Patty Gertrude O'Byrne, 83, of Southport, N.C., died May 30. She was born in Philadelphia on November 26, 1932, and lived in Newtown before retiring to Southport.www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

She will be missed dearly by her loving family and many wonderful friends who cherished her generous and lively spirit.

Her longtime companion Howard Heuschkel, who died last November, daughter Suzanne, sister Barbara Penny and two brothers-in-law predeceased her.

Her three children, Beth O'Byrne of Andover, Mass., John O'Byrne of Lakewood, Colo., and Trish Wright of Oak Island, N.C., and three grandchildren survive her. She also leaves behind three sisters who meant the world to her, Sue Burg of Florida, Judy McGourthy of Wisconsin and Kathy Conte of North Carolina, and Mr Heuschkel's loving family.

Ms O'Byrne was active in many sports, including softball and swimming, and had a special love for tennis both on and off the court. She was a member of the Newtown Woman's Club and mahjong, tennis and Vintage Ladies groups at St James Plantation. She loved to spend time with her family and friends and was a kind, generous and remarkable person.

A funeral mass will take place Friday, June 24, at noon, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport, N.C.; a memorial service will be held on July 23 at 11:30 am at the Newtown Meeting House.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a cause that was near and dear to Ms O'Byrne's heart: the M. Wright Trust. Checks can be made payable to Charles Schwab (F/B/O M. Wright Trust), 11 Basswood Lane, Andover MA 01810.

Online condolences may be made at