Geraldine L. Byrne

Born August 1, 1921, in St. Louis, Michigan, daughter of the late David and Margaret (Shreve) Simison, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2011, at the age of 89.  Gerry was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the D.A.R.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and playing the slots.  Gerry was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, who devoted her life to her children and their families.  Surviving are her six children, David (Mary) Byrne, William (Virginia) Byrne, Sharon (Steve) Penski, Karon (William) Wood, Joseph Byrne, and Geraldine Klingbeil; 25 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family members.  Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, William G. Byrne, in 1991; her son, Clarence Byrne; her brother, Dewayne Simison and her sister, Maxine Arntz.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. John A. Byers at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing.  Interment will follow at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Holt.  The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Monday, April 18, 2011, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed.  Memorial contributions in memory of Geraldine Byrne may be made to Eaton Community Hospice.