Barbara Byrne, educator
Barbara A. Byrne, 74, of Cape May, a former nun who became a principal for two Catholic elementary schools in Cape May County, died of septic shock Sunday, Nov. 6, at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.
Barbara A. Byrne, 74, of Cape May, a former nun who became a principal for two Catholic elementary schools in Cape May County, died of septic shock Sunday, Nov. 6, at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.
Born in Philadelphia, Ms. Byrne graduated in 1960 from the former West Catholic Girls High School and entered the religious order of the Sisters of Mercy in Merion.
She taught at elementary schools in Allentown and the Philadelphia region, ending her sisterly career in 1985 at Waldron Mercy Academy in Merion, her sister, Madeline Byrne, said.
During her years as a nun, she earned a bachelor's degree in education at what is now Gwynedd Mercy University in Montgomery County.
After leaving the religious order, her sister said, she started a business in the Poconos and lived there at Arrowhead Lake, cleaning up houses in the region after construction crews had left.
In the early 1990s, Ms. Byrne returned to teaching, now as a lay person, first at SS. Philip and James Elementary School in Exton and then at Holy Cross School in Springfield, Delaware County.
"She taught eighth grade," her sister said. "She was the math guru."
In 1996, Ms. Byrne went to Cape May as principal, first at the former school of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Cape May and then as principal at Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School in Cape May Court House.
She retired in 2012 and, her sister said, maintained close ties with the Sisters of Mercy, helping at the order's Retreat House in Sea Isle City, N.J.
Carolyn Baier, a close friend since the 1980s, recalled Ms. Byrne as "a generous spirit."
During their friendship, Baier said, Ms. Byrne "was leading food drives for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas."
And throughout the year, Baier said, "she would reach out to families, to give food and medicine to families. And she did this on a regular basis."
Besides her sister, Ms. Byrne is survived by a nephew, a niece, and grandnieces.
A viewing is set from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 525 Washington St., Cape May, before a 1:30 p.m. Funeral Mass there. Interment is to be private.
Donations may be sent to Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School, 2221 N. Route 9, Cape May Court House, N.J. 08210.
Condolences may be offered to the family at spilkerfuneralhome.com.
610-313-8134 @WNaedele