On July 26, 2023, Eleanore J. Byrne (nee Grosse), loving wife of the late John T. Byrne passed into the hands of the Lord.  She was in the presence of her three daughters at the time of her death.  Eleanore is preceeded in death by her two brothers, Richard Grosse and Bobby Sausser.  She is survived by her four children, Linda, Richard, Noelle and Erin, 7 grandchildren , Jennifer, Chris, Julie, Jason, Nicholas, Roxanne, and Cliff,  4 great granddaughters,  Mackenzie, Brigitte, Rileigh, and Teagan, with a fifth on the way.

Eleanore was born in Milwaukee, WI, but grew up in Wildwood, NJ, where she met her husband John. Eleanore attended University of Pennsylvania, and graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.  Eleanore married John in 1952 in Wildwood NJ.  In 1955 they moved to San Diego, CA with their two young children.   John and Eleanore lived in Southern California until 1991 when they moved to Santa Barbara, CA, where John passed away in 1993, and  Eleanore moved to Virginia in 2014.

As a loving mother, Eleanore was an accomplished seamstress and often made beautiful clothes for her children, as well as dressy gowns for her mother in law.   Eleanore was active in the church parish wherever she lived, often visiting with seniors, and was a member of The Legion of Mary for several years.  Eleanore loved the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of California.  When they moved to Santa Barbara her dream of living by the ocean was fulfilled.  Eleanore was an avid gardener and her yard in Santa Barbara was always filled with beautiful blooming flowers.  Often, people walking by would stop and admire them and talk with her.  Eleanore loved small dogs, and adopted or rescued several throughout her life, and then loved and cared for them through their lives.  Eleanore loved to travel.  Her travels took her to all continents over the course of her life.  She remembered places and events and fantastic things she had seen on her travels and shared those experiences with her friends and family.  Eleanore loved her grandchildren dearly, and helped provide for their education.  She was tickled by becoming a great grandmother (GiGi) and always excited to welcome a new life into the world.  Eleanore will be missed and remembered by all.

A mass for Eleanore will be held on Tuesday Aug. 8 at 10:30 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 21370 St. Theresa Ln, Ashburn, VA.20147.   Eleanore will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetary in Santa Barbara next to her husband, John.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The Macular Degeneration Association (macularhope.org)  or to your favorite dog rescue or charity.