Eileen Evelyn Byrne

Eileen Evelyn Byrne, 79, of Pine Island, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the Mayo Clinic Health Systems, St. Mary’s Hospital.

She was born January 9, 1946 in Moline, Illinois to George and Ivy Johnston. She was married 58 years to James Byrne and raised 4 children. Eileen had a 24-year career teaching special education in the Elgin Millville system.

Her faith was the center of her life and was the guiding force behind everything she did. She believed deeply in God’s grace and felt His great love every day of her life. Her faith made her resilient and calm in the face of adversity and illness and she found comfort in knowing God was in control. She was a member of Cornerstone Baptist church in Pine Island.

She enjoyed quilting, gardening, and refinishing furniture. She loved her life on the farm but most of all, she loved time spent with her family. She believed one of the greatest blessings in her life was being a part of forming who her children and grandchildren became and her ability to count them all as friends.

She will be missed by many, including her husband James; two daughters, Elizabeth Shedlov and Melinda Anton; two sons, Shea Byrne and Brendan Byrne; 19 grandchildren; and her brother Donald Johnston; nieces and nephews; closest friends Gary/Nancy Hayden and Dennis/Karen Rickert; and her church family.

A celebration of Life for Eileen at Cornerstone Baptist is being planned for after the holidays. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to Camp Victory at https://campvictory.com/donate/#memorial