Helen M. Byrne, a lifelong resident of Nashua, completed her journey here on earth to begin another on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. Helen was 85 years old. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by hers sons and daughters at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack after a period of declining health.
Helen was born on June 5, 1930, raised in Nashua and was the daughter of the late Guy and Helen (Smith) Mizo. She was also predeceased by her husband Thomas E. Byrne, Sr., who passed away in 1987; an infant son Carl; her brother Earl Clifton Mizo, his wife Mary and their only child, Helen’s nephew, Guy Mizo.
Helen received her diploma from the Post Graduate School of Nursing in February, 1960. As a Licensed Practical Nurse she worked at the privately owned Desmarais Nursing Home on Main St. in Nashua and had in her care the first two iron lung patients in the area. She later worked at Teledyne in Hudson, NH until her retirement.
She was a past president, serving 3 terms, of the Ladies Auxiliary to Nashua VFW Post #483. She also held offices at the District level. In years past she had the opportunity to attend several national VFW conventions.
Helen never missed an opportunity for a good time whether it was a party, a long ride or going out to eat. Any event became a fun time with her presence. Her wonderful spirit, sweet smile and zany sense of humor would permeate the room. She enjoyed life to the fullest. She was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and enjoyed playing bingo, cribbage and poker and drinking her annual glass of beer on New Year’s Eve. Trips to Foxwoods, the Palace Theater, Cape Cod and Disney World; polishing her fingernails and shopping were among her favorite things. She collected elephants and angels, enjoyed watching TV, basking in the sun, listening to music, especially ABBA and Saxophone and doing the “Nana Dance”. She also enjoyed long conversations and much laughter on the phone, into the wee hours of the morning, with her dear friend Rose Garant.
Helen is survived by her children Thomas E. Byrne, Jr. and his wife Mary Castine-Byrne, Bruce Byrne, her caregiver and Brenda Byrne, all of Nashua; her former daughter-in-law, Eleanor Byrne of Virginia Beach, VA; her grandchildren Shawn Byrne and his wife Anna of Weymouth, MA, Kimberly and her husband Jonathan Hobson of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, Michelle and her husband Jason Desautels of Billerica, MA, Alfred Castine III and his wife Diana of Merrimack and Amy and her husband Aaron Wise of Nashua.
Helen is also survived by her great grandchildren Conall Byrne, Shawn Brooks, Nathan, Mykenzi and Dominick Hobson, Samantha and her husband Gary Metallic Jr., Joseph and Mazie Desautels, Kayleigh O’Laughlin, Emily Castine , Alfred Castine IV, Alexander and Alannah Wise and one great great grandson Gary Metallic III, one niece and several nephews and cousins.
Helen also leaves behind her precious kitty boy Tucker and her many “grand dogs” and “grand cats”.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Sunday, December 20th from 3 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua, Monday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054 or to Kitty Angels, P.O. Box 638, Tyngsboro, MA 01879. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com
