Valerie Anne Byrne
Valerie Anne Byrne, age 70, passed away on September 18, 2024. Preceded in death by her mom Lynn Mullaney and her stepfather Jack Mullaney. She is survived by her brother Christopher Byrne, niece Megan Byrne, and partner Tony Anderson. Valerie was a loving cousin and friend to many.
Valerie attained both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in science from the college of Saint Francis. She worked at the Hines VA Hospital for 45 years serving in several positions throughout her career. She retired from the VA in 2021. Valerie was an active member of the Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologists. She enjoyed the adventure of life while traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends. As an above the knee amputee, she competed in downhill skiing for the disabled, enjoyed golf, bowling, hiking, exploring nature and more, while never letting her disability slow her down. Valerie will always be remembered fondly by the many people that she touched throughout her life.
Visitation 4 to 8pm on Wednesday September 25 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W 55th St, Countryside, IL. Thursday September 26 meet at funeral home at 9:15am to pay final respects then graveside service at Queen of Heaven Cemetery follows immediately. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to your favorite charity in Valerie’s honor. Funeral info: 708-352-6500
Though we need to weep your loss,
You dwell in that safe place in our hearts,
Where no storm or night or pain can reach you.
Your love was like the dawn
Brightening over our lives
Awakening beneath the dark
A further adventure of colour.
The sound of your voice
Found for us
A new music
That brightened everything.
Whatever you enfolded in your gaze
Quickened in the joy of its being;
You placed smiles like flowers
On the altar of the heart.
Your mind always sparkled
With wonder at things.
Though your days here were brief,
Your spirit was live, awake, complete.
We look towards each other no longer
From the old distance of our names;
Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,
As close to us as we are to ourselves.
Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
We know our soul’s gaze is upon your face,
Smiling back at us from within everything
To which we bring our best refinement.
Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows
And music echoes eternal tones.
When orchids brighten the earth,
Darkest winter has turned to spring;
May this dark grief flower with hope
In every heart that loves you.
May you continue to inspire us:
To enter each day with a generous heart.
To serve the call of courage and love
Until we see your beautiful face again
In that land where there is no more separation,
Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,
And where we will never lose you again.
– John O’Donohue
Val, may you rest in peace. Love and prayers ❤️😘🙏🏼 Kathy Hurst St. Francis Xavier Class of 1968
Valerie was a very special person and never let a challenge stand in her way. We spent many years together with the ISSRT and traveling to Washington, DC to lobby for medical imaging and radiation therapy standards. She will be missed.
Farewell dear friend, see you on the other side.
Remembering our dear classmate Val. She was one of LTHS Class of 1972 special friends.
She was so kind the last time I saw her at our reunions. Blessings to her family during this sad time
Sending love to all the family. Valerie was very special to our meditation group. She will be missed.