Dorothy “Jane” Byrnes of Allen, Texas passed away May 23, 2019, at the age of 97. She was born July 3, 1921, to William F. Rogan and Marguerite (Hauf) Rogan in Plymouth, Indiana. Plymouth is a small town 25 miles south of South Bend, home of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Jane fondly remembers the family road trips to visit Notre Dame when she was a child. She was a dedicated and vocal Notre Dame Football fan.
Jane had two sisters, Bette and Delphine. When she was a child, her parents moved the family to the south side of Chicago. The girls attended St. Clotilde Grammar School and Mercy High School.
Jane went on to attend a business college to learn the skills necessary to be an executive secretary. She worked in that field until her marriage to John (Jack) Emmett Byrnes in 1950.
Jane had three children, John P., Pat and Bill. Since Jack worked for the Wrigley Company, their family was always stocked with gum. At age 41, Jack was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He continued to work at Wrigley as long as he could before Jane fell back into her role as an executive secretary. She worked for the principal of Mother McAuley High School for numerous years and Prudential Insurance where she eventually became the manager of a local office before her retirement in 1983. Jane made many friends throughout her career and always invited them over for dinner to meet her family. She continued her gatherings even after her retirement.
Jane was a proud grandmother of 7 and great-grandmother of 2. She loved spending time with them. She also enjoyed good books, a good laugh and watching her favorite team sports.
Jane moved to Allen in October of 2012 to live with her son, Bill, and his family. She moved to the Heritage at Twin Creeks a month after it opened in March of 2016. She had many good friends there.
Jane was a faith filled woman throughout her life. She was an active member of St. Linus Catholic Church in Oaklawn, Illinois for 40 years and a member of St. Jude Catholic Church after moving to Allen Texas.
Jane was always a kind and loving woman, who endeared many with her wisdom, laughter and wit. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her son, John P. Byrnes and wife, Berny of North Carolina; daughter, Patricia Jane Finn of Idaho; son, William E. Byrnes and wife, Laura of Allen, Texas; grandchildren, Brian Byrnes, Michelle Byrnes, Courtney Finn, Darcy Finn, Casey Finn, Katlyn Byrnes and Kelsey Defebaugh and husband, Connor; and great-grandchildren, Aidan and Danica Byrnes.
Jane was preceded in death by her husband, John (Jack) E. Byrnes; grandchild, Michael Emmett Finn; sisters, Bette Vogler and Delphine Alder; son-in-law, Kevin Finn; and daughter-in-law, Louella.
A Funeral Mass and a Celebration of a life well lived will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 North Greenville Avenue, Allen Texas 75002 on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. A fellowship luncheon at the church will immediately follow.