Barbara Judith Byrne

Barbara Judith Byrne, nee Smith, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 26, just nine days shy of her 99th birthday.

The second youngest of five children, she was predeceased by her parents Raymond and Alice (Killion) Smith, brothers William (Edith), Raymond and sister Elizabeth Kelly (Joseph).

She leaves behind her devoted daughter, Paula Bigelow Howard, loving son-in-law, Robert, beloved grandson Neal (Kathryn), and cherished great-granddaughter Claire Howard. Barbara also leaves behind her youngest brother, Paul Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara had a great sense of humor, loved to garden, travel and enjoyed spending time with her family.

At the age of 87, she toured the United Kingdom and waited faithfully outside Westminster Abbey for several hours for a glimpse of the Queen. The massive crowd was told the Queen had left and would not be appearing and the bystanders quickly left the area. One kind Bobby whispered in Barbara’s ear to be patient and she might get a surprise. Barbara was not disappointed as the Queen appeared from the Abbey, gave Barbara a nod, wave and warm smile. It was indeed the highlight of her trip.

Barbara worked for Texaco New England Region for 23 years and enjoyed several interesting business trips throughout the Country including one to Wyoming. She loved to talk about the rodeos, cowboys and antelopes leaping across the roads at night.

Services will be held at Massachusetts National Cemetery where Barbara will be laid to rest with her husband of 43 years, James D. Byrne who passed away in 2017.

The family suggests remembrances made in Barbara’s honor be directed to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA, 02284 or online via dana-farber.org/gift.

Notes of comfort may be made to her family at www.Chapmanfuneral.com