Marilyn L. Byrne

Byrne, Marilyn The daughter of Joseph and Lillian Sobraske, Marilyn L. Byrne was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on February 2, 1930, and died on November 18, 2010. She graduated from Duchesne College and received an M.A. from Creighton University. A passionate teacher, she enjoyed teaching middle school in Omaha for fourteen years. It was at this time she met and married another teacher, Frank L. Byrne, who taught American history at Creighton University. In 1966 they moved to Kent, Ohio, where he joined the history department at Kent State University and she raised two children, volunteered in the community, joined numerous clubs, and began accumulating golf and bowling trophies. An avid bridge player, chef, and all-round raconteur, she took great pleasure in volunteering for Meals on Wheels, the Kent State University Museum of Fashion, the League of Women's Voters, and other organizations. Over the past few years various ailments prevented her from participating in her customary activities but she continued to relish her book club and commiserating with friends and family over the plight of the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and virtually every other sports team in her adopted state. She was predeceased by her loving husband of forty years Frank L. Byrne in 2002. She is survived by daughter, Anne Boyles (Todd), and grandsons, Ian, Sean, and Alec Boyles of Kent; son, Frank (Mary), and grandsons Jack and Liam of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; brother Robert Sobraske (Natalie) of Schuyler, Nebraska; sister-in-law Grace Byrne of Pine Bush, N.Y.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many friends and well-wishers. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8: pm on Monday, November 22nd, at the Bissler & Sons Funeral Home 628 West Main Street , Kent. Funeral services will be held 10am Tuesday, November 23rd, at St. Patrick Church. 313 DePeyster Street. Kent. Burial will be at Standing Rock Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Frank L. Byrne Endowed Scholarship Fund, Department of History, Kent State University, see http://www.kent.edu/CAS/History/byrne-fund.cfm