Margaret M. "Peg" (nee Hawco) Byrne

Margaret (Peg) Byrne, beloved mother, wife, aunt, nanny, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, surrounded by her family on the 'hill' in Holyrood, at the age of 90. She is predeceased by her parents, William and Mary Hawco, and in-laws, Felix and Jane Byrne. Peg will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her devoted husband, John, and their children: Jeannette (Natelle Tulk), Judy (Craig Drover), JoAnne (Chris Walsh), and Johnny (Robyn Auld). Peg's nine grandchildren – Maggie (Derek Sheridan), Robyn, Ryan, Jenna, John, Jayson, Elliott, Allison, and Jacob – held a special place in her heart, and she will always be their beloved 'Nanny'.

Peg will be remembered with love by her siblings: Ray (Marie), Marion (Mark Woodford), Gert (Tom Finnegan), George (Liz, deceased), John (Linda), Bill (Donna), Phonse (Joan), Lillian (Kevin Berresford), and Don (Carol-Ann, deceased). Peg's extended family, including many nieces and nephews, as well as close friends from Harbour Main, Churchill Falls, Placentia, Holyrood, and many places in between, also mourn her loss.

Born on September 19, 1934, in Harbour Main, Peg was a woman of remarkable strength and independence. In an era when these qualities were not always celebrated in women, Peg was a trailblazer. She was a 'power woman,' charting her own course through life with a mindset that focused on solutions over problems.

After graduating from Littledale Academy, Peg worked for the Base Commander at the American Forces Base in Argentia and at Fort Peperrell. She then worked at the Golden Eagle Oil Refinery in Holyrood, where she hired her eventual father-in-law. It was there that she rekindled a connection with the love of her life, John. Together, they shared 58 wonderful years, raising their family, travelling, playing cards, and enjoying time with friends. Peg always made room for anyone at her table, no matter the short notice. Following the announcement of the cod moratorium, Peg took great pride in her work educating fishermen who had lost their livelihood, offering them a sense of purpose and a path forward.

Peg was known for her unwavering love and support for her family and community. As the eldest of her 10 siblings, she shared many fond stories of her growing-up years in Newfoundland. When she wasn't volunteering at the Church or the Star of the Sea, Peg could always be counted on to take the lead or lend a hand to anyone in need. She loved to chat, providing a listening ear, a mug-up, and a piece of her famous apple cake to anyone who stopped by.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Peg's daughter, Judy, for her personal sacrifice, heartfelt care, love, and support over the past year, which allowed Peg and John to stay together at home surrounded by love in her final days. We will also be forever grateful to Evelyn Hynes for the comfort, laughter, and care she provided during the last six months of Peg's life. Special thanks to Nurse Tina and Nurse Practitioner Roseanne for their support and guidance during these final weeks, as well as to Father Barker for his visits and prayers during Peg's journey home.

Resting at Dunphy's Funeral Home, Holyrood. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22nd from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral Liturgy  will be celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Harbour Main on Sunday, February 23rd at 2:00 pm with cremation to follow.

For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be livestreamed with the link available below.

Please join us for a reception at the Star of the Sea in Holyrood after the funeral liturgy.

Flowers gratefully accepted or if friends so desire, donations in Peg’s memory may be made to Holy Cross or Sts. Peter and Paul Parishes.