Kathryn "Kay" Marie Elizabeth (Merkle) Byrne of Landsdowne, Pennsylvania departed her earthly life and gained her heavenly wings on November 23, 2011.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 2, 1925 to Katherine Evelyn (Losmann) Merkle Seitz and Hugo Victor Merkle, Kay grew up in Maryland with her brother for several years, while she was under the care of a relative. She also partially grew up in Philadelphia while under the care of her parents. She engaged her time in dancing and modeling in her youth. She met her beloved husband, John Patrick Byrne, Jr., in about 1941, and they got married in 1946. They eventually settled in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, where they raised their six children. Kay moved to Landsdowne in the early 2000s.

Hard work was no stranger to Kay. She worked at the Pennsylvania Railroad for a few years, and after raising her children, she worked at Conrail, from where she eventually retired. She loved watching television, dining, spending time with her children and grandchildren, shopping, and needlework.

Kay was preceded in death by her mother in 1945 and her father in 1955. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Hugo Merkle, Jr., in 1962, her son, Anthony "Tony" Merkle Byrne, in 1973, her devoted husband, John Patrick Byrne, Jr., in 1994, and her son-in-law, Stanwood "Stan" Blaine Oppel, in 2007.

Kay is survived by three sons, John "Jack" Patrick Byrne, III, James Paul Byrne (Marilyn), and Robert William Byrne. She is also survived by two daughters, Katie Evelyn Rotella (Richard) and Betty Kay Oppel (Stan). She is survived by many grandchildren, one great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.

One thing I know is that while her survivors mourn her absence, Kay has been reunited with her deceased loved ones who live on eternally in Heaven. One day, we are all reunited, in a place where time does not exist and sickness is not a concept. 

Burial: Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania; plot Sunnyside

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