It’s with the heaviest hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia (aka Pat to some and Tishie to others) Marie Byrde (O’Reilly) age 74 at Placentia Health Centre on June 9, just as daylight broke.
Predeceased by her parents Emma & Michael O’Reilly, sisters Mary Rushin, Isabelle Flamand, Rose Mary Cotton, Dot Schneider, brother Max, and parents-in-law Monica & Michael Byrde.
Tishie will be forever adored and missed by her husband Tony of 51 years and her children Karen (Desi) and Kevin. Tishie will also be missed by her countless friends, in-laws, brothers, nieces, and nephews. And although Tishie loved her children, her reason for everything were her two grandchildren, Allan and Luke. She followed those two boys everywhere and was part of the fixtures at any arena or field and cheering louder than anyone. She beamed with excitement in their victories and felt each of their losses. And you couldn’t stump her on the hockey rules because she watched Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday night and even watched the playoffs until a couple of nights ago – you couldn’t find a bigger sports fan.
For most of Tishie’s life she lived in Churchill Falls, where her and her husband built their lives. To the crowd there she was known as ‘Pat’ and she was well known to all who lived there because she was involved in the Lions Club doing bingo every Thursday night, member of the Arts and Crafts group where they all got together to make ceramics, and I’m sure she had more laughs than anyone could imagine. She loved to have a laugh and support anything that went on in the town – always up for a spurt of fun or any badness she could find. She loved to laugh and have fun.
Once retired in 2009, Tishie and Tony moved back to Freshwater where they grew up to be close to family, especially their grandchildren. Tishie once again got involved in her community and joined the Placentia Lions Club and the Ladies Placentia Hospital Auxiliary.
We cannot thank Rose Marie Meade, Tishie’s sister-in-law, enough for being by her side through it all and taking care of her each and every day of the past eight weeks (and then some). The love and compassion you gave her was second to none and will never be forgotten. To the nurses in Public Health and at Placentia Health Centre, especially Brenda King and Wendy Walsh, thank you for going above and beyond. And to all that visited, reached out, and offered support during this difficult time, thank you so much.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Maher’s Funeral Home, Placentia, NL. Visitation to take place on Sunday, June 11th from 12pm to 9pm and a Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, June 12th at 10:30am at Holy Rosary Church in Freshwater, followed by burial in Dermot McGettigan Memorial Cemetery, Southeast Placentia.
During her final weeks, Tishie’s biggest concern was the strain on her family during a very quick, but hard-fought battle with cancer. She has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations to her family would be graciously accepted to support them during this difficult time.
"Your life was a blessing, your memories a treasure. You are loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure."