Evelyn Elaine Byrne, 80, of Highland passed away February 15, 2020 at her home with family at her bedside.
Evelyn was born in Plattekill on March 16, 1939. She was the daughter of late Tremper and Gertrude Gathen Sprague.
Evelyn graduated from Highland High School and was a local resident her entire life. She worked for many years as the bookkeeper of her family owned propane company, Ulster Gas Company. Once retiring, she spent many years caring for hundreds of children including all of her own grandchildren and great grandchildren.
On July 14, 1957, Evelyn married Oliver Thomas Byrne Jr who resides at home. Evelyn is survived by sons Oliver III and wife, Sharon of Clintondale; Terry and wife, Francine of Clintondale; Shaun and wife, Tammy of Gardiner. Daughters Donna Whitney and husband, Steven of Clintondale; Nancy Southworth and husband, Harold of Ocala Florida; and Jeanine Byrne and partner, Michael Depaola of Highland.
Evelyn was the proud grandmother, “Nanny,” of 16 grandchildren: Nicole and Sara Byrne; Tyler Whitney; Matthew and Austin Southworth, and Renee Cross; Olivia VanEtten and Kevin Pacheco; Samantha Lynk, Sabrina Byrne, Stephanie Hart, and Terry Byrne Jr; Cassidy and Ashley Thacker, Nash and Elaina Byrne; and 5 great grandchildren: Addison and Alayna Southworth; Colin, Wesley, and Carley Cross.
Evelyn is survived by one sister Dorothy Foertsh. She is preceased by her brothers Tremper and Ronald Sprague, and sisters Lillian Rhoades and Mary Todd. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Evelyn’s pride and joy were her grandkids, who she loved to spend time with and spoil. She was known as ‘Aunt Evy’ to the over 100 kids she spent many of her years babysitting. She was known as the baby whisperer and she always had a special spot on her lap where all the kids loved to snuggle. Her favorite pastimes were visiting Saratoga with her husband, attending Bingo with her beloved sister and friends, winning knick knacks at penny socials which she oftentimes handed over to her grandchildren, and taking her chances on scratch off tickets. Anyone that knew her, knew she loved angels and had a beautiful collection which she enjoyed admiring. She spent nearly every birthday celebrating at the casino with her husband and family. Evelyn, Nanny, was the matriarch of her family who absolutely adored her. She had a heart of gold and touched the lives of many people with her contagious smile and spunky sassy personality. She will be missed dearly by all that knew her but she is now our guardian angel.
A graveside service and burial was held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 21 at the Lloyd Cemetery in Highland. Arrangments are under the guidance of the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., Highland.
On Sunday March 15 at noon a celebration of Evelyn’s life will take place at the Gardiner Firehouse in Gardiner NY. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate.