Church. They moved to Whitestone and became the proud parents of Mary Byrnes, Michael (Carolyn), James (Lysa) and Raymond (Santa). They eventually settled in Dix Hills, Long Island. Their family was complete with the arrival of their youngest son, Daniel (Linda). Her family gave her the greatest joy in life and her twelve grandchildren Jennifer, Christopher, Katheryn, Daniel, Lauren, Kevin, Joseph, Emily, Sara, Quinna, Brian and Timothy completed that joy.

An avid bridge player, Kathleen also enjoyed playing marjon with her neighbors and friends both here and on Marco Island. She also enjoyed reading novels having both volunteered and worked at libraries in Dix Hills and Melville. Kathleen also spent her leisure time creating spectacular counted cross stitch canvases for friends and family. She preferred sunshine to snow and loved beaches here on Long Island and for more than 40 years on Marco Island.

Kathleen will be greatly missed by all of us who loved her dearly. We find solace knowing she is reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Mike, their son James and her parents. Funeral arrangements will follow. Donations can be made in her name to the American Cancer Association and Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Care Centers.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always with you,

May the sunrise warm you always

'Til we meet again.